Hobbies in Basel: Running
- Meaghan Renner Ofori
- May 21
- 6 min read
Now that the weather is getting better, it's the perfect time to lace up your sneakers and get moving! Getting started can be difficult, especially if you are new to running, but there are numerous resources (i.e. Couch to 5k) to get you started. This article will help you find some great spots in Basel to practice and meet new people. Soon running will be your new favourite hobby!
Locations
You really are spoiled for choice in terms of places to run in Basel. There so many rivers, forests and green spaces where you can find some log stretches of path and run for several kilometres without traffic. Some popular mapped out routes can be found on sites like Basel.com or All Trails but below are some general areas to get you started.
The Rhein
Basel has numerous lovely locations to go for a run, but along the Rhein is perhaps the best. Sheltered from traffic, and with some spectacular views, this is a very popular spot. Plus there are some great buvettes along the way to enjoy a post-run drink (or hamburger) - after all you've earned it!
The Wiese
Located in the north off the city, next to the German border, the Wiese is a small river that runs from Germany into the Rhein. From Kleinhüinigen tram stop there are paths along both sides of the Wiese all the way to Lörrrach. The scenery is gorgeous with the potential to see lots of local wildlife.
The Birs
Starting in the Jura, the Birs runs over 75km and ends in the Rhein. Like the Wiese, it has well-maintained paths along both sides and can be a lovely location for a run in the southern part of Basel.
Lange Erlen and Allschwil Forests
Located at opposite ends of the city (Lange Erlen in the Northeast and Allschwil in the Southwest), Lange Erlen and Allschwil are excellent locations to go for a run. These are great options in the summer heat as they are shaded and a bit cooler. There is also the added bonus that both locations have a Vitaparcours (a series of stations for body weight exercises) so you can get a bit of weight training in with your run. For more information in the Vitaparcours please read our helpful guide: Vitaparcours - Fitness in the Forest.
Running Clubs in Basel
Running can be a great solitary activity and there is great joy in just zoning out with your thoughts and some music, but if you are looking for some company (and someone to keep you accountable and motivated) there many options for all different levels of participants.
For Beginners
St. Alban Tor
Founded in 2005, Lauftreff Basel specializes in absolute beginner runners including people who are less athletic, recovering from injury, older, or smokers. They start with one minute of jogging followed by a one-minute walking break and slowly build up week by week, increasing the length of the running phase. They run every Monday and Wednesday from St. Alban Tor. and sessions are 10 weeks long. They also offer guided running sessions for 'Hobby Joggers' which requires a yearly membership. They are also several social events throughout the year.
For English-Speakers
Landskronstrasse 26 4056, Basel
Basel Dragons Running club is Basel's largest English-speaking running club. They meet every Monday and Thursday evening in St. Johann and have five different running groups, starting from beginners to seasoned marathon runners. They are not just a running club though, and there are several social events like 'Thursday Dinners', summer BBQ's and many more. You can try one run for free and then membership is charged monthly, quarterly or yearly. Locker room and shower facilities are also available.
For Casual Runners
Schützenmatte, Rheinbad Breite
Renn Tiere is an open running club, meaning that membership and registration are not required, just show up and run! They have three groups to choose from, depending if you are running for fitness or competition and training plans to compliment each group. They meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays and often have additional runs on the weekend. They don't have changing rooms or showers, but there are lockers available.
St. Johann
Social Run Basel is a more casual club that meets every Tuesday for a casual, beginner paced 5 km run. Emphasis is on the more social aspects of a run club and they meet for coffee and drinks as well. Membership is free and you can just show up.
Freie Strasse 53, 4001 Basel
Ochsner Sport hosts 'Runday Monday' every Monday Evening at 17 locations across Switzerland including Basel. It is free and registration is not required, you just have to be 16 years of age or older. Runs are organized by WhatsApp and training plans are available online.
Kunstmuseum Neubau
Five Eight is a clothing brand that also has a running club. They believe that running can be transformative, providing a journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and success. They run on the first Tuesday of each month for 6km and are open to all levels. Participation is free and you can join through the WhatsApp group on their website.
For Serious Runners
St. Jacob, Schützenmatte Park
The Basel Running Club was formed in 2016 and meets 2-4 times a week in both St Jacob and Schützenmatte park. They are a club for more seasoned runners and require members to be able to run at least 10 km in 1hr. Once you can hit this mark, they have three different training groups, depending on your speed. They have a training plan which emphasizes running technique, stabilization, strengthening and endurance You can try for free, but must register and after that membership is charged yearly. Locker room and shower facilities are also available.
Rankhof, St. James and other locations
Laufsportverein is the largest running club in Northwestern Switzerland, founded in 1960. They offer training for several different levels, including beginners (who can run for 45 mins at a time, regardless of pace). They also organize training camps and running holidays as well as the Basel Stadtlauf and the Birslauf. Runs happen every Tuesday and Thursday evening, with longer runs on the weekend. You are welcome to attend multiple sessions for free before you commit and then membership is charged yearly. Locker room and shower facilities are available.
For Trail Runners
Arlesheim
For the more hard-core amongst you, there is a also a trail-running club in Basel. They have weekly track and trail running sessions and also organize trips to go running in the mountains. The minimum requirement to participate is a 6-min/km pace over 90 minutes. They meet on Tuesday evenings at 18:30, usually in Arlesheim Village. Detailed training information is communicated a few days in advance via WhatsApp chat. For more information about trail running in the Basel area please see our article: Trail Running: A Beginners Guide.
Organized Runs in Basel
There are several 'fun runs' (5-10 km), half marathons and marathons that you can join in Basel Stadt and Basel Land (listing here and here), but these are some of the most popular and well-known.
Dreilanderlauf (May, registration ends in March)
Want to run through three countries in one day? Basel is one of the few places in the world where you can do that. There are 10 km, half and full marathon options in for this run and it goes through Basel, Weil am Rhein and St. Louis. The routes are pretty flat and the scenery stunning, but it is very popular so be sure to register early.
Wake-Up and Run Basel (September)
For the early birds amongst you, there is the option to go for a run at 5:30 in the morning (on purpose!) with Wake-Up and Run Basel. The 5km run takes place in 15 cities across Switzerland and includes a breakfast afterwards with high-quality local Swiss products.
Basler Stadtlauf (November)
The traditional Basler Stadtlauf takes place in the third weekend in November and participants of all ages run through the Christmas-light lit streets of Basel. The run for adults is 5km but there are also children and family runs for 1km.
I hope this article inspires you to get moving and get motivated! If we have missed anything please let us know here.
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