Robyn Simpson speaks with the founders of Running Late Club, which dashed onto the scene when Cape Town needed it the most.
Hundreds of people, undeterred by inclement weather’s whims, gather each week for Running Late Club’s 5 km rendezvous. Open to all, this communal run continues to call on curious citizens and tourists alike. Yet, you might question: Isn’t running a freedom accessible to anyone at any given moment? What keeps people coming back for more?

The First Step
Wayne le Roux came up with the concept of an all-inclusive running club in 2018. He was struggling with his mental health, before speaking openly about battles of the mind was acceptable… or ‘trendy’. He was in search of an outlet – a community. At the time, he was part of a boxing gym but not everyone had the means to join. Running, he thought, is one of the most accessible and affordable sports in the world. All you need is a pair of shoes, which isn’t a prerequisite either. Zola Budd broke records barefoot, after all.
It is quite uncommon for an initial idea to come to fruition but Wayne proved himself to be among the minority who transforms dreams into tangible reality. His dream was to create a running club (with a twist). ‘You have your traditional running clubs that people only go to if they feel fit enough. We wanted to cater for the everyday athlete. No prerequisites. Everyone is welcome, from entry-level to people trying to get a personal best. We celebrate wherever you are in your running journey.’
He admits that no one really saw his vision in the beginning – until Grace Evans. Upon returning from her travels overseas, she came across a social media post by Wayne inviting people to go on a run. Running Late had begun and it was and is about so much more than jogging in the dark.

The name of the club has caused some confusion, leading Wayne and Grace to clarify its intention. The Running Late Club is not centred around wasting precious time, but rather about initiating action, whether it involves physical running or pursuing long-delayed ideas. It’s about embracing the notion of ‘better late than never’ and people coming together. Moreover, given the safety concerns of running alone at night in South Africa, the name holds practical significance. So that’s that.
It’s Wayne’s Game (Plan)
The mission was clear from the start, and it’s not a solo one. This is a quest to bring as many people as possible together through running. Wayne and Grace believe that running is a team sport and anyone who has taken part in a marathon will agree. There’s a tangible energy that exists between participants – it’s powerful and is often what propels strugglers over the line… and ignites a desire to do it all again. This force, which is equally infectious and addictive, has contributed to the exponential growth of the club, which sprouted in Somerset West before spawning all the way to the city.
The first major run saw around 40 people flock to Strand to take part, a testament to the potency of social media’s reach. The route ended at Holy Dough pizzeria where runners savoured the fruits of their labour through discounted meals, while the restaurant hummed with newfound activity. Foot traffic at its finest. Wayne’s fervour to support local enterprises and his deep-rooted affection for South Africa resonates profoundly. Embedded within his vision is the aspiration to rally crowds towards homegrown establishments, fortifying the essence of community and nurturing local economies. ‘I love local businesses and I love South Africa,’ says Wayne.

Locked Down
Before the global pandemic hit in SA in 2020, the resounding success of Running Late Club reverberated far and wide. But, along with the rest of humanity, Wayne and Grace found themselves confronted with unprecedented challenges. They had to get creative. One thing people did have was time and copious amounts of it. Some folks took to banana bread baking and pineapple beer brewing; others worked out – hard. Grace recalls running some of her personal bests during this period. She and Wayne continued training together when they could. It became the only time that they could see each other. As their fitness flourished, so did their relationship. ‘People start out as complete strangers and end up becoming best friends,’ Grace says. Or for this fit pair, a couple.
The duo took their training virtual, which unexpectedly kindled a heightened awareness of what they were doing. Online, Running Late’s branding, characterised by a captivating blend of black-and-white imagery and pops of quirk, has set a remarkable precedent, inspiring other running clubs to follow suit. Anything but traditional, Wayne and Grace have taken group running away from vacant school fields and signup sheets on wooden clipboards. Post pandemic, everyone continues to check in on Instagram (@runninglateclub) to get weekly updates.
Paying homage to local organisations also remains front and centre. Running Late Club has collaborated with a couple of establishments to keep the ‘foot traffic strategy’ intact and to reward runners with a little something, like coffee vouchers. This initiative has expanded by including events like Track Night, hosted at the Green Point Athletic Stadium once or twice a month. Runners gather at the track to enjoy something different. The usual 5 km might be substituted for a nostalgic relay race. The fees for these special events go toward supporting local businesses through initiatives like the club’s apparel range, which has provided work for local seamstresses.

When strict Covid regulations eased, Wayne moved to the city and began rebuilding the real-life version of Running Late Club. His first point of call was contacting a few friends, who were eager to join the hype after the success of Somerset West. Just over a dozen people joined. He then took to social media again to invite members of the public. On the second run, one first-timer joined. Thereafter, 40 people. ‘Cape Town is so fit. Things just grew organically,’ Grace adds. About a month into the Cape Town mission, 70 people rocked up to run on the promenade. Today, Running Late Club draws a crowd of up to 200 people. Wayne intends on working with the City of Cape Town to ensure that, as the club grows, everyone remains safe.

Beyond safety in numbers, Grace echoes renowned marathoner and world record-smasher Eliud Kipchoge’s sentiment when he said that ‘only the disciplined ones in life are free’. ‘There’s freedom in discipline,’ she believes. Becoming a part of this team comes with a side order of accountability. If 199 people can commit to this journey, you might find yourself less dependent on motivation to rock up in the rain, the blazing sun, or on days when you simply feel like slacking off.
Mind Medicine
The Running Late Club came to Cape Town when it mattered most. In the wake of the pandemic, when the world grappled with the lingering effects of isolation and the toll it took on mental well-being, these gatherings stood as a beacon of hope.
The journey has come full circle, returning to the very origins that sparked Wayne’s vision in 2018. Only now, what he envisioned is an ever-expanding reality, and he’s able to offer people the outlet and connection he sought at the start. ‘When it comes to running, it takes a while to feel the reward, but when you do, it’s something else. It takes you to another place, where you battle things in your mind,’ Wayne says. ‘It’s about owning your mind and taking control of your body. Then, you start confronting things that have dictated your life. It’s also creative, an expression. I can listen to music or run in silence. I can put my watch on or leave it at home. I have the freedom to decide, and the joy of running wherever I can.’
‘If you work hard, follow what’s required and set your priorities right, then you can really perform without taking shortcuts. If you’re taking shortcuts, you can’t be free.’ – Eliud Kipchoge

The remarkable ascent of Running Late Club has not compromised its unwavering commitment to its values and shortcuts are not optional. Wayne remains humble in his approach and adamant about upholding the core purpose of the club. Everyone is still invited, and everything is still personal. ‘It’s about the one person that shows up,’ Grace reiterates. ‘We make a mission of knowing everyone by name and encouraging people to get to know each other’. Before any running commences, there’s a ceremonial team talk and a group high-five. Thanks to JBL’s sponsorship, great tunes are always pumping, creating a lekker vibe and combating any initial awkwardness for newcomers. ‘We love connecting with people. That’s what it’s all about.’ Participants, from Cape Town and beyond, can’t get enough.

For those who still perceive Cape Town as ‘cliquey’, few avenues offer a more effective means of forging genuine friendships than this. Track Night’s relays, for instance, exemplify the essence of this pursuit. Teams are formed serendipitously, uniting individuals who were once strangers in a spirited quest for victory. Yet, it is not solely the triumph that leaves an indelible mark. It is the subsequent rewards that often serve as catalysts for post-event get-togethers. Grace lit up recalling a group of winners who met up for a coffee date and remain friends to this day. Whether it be the triumph at Track Night or an unanticipated encounter during a social run, joining this club is the perfect way to find your freedom and life’s forever friends.
Join The Club
Becoming a part of this cool crew requires nothing more than a first step. It’s a chance to test yourself, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner. Groups form naturally and sweepers are nominated to ensure that no one is left behind. The distance is 5 km – a manageable challenge – and social runs are always free. In winter, a start at The Deck in Mouille Point is a favourite. In summer, it’s chasing sunsets from Saunders Rock, although these routes are subject to change. Call time is usually just before 6 pm or 6:30 am. All meeting points and details, as well as special event information, are communicated on Instagram.

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Picture: Supplied