About us · RUNCLUB Saigon

Our story

Since 2013

Founded in 2013, RUNCLUB is one of Saigon's longest-standing and most vibrant running communities. What started as a group of happy people has grown into a diverse, mix of Vietnamese and foreigner runners, from absolute beginners taking their first steps to seasoned marathoners chasing personal bests.

It isn't uncommon for runners from more than 20 different nationalities to join our Sunday long run. Vietnamese and English are the languages most commonly used by the team, but don't be suprised to here German, Swedish or another language being spoken. Friendships are made one kilometer at a time.

RUNCLUB is held together by a group of experienced hosts and a very strong core team who show up every session, welcome newcomers, pace the groups and make sure no runner is left behind.

A large RUNCLUB group after a Sunday run

RUNCLUB runners in their green team shirts

Our team

Experience hosts & core team

Every session has experienced runners who look after the group: they welcome first-timers, explain the route, lead pace teams on Sundays and keep an eye on the back of the pack. Say hi when you arrive. They're the reason RUNCLUB feels like home after one run.

It isn't uncommon for runners from more than 20 nationalities to join us on a Sunday, and our core team makes sure every one of them finds their group, their pace and a few new friends.

See the weekly schedule

Leadership

Marcel Lennartz

RUNCLUB Leader · IRONMAN Certified Coach · ESCI Certified Coach

Marcel is a key person at RUNCLUB. He is an IRONMAN Certified Coach and an Endurance Sports Coaching Institute (ESCI) Certified Coach. He prefers structured sessions built on time and intensity, with attention to form, durability and injury prevention.

Marcel is also the founder of Pacer Academy, a platform for recruiting and training non-elite pacers for running events. Many runners know the feeling of hanging on to a pacer's balloon to reach their goal time; Pacer Academy makes sure those pacers are well prepared to deliver.

Visit Pacer Academy

Healthier community

Stefan Laporte & SafeMotions

Stefan, a French osteopath, has been part of RUNCLUB since day one. Through his YouTube channel SafeMotions he has made many videos on preventing and recovering from injuries to help the community. We love what he is doing to build a healthier community.

SafeMotions on YouTube

In the press

“HCMC expat’s running club a nod to healthier lifestyles”

Viet Nam News featured RUNCLUB in its Expat Corner, telling the story of how the club brings people together through running.

Read the article on Viet Nam News

Running is better with friends

Know someone who wants to start running, get fitter or meet new people in Saigon? Share RUNCLUB with your friends and colleagues, and invite them to our Facebook group.