RUNTHUSIASTS started in 2018 as a small group of runners with a big idea: fitness should be free and open to everyone. Led by Coach Jayson Castillo, the club has since grown into one of the UAE's most vibrant running communities, expanding into obstacle course racing, hybrid fitness and athletics along the way. We caught up with the team to talk community, inclusivity and what makes RUNTHUSIASTS tick.
Tell us a bit about your club – when did it start and what inspired its creation?
RUNTHUSIASTS was established in February 2018 when a group of enthusiastic runners came together for a run and the name was coined by the community itself. Led by Coach Jayson Castillo, the group started with around 20–30 members from different running communities.
The inspiration was simple: to provide free access to running and fitness guidance for anyone who wanted to improve their health and performance, especially those who could not afford coaching services. It was Coach Jayson's way of giving back to the community while doing something he genuinely loves. What started as a small running group has now grown into a thriving fitness community that continues to welcome people from all walks of life.
What makes your run club unique?
RUNTHUSIASTS is built on the belief that fitness should be accessible to everyone. We provide free coaching, structured training programs, and a supportive environment where members can pursue their goals regardless of their experience level.
What truly sets us apart is that we are more than just a running club. Over the years, we've expanded into obstacle course racing, hybrid fitness events, athletics, cross-training, and basic calisthenics, creating opportunities for members to explore different disciplines while staying active together.
How would you describe your community in three words?
Inclusivity, Supportive and Empowering.
What's a typical run session like with your club?
A typical session starts with a briefing, dynamic warm-up, and an explanation of the workout. Depending on the training cycle, members may work on endurance, speed, intervals, hills, or race preparation.
We cater to different fitness levels, so everyone can train at their own pace while still being part of the same session. Most importantly, no one gets left behind. The session usually ends with a cool-down, group photo, and plenty of conversations and laughter afterward.
How many members do you currently have, and what distances or types of running do you focus on?
Over the years, more than hundreds of runners and fitness enthusiasts have been part of RUNTHUSIASTS. Our members range from complete beginners preparing for their first 5K to experienced athletes competing in marathons, obstacle course races, hybrid fitness events, and masters athletics competitions.
We support all distances and believe every goal deserves the same level of respect and encouragement.
What does the running community in the UAE mean to you?
The running community in the UAE is one of the most diverse and inspiring communities you can be part of. It brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and professions through a common passion for movement and self-improvement.
It's a reminder that running has the power to unite people regardless of where they come from.
How has your club helped bring runners together – especially new or first-time runners?
Many of our members joined because they were looking for guidance, motivation, or simply a place where they could feel comfortable starting their fitness journey.
By providing free coaching and creating a welcoming environment, we've helped countless first-time runners gain confidence, complete races, and become active members of the fitness community. Many who started as beginners are now mentoring and encouraging others.
Do you have any special traditions, post-run rituals or memorable community events?
Absolutely. RUNTHUSIASTS hosts several annual events and community traditions that members look forward to every year.
These include our Anniversary Celebrations featuring running, athletics, and OCR events; the annual Summertide Challenge that keeps athletes active during the summer months; various sports tournaments such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and bowling; and team-building activities including escape rooms, paintball, karting, and community BBQ gatherings.
And of course, no RUNTHUSIASTS gathering feels complete without our legendary exclusive Kunafa that has become a community favorite.
What role do you think running plays in building a stronger, healthier local community?
Running creates healthier individuals, but more importantly, it creates connections. It teaches discipline, resilience, consistency, and accountability while bringing people together through shared experiences.
Strong running communities create support systems that extend far beyond fitness.
How do you encourage inclusivity within your club – from beginners to seasoned athletes?
Our philosophy is simple: everyone is welcome.
Whether you're training for your first 5K or competing at an international championship, you'll find the same encouragement and support within RUNTHUSIASTS. We focus on progress rather than comparison and celebrate every milestone, big or small.
What’s been one of your proudest moments as a club?
Our proudest moments are seeing members achieve things they once thought were impossible... completing their first race, overcoming personal challenges, improving their health, earning podium finishes, or simply finding a supportive community they can call home.
Watching people grow both as athletes and individuals is what makes everything worthwhile.
Do you have a favourite local race or route in the UAE?
There are many fantastic races and routes across the UAE, but we particularly enjoy community-focused events that bring runners of all abilities together. Routes along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Island, and various race venues throughout the UAE continue to inspire and motivate our members.
How do you think events like The Run Show can help strengthen the running community in the UAE?
Events like The Run Show create a platform where runners, clubs, coaches, brands, and organizers can connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.
They help showcase the incredible diversity of the UAE running scene while inspiring more people to start their fitness journey and become part of the community.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining a run club for the first time?
Don't overthink it...just show up.
You don't need to be fast, experienced, or race-ready. Every runner starts somewhere. Joining a run club is one of the best ways to stay motivated, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the journey together.
How do you see running culture evolving in the UAE over the next few years?
The future is incredibly exciting. More people are embracing active lifestyles, and we're seeing greater participation across all ages and abilities.
We believe running communities will continue to play a major role in promoting health, wellness, and social connection, while more runners explore complementary disciplines such as trail running, OCR, hybrid fitness, athletics, and strength training.
What’s next for your club – any big goals, events or collaborations on the horizon?
As RUNTHUSIASTS continues to grow, our goal remains the same: to provide free access to fitness, coaching, and community support.
We aim to further develop our running, athletics, OCR, hybrid fitness, and calisthenics programs while creating more events that bring people together. Most importantly, we want to continue fostering camaraderie, positivity, respect, and meaningful connections.
Because at the end of the day, RUNTHUSIASTS is not built by one person...it's built by its people.
Without the community, there is no RUNTHUSIASTS.