Training season is back.

Whether you have signed up for your first 5km, are chasing a faster 10km, building towards a Half Marathon or staring at 42.195km on your calendar, the next few months are when those training kilometres start to count.

The good news?

You don’t have to do them alone.

At Running Department, we believe there isn’t just one way to train. Some runners want a casual midweek 5km. Some are ready to spend their Saturday mornings building mileage. And sometimes, having the right space and the right people around you is what makes getting started a little easier.

So this training season, there are three different ways to run with RD.

Best for: 5km and 10km runners, regular training and anyone looking for a midweek run with good company.

Our Wednesday runs are where many runners first discover Running Department.

Starting from UOB Plaza and selected locations, our midweek sessions typically cover 5km or 10km, with different programmes throughout the month including Base, Tempo, Strength, Hills and more.

Different pace groups are led by our Run Crews, so you can find one that matches where you are in your running journey.

New to running? Start with 5km.

There is no need to jump straight into 10km simply because everyone else seems to be doing it. Build your fitness progressively, get comfortable running with a group and work your way up when you’re ready.

Wednesday is about getting those kilometres in and having some fun while doing it.

When: Wednesday evenings
Distance: 5km / 10km
Good for: Beginners, 5km and 10km training, midweek mileage and runners looking for a regular community run

Every session includes:

✅ Check-in with Healthy365 app
✅ Bag drop
✅ Short briefing
✅ Group photo
✅ Dynamic warm-up
✅ Flag-off by pace groups
✅ Cool-down & post-run hydration (thanks to 100PLUS Singapore!)

One more thing! Be sure to check out our updated Wednesday check-in process.

Best for: Half Marathon and Full Marathon runners, long runs and runners with a race goal in mind.

If Wednesday keeps you moving, Saturday helps you go further.

Our Saturday Pace Runs are designed for runners building towards longer distances, particularly those preparing for a Half Marathon or Full Marathon.

These sessions progressively increase in distance throughout the training season and are supported by pace groups to help runners train towards different race goals.

Most importantly, you don’t necessarily have to complete the maximum distance.

Many of our Saturday routes are structured around approximately 6km loops, making it easier to choose a distance that works for your current training plan.

Not ready for 24km? Do 12km or 18km.

Just starting to increase your mileage? Complete a loop and see how you feel.

Long-distance training should be progressive. Doing more isn’t always doing better.

When: Saturday mornings
Distance: Varies according to the training programme
Good for: Half Marathon and Full Marathon preparation, endurance building and structured long runs

Remember to check our latest schedule before coming down as Saturday locations, distances and start times may vary.

*Our run venue, time and distance varies – please remember to check our Facebook, Instagram or Telegram for the latest updates. You can also view our monthly schedule here.

Best for: Women looking for a supportive women-only environment to train, build confidence and meet other runners.

This training season also sees the introduction of something new.

RD POP-UP is our women-only training series, for women by women.

Led by our Great Eastern Women’s Run Official Pacers, POP-UP creates a dedicated space where women can train together, build confidence, make new friends and support one another through their running journeys.

The programme supports women preparing for the 10km and Half Marathon, with pacers for:

10km

• 60 minutes
• 70 minutes
• 80 minutes

Half Marathon

• 2 hours 15 minutes
• 2 hours 30 minutes
• 2 hours 45 minutes

But you don’t have to be racing to join us.

Our training routes are structured around approximately 6km loops, making them friendly for runners who may not be ready to complete the entire scheduled distance.

Come for one loop. Stay for another if you’re feeling good.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable getting started.

Who: Women only
Good for: 10km and Half Marathon preparation, women starting their running journey, and anyone looking for a supportive women-only training environment

Read more about the RD POP-UP here.

We often hear runners talking about a specific number or pace, so what exactly do they translate to?

Think of it this way: your pace is how many minutes it takes you to run 1 km. The steadier you keep to that pace, the more accurately you can predict your race finish time. Here’s the breakdown on the pace groups that we have for our Saturday training runs.

So whether you’re gunning for a sub-4 marathon, or simply aiming to enjoy your first 10K without stopping, our pace groups help keep you on track literally.

There really isn’t a right answer.

If you’re new to RD or simply want to build a regular running habit, start with Wednesday.

If you have a Half Marathon or Full Marathon on your calendar and need to build endurance, make Saturday part of your training plan.

If you’re a woman looking for a dedicated space to train alongside other women, come join us at RD POP-UP.

And yes, you can absolutely join more than one.

The different programmes are there so you can build a training routine that works for your goals, your schedule and where you are right now.

Your safety matters to us! Help us keep our run smooth and enjoyable for all by taking note of the following:

• Arrive early – Be at the meeting point 10 to 15 minutes before start time.
• Weather updates & changes – In case of bad weather or programme adjustments, we’ll inform runners 60 minutes before start time on our social media channels.
• Listen to the briefing – It’s important that you listen to our briefing and to keep the noise volume low so that other runners can hear the briefing.
• Stay aware – We share paths with pedestrians, cyclists, and other running communities.
• Keep to two abreast to ensure smooth flow for everyone.
• Look out for traffic at crossings – safety first!
• Hydrate! – While we provide hydration, it is important for runners to also bring along their own hydration and to drink up post-run.
• Stop if you feel unwell – There’s always another run to crush!
• Help us keep our venue clean!

Running Department has always been a community for runners, by runners.

You don’t need to be fast. You don’t need to know anyone. And you certainly don’t need to wait until you think you’re “fit enough” before showing up.

Pick a run. Find your pace and say HELLO! to the person next to you.

We’ll take care of the rest of the run together.

Don’t forget to capture your moments with us! Tag @runningdepartment and use our hashtags #RunningDepartment and #RunWithRD.

See you at the next run.