The Nedbank Sandton running club has made an unexpected comeback this year, growing from a near-empty group to a steady weekly gathering.

Organiser Troye Brady says the turnaround happened gradually.

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“At the start of the year, no one was pitching up. It was almost dead, but we kept showing up and people slowly returned,” he said.

The club meets outside Nice on Poplar for Wednesday time trials at 17:30, with hill or speed sessions on Thursdays and occasional relaxed Sunday runs.

New runners often join after spotting posters with a QR code that links to the open WhatsApp group.

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“Anyone can train with us. You don’t have to be a club member,” Brady said.

Official Nedbank membership offers benefits like permanent race licences and access to gazebos and support at big events. For Brady, the revival is about community.

“People want a place where they feel welcome. That’s what keeps them coming back,” he said.

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