The 5km Edition is a true beginner-friendly, 8-week trail run/walk program designed to get you moving — at your own pace.
The focus is on progress, not perfection.
The program has be designed to help you build healthy habits, find your rhythm, and work toward a goal that feels achievable.
We are known for creating a supportive, pressure-free space where consistency matters far more than speed.Get in early and secure your spot in our next program, starting Monday the 12th of October.DAWNIES : 6:30am – 7:30am
DAYLIGHTS : 7:45am – 8:45am
Program details
The 5km Edition is an 8-week run/walk program designed to ease you into forming healthy habits while exploring our trails – it's the perfect space for absolute beginners. Stick with us, and by the end, you’ll be able to confidently tick off a 5km forest adventure.
What to Expect from the 5km edition
Two guided mornings a week in the forest
Small groups for a more personal experience
A relaxed, unintimidating intro to our local forest trails
Gradually build fitness and strength at your own pace
Learn basic trail techniques
A supportive crew – zero pressure, loads of encouragement
Fantastic giveaways from our partnering brands
Need to know
DATES : 12th October - 2nd December
DAWNIES TIME : 6:30am – 7:30am
DAYLIGHTS TIME : 7:45am – 8:45am
DAYS : Mondays & Wednesdays
LOCATION : Newlands Forest
PRICE : R975
Come on, take the plunge — you won't regret it!
No pressure, just progress!
If you have any questions, feel free to drop us an email.
NEED A LITTLE EXTRA SUPPORT?
Try our Wellness Package
The Wellness Package amplifies your 5km Edition experience by addressing the foundation of sustainable fitness: nutrition, recovery, stress management, and lifestyle habits. While the 5km Edition gets you moving, this package helps you feel energised, recover faster, and build lasting health.
who is this for?
Maximizing training results and performance
Feeling more energised and recovering faster
Building sustainable habits beyond the 8 weeks
Seeing measurable changes in body composition with InBody 270 technology
Having access to personalised guidance and accountability
Need to know
PRICE : R2500 (usual price R3000)
DATES : The Wellness Package will run in conjunction with your 5km Edition program
Ready to elevate your journey?
Let's make it happen.
Who are the Forest Friends
Forest Friends began with a handful of like-minded “newbies” who were eager to hit the trails – but felt a little intimidated by our seasoned trail-running friends. Our original goal was simple: build confidence, have fun, and maybe one day catch up to those faster groups.But something unexpected happened. More and more friends started to join us, drawn to the laid-back vibe, the easy pace, and the sense of community. What started out as a handful of friends quickly grew into a welcoming trail running community – built on inclusivity, encouragement, and lots of laughs along the way.The Forest Friends is a community where everyone’s welcome. Our adventures are all about good company, en-route chats, team photos, and enjoying the journey just as much as the destination. Explore More, Worry Less.Over time, we realised that many of our members – especially those new to trail – were craving not just a friendly space, but structure and consistency. And so, now five years later, The 5km Edition was born: a real beginner-friendly, walk/run program designed to help you go from couch to trail with confidence.
Testimonials
I have been wanting to start trail running for years. I love the wild feeling of running over mountains and through forests. When I saw Nicole’s FF5km edition, I jumped in. I committed and enjoyed the 8 weeks full of treats tips, new friends and goals. Nicole didn’t just push me to do more, she got to know me and pulled me back when I was overdoing it too. Nicole is a beautiful support with a genuine passion to encourage people to enjoy the forests and mountains and new levels we can safely meet in these spaces. Thank you Nicole for supporting me in starting a new phase of my life. SKYEThank you Nicole, and everyone of you I got to run with.
2 years ago I was still using crutches to walk and never thought I would trail run again!
I shared a pic of our group with my rehab coach in Japan and he reminded me that when he asked me what my dream goal was, I said it was to run on the mountain again. I can’t believe my dream came true! Thank you so much for showing me how to listen to my body and ushering me back to the mountain. YUMNAI love exercising in the forest but have always been too nervous to be there on my own on weekday mornings, and too nervous to join a group as I felt I was not fit enough. This has made regular trail runs at a pace I am comfortable with much more accessible! NATALIEWhat a great experience it has been getting to learn more and get going with the long overdue trail running experience. Nicole makes it fun and accessible. Also a great way to connect and meet new people. Learning a lot and looking forward exploring more routes, more of nature and getting fitter. I encourage anyone on the fence not to over think it but just join - you will surprise yourself. KENOSIJoining the FF 5km edition has been one of the best decisions I’ve made this year. I’m loving every session and I can genuinely feel how much I’ve progressed — stronger, fitter and more confident. Nicole’s guidance and encouragement have made all the difference. MERYLL
