In an age of running apps, online coaching videos, and busy schedules, you might not have thought about joining a running club. After all, it probably feels easier to pull on your trainers and squeeze in a run before work or on the weekend, when it works best for you.
However, if you’ve found yourself struggling to stay motivated lately or wondered if you’re getting the most out of your runs, then maybe it’s time to consider it. A running club is not only a great way to improve your technique but it can propel you on to new PBs that you never thought were possible. Plus, if you’ve been working from home for the past 18 months, then getting out and socializing with other runners might be exactly what you need.
We spoke to members from three different running clubs in London about how they ended up joining, why it’s helped them improve their technique, and how essential the sense of community has been (even online) during the pandemic.
If you’re trying to find a running club in your city, skip to the end for tips on finding the right one for you. Alternatively, if you’re on Strava, join our Polar Running Club. With over 43,000 members, it’s a great way to challenge yourself, connect and have fun.
Black Girls Do Run UK
With over twenty years of experience as a runner, Tasha Thompson decided to create the UK’s answer to the enormously successful US community Black Girls Run. What started as a small Instagram page in 2019 has now blossomed into a club doing monthly runs and relay marathons for women of color in London. We chatted with club member Celeste (pictured below, back right), a Safeguarding Officer from Buckinghamshire, about why Black Girls Do Run UK has brought out her competitive streak.
What made you decide to join a running club?
I’d seen some information about Black Girls Do Run UK online but it wasn’t until I ran into Tasha at a half marathon and she invited me to run that day with them that I decided to give it a try.
What did your running practice look like before joining?
I started running in 2011 after I lost two stone and decided to give the Couch to 5k running plan a try. I then did Race for Life in 2013 and ran on and off for years after that. But, I often found it a bit dull as I was on my own.
I ran on and off for years… but, I often found it a bit dull as I was on my own
Why did you choose Black Girls Do Run UK?
To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have considered joining any other running club. I’ve turned up to half marathons in the past where no one else looked like me, which always made me feel like an outsider in this sport. But not anymore – now we run together in our club t-shirts and it’s really inspiring. Representation is important.
How important has it been for you to run with other women of color?
Very important. For example, our hair requires a different type of care after exercise, so it’s great to have other women you can share this with. Plus, we understand the unique challenges that we face when running in public, especially the comments we can occasionally receive, so it’s good to know we can support each other through this.
What should people look for when choosing a running club?
Be choosy. Think about it like you’re learning to drive. You need the right instructor and situation that makes you feel comfortable. So shop around and try out a few.
How has Black Girls Do Run UK enhanced your running?
A running club is great for me as I have a little bit of a competitive streak. So even when I don’t feel like going for a run, it still inspires me to challenge myself.
A running club is great for me as I have a little bit of a competitive streak.
Did Black Girls Do Run UK adapt and evolve in any way during lockdown?
We started doing virtual running club, where we’d set a particular day and time for a run so we’d all do it at the same time. Plus, we had a WhatsApp group and social media channel, which was really important. Being able to share our runs with each other during lockdown really helped to lift our spirits.
Aside from fitness, what have you gotten out of being in a Running Club?
We’re family, a community. We meet up for social events, like picnics, even when we aren’t running.
Onetrack Run Club
Developing the potential of part-time athletes who lacked funding and a coaching team was the original reason Anthony Fletcher (Fletch) started Onetrack in 2015. This ethos of making running training accessible to everyone, no matter their financial status, has endured, even as Onetrack has moved online to create a virtual running club during the pandemic. We chatted with club member Henry, a Management Consultant from Battersea, about how Onetrack has transformed his running practice.
What made you decide to join a running club?
I kind of fell into it really. I used to be quite overweight and had started going to the gym a lot, but it was purely through a recommendation that I decided to give it a running club a try.
What did your running practice look like before joining?
I didn’t have much experience running before joining Onetrack. Sometimes, when I was hungover, I would try and do 5km but mostly just ended up walking it.
Why did you choose Onetrack Run Club?
My old housemate had come across Onetrack on Instagram, decided to give it a try, and then recommended I give it a go as well. So, I went to one of the Monday night free sessions with Fletch at the end of 2018 and just kept going back every week.
I liked the chill vibe and the fact that anyone could turn up. There are Team GB runners and triathletes in this running club, and then there are people like me. Having all these different people made it really interesting.
There are Team GB runners and triathletes in this running club, and then there are people like me.
What should people look for when choosing a running club?
Work out what kind of vibe you need to make it work for you and find one that suits that. I need something that’s proper easy with no pressure, and flexible with bookings, which is why Onetrack works for me. Whereas, if you need structure and someone that is expecting that you turn up every week, then look for a running club that can help you like that.
How has Onetrack Run Club enhanced your running?
Mainly learning that I don’t have to run at one pace. This was something that I couldn’t get my head around before I joined. Having Fletch instruct us on how to vary our pace in every session has shown me how much this can help you reach your goals. Also, being surrounded by other runners at different levels who have already achieved what I want to achieve has been a great inspiration.
Being surrounded by other runners at different levels who have already achieved what I want to achieve has been a great inspiration.
How important has it been for you to run with like-minded people?
To be honest, I would say that the best thing about Onetrack is that it isn’t full of people just like me. There’s a really diverse range of people who aren’t necessarily the kind of people I would meet down at the pub. For example, there’s an Instagram influencer and someone who works for the Ministry of Defence in our running club, but you realize we’re all the same when you’re sweating yourself out after a run.
Did Onetrack Run Club adapt and evolve in any way during lockdown?
Fletch was great at helping us maintain our running even when we could no longer meet in person. He created virtual sessions in the mornings, where you could dial into a Google Meet on your phone and run with him instructing you. He even created Spotify playlists that we could listen to at the same time. The virtual running club has become so popular that it’s now a regular part of Onetrack’s schedule.
Do you take part in their weekly track sessions or the virtual running club?
I still occasionally join the track sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays but now do the virtual session most mornings, as that’s when I’d rather run.
ASIDE FROM GETTING FIT, What have you gotten out of being in a Running Club?
The community has been a huge part of it, especially during lockdown. People would I would be running with virtually would reach out via Instagram and make those connections. Some of us even started running together locally.
It’s also helped me maintain a routine, which was essential during the winter lockdown. Knowing that I had something to wake up for every day helped me stay motivated. Hitting PBs during this time was a lifesaver. It really helped with my mental health.
Hitting PBs during this time was a lifesaver. It really helped with my mental health.
It’s also helped show me how much your outside elements affect your running. Not just general fitness and diet but stress for example. I never thought our emotions could have such an impact on your practice, but I now know if I’ve had an intense week at work, it will make it harder for me to run on the weekend than when I’ve had a more relaxed week.
Queer Running Club
East London’s Queer Running Club was launched in early 2019 by Kole, a UKA England Athletics certified coach, and running leader. They saw the need locally for a safe space for all LGBTQ+ people to run without judgment or fear. Despite their qualifications, Kole has set up the club as a collective rather than something they lead, although they are always happy to answer any technical questions. We chatted to club member Mariana (pictured below, seated right), a dancer from Hackney, about the importance of community and safety for queer-identified runners.
What made you decide to join a running club?
I’m a dancer, so I’ve always been quite active. However, I wanted to do something different because all of my life revolves around dancing, and I felt like this could be a good fit.
What did your running practice look like before joining?
I had already run a half marathon, but I’d trained on my own or by using an app. I’d never really thought about sprinting and was not aware of my timings, so I’d generally found running quite boring.
I’d never really thought about sprinting and was not aware of my timings, so I’d generally found running quite boring.
Why did you choose Queer Running Club?
I don’t think I ever would have joined a different one. I wasn’t looking for a running club, but when I met Kole through my gym, I was keen to join as the queer community is so important to me.
How important has it been for you to run with other LGBTQ+ people?
It’s been crucial for me. It’s a non-gendered space without any assumptions around identities, so it feels like a very safe space for me. It’s different from everyday life, where we constantly struggle to be recognized for the people that we are. The fluidity of gender identities is very open in Queer Running Club. We do a round of names and pronouns before each session, allowing people to feel their way through any changes over time. This gives us all the space to ensure the only work we’re doing is running.
What should people look for when choosing a running club?
Obviously, location is important but also the people are too. Exercising every week with a running club can have a therapeutic effect on you. Not only are you moving as a group with the same group all the time, but you end up talking as you go, sharing things about your life, and getting to know the others as well. So, I think it’s important to run with people who have the same values as you. It needs to feel like a safe space.
How has being a member enhanced your running?
My technique has improved thanks to Kole’s coaching. I’ve also learned the benefit of doing challenges like sprints or hill runs (which no one likes). It’s also made me curious about the science of running and has helped me with other physical disciplines, like my dancing.
It’s made me curious about the science of running and has helped me with other physical disciplines, like my dancing.
Did Queer Running Club adapt and evolve as in any way during lockdown?
Kole created a WhatsApp group which helped keep our sense of community alive. They would set us weekly challenges that were different from what we would typically do. For example, one week, we collectively had to run 200km, and there was a great sense of achievement when we did that together.
We would share videos, selfies, and photos from our run in the chat. Then over time, some of us began to meet in pairs and run together. All of this helped during the lockdowns as it gave us something to look forward to.
ASIDE FROM GETTING FIT, What have you gotten out of being in A Running Club?
I’ve made some really good friends and new members of my chosen family. Also, I’m not going to lie – it’s a great way to meet people you might like to date (after all, everyone looks pretty hot in their running gear).
How do I find running clubs near me?
If you live in a small town, then you may only have one or two to choose from. Obviously, Googling your local area is a great place to start, or try asking other runners you know.
If you live in a large city, there is probably a vast range of running clubs. So, what kind of running club do want? Is somewhere near your house or workplace important? Or would you rather run with like-minded people or those of a similar fitness level?
These days there are plenty of running clubs that provide support for a vast array of communities; from mental health challenges to different ages and ethnicities. So, jump on Google and social media and see what you can find. As Celeste says above, don’t be afraid to try a few so you can make sure you find the right one.
You can also try these websites in the following countries:
- USA – Road Runners Club of America
- UK – Good Run Guide
- Australia and NZ – Running Heroes
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Please note that the information provided in the Polar Blog articles cannot replace individual advice from health professionals. Please consult your physician before starting a new fitness program.
