Runlimited was founded on the principle we call Run Together. To share the power of running with others is a driving force behind everything we do. Run clubs are key parts of the community and leaders have the chance to create something that means a lot to a lot of different people. To empower sustainable leadership within running, we developed our Community Toolkit series, giving some insights and info for communities to develop and be a place for all.

Here are some of our top tips to make the most of your run club.

Be Clear In Your Goal

“Run clubs, there’s one for every day of the week” as the famous saying goes. Well actually we made that up but it should be a famous saying because it’s true. You can truly find a run club for anything - groups for beginners, for women, for trail running, for mental wellbeing. 

As a leader, be clear in what you want your club to be. Whether that’s for a certain experience-level, demographic or geographic area; do you have a mission? Be intentional and share that with your group. The more clear you make your mission, the more you’ll attract a like minded crowd and foster a true community. TL:DR here is Honesty is the best policy!

No One Left Behind

That being said, striking the balance between clear goals and mission-driven clubs and inclusivity is a must. As leaders, we are responsible for each member who runs with our group. That means that no-one gets left behind!

Before each run, clarify the route, distance and pace groups/estimates. Have some trusted regular members or leaders who can buddy up with runners at the back of the group to ensure they’re not alone and they have support. The last thing anyone wants is to be left trailing behind, after all, a run club is for running with others!

“Are You New Here?” 

Seeing a new face in the crowd is exciting for any leader, a sign of a growing group and the word spreading! But it can be a little intimidating as a new member to walk into a group of people, all of whom seem to know each other and know the ropes. 

A show of hands for newbies before you get running is super easy and a nice way to welcome first-timers. It gives you, as a leader, chance to chat to them with pointers and crucially lets them share any questions or concerns!

Ask Around

Similar to point number three, but checking in with members new and old is crucial as a ‘health check’ for the group. What’s working? What do you think could be improved? Are you having fun? Get feedback from those that matter the most, your members, and utilise it in a positive way. Not only do you get the chance for new ideas and improvements, but it empowers members to be a force for change within the club.

Shoe Fit Guidance 

At Runlimited, we spend the majority of our time on shoe fittings. And one thing that we have learnt is most people are running in shoes that are too small! But, we don’t blame you! When do we ever get taught that running shoes should fit differently to casual shoes? The solution, luckily, is pretty simple.

Wearing shoes that are too small can lead to all kinds of discomfort, or worse, injury. When running, feet naturally swell with additional blood-flow and to protect the joints and bones. The toes also need space to spread slightly under the force of contact with the ground and distribute weight evenly across the foot. Ill fitting shoes don’t allow room for this expansion and so the toes have only two options: to press against the sides and front of the shoe or to scrunch up. Either way, the result is going to be uncomfortable and can lead to bruised toes, numb feet, lost toenails (eek!) or a host of injuries. 

Run leaders, this is your chance to change the comfort game for your community with this one piece of fitting wisdom. Shoes should have about a fore-finger to a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. How about a periodical shoe-fit session before a run? Or if you’re unsure, hit us up at The Shoe Room and we’ll take it from there!

Ditch The Tech

Hear us out on this one, but what if we decided we didn’t need to use our headphones and smart watches at run club? That rather than plugging in our latest playlist, we’d instead take the time to chat to fellow members on the run? That rather than surge ahead of the pack to maintain that average pace, we’d instead not worry about data, but about how we feel and prioritising enjoying our run?

It’s becoming more and more rare to have a chance to switch off from screens and data and genuinely have time to yourself and to share in a social and fun activity with others. Encourage community within your club by asking if runners wouldn’t mind leaving the AirPods behind and not being controlled by the watch data. Go one further and suggest a conversation starter for members to get to know one-another! 

Safe Running and Etiquette 

This one follows from the last, but safety should be paramount… always! Here are a few top tips for leaders to share before each run:

• Stick together: Use a buddy system or have designated groups so no one gets lost or left behind

• Share the path: Stick to one side of the path to give other people space and call out hazards up ahead. Safer for you, safer for the public! 

• Don’t Intimidate: similar to sharing the path, but avoid intimidating other pedestrians and runners. Pass individuals with plenty of space; don’t swarm towards a solo runner and block their route.

• Hi-Viz: Evening run club? Early morning? Encourage members to wear something reflective and/or hi-viz! It may not be the most fashion-forward, but to seen is to be safe

• Headphones out: Not only encourages chatting, but also means members can hear their surroundings, like cars, bikes, other members!

• Cross with the lights: you don’t need us to tell you this one, right? You remember those little road-safety hedgehogs from school!
  

Prep Your Route, Prep Your Group

Leaders should do their best to prepare members for each session so they know what to expect. Is this an easy social 5k? Or are you doing a long run with marathon-pace efforts? If you can, share the plan ahead of time and ensure the group is fully equipped for the run. 

Doing a longer run? Some key things to think about: are there toilets at the start, finish and along the route? Do runners have fuel and know when to use it? Are there hydration stops en-route or do runners need to come prepped with water options? Does each runner know how far the run is and what to expect?

It’s About The Members

It can feel amazing to see what you have created as a leader of a group. Take pride in that you have a platform to encourage people in running at whatever level your club aims to. Remember that people will look to you for help, to set the example and set the tone for the club as a whole. 

A word to the wise, however: don’t let it get to your head! The best clubs are those that are about their members, not their leaders. Without members, what is a club?  

Are You Having Fun?

Most of all, don’t forget that running should be fun for all! Ask yourself, am I having fun? If the answer is yes, then you won!

-------

Written by: Liam Dee

Photography: Adrian Varzaru