A Sheffield student, Libby, has created a safe space for women to run, socialise and get out of their comfort zones
Of the Gen Z trends that have taken off in the last year or so, running is definitely one of the best. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t just spend our time scrolling on social media and buying new shoes, we actually love a good run (obviously meaning I’m going to need more shoes).
What makes this trend so special is that Gen Z is determined to make it as social as possible. Across the country, social running has become a new way to make friends, forge communities and even meet a partner.
I’m part of this trend too. I started running in March and it took me a while to find my rhythm, but once I started running socially, it became so much easier. I like the discipline of exercising with a group, and having a time set in stone holds me accountable.
Libby, 26, set up Run for Fun after moving to Sheffield for her PhD and initially struggling to make friends: “I saw many female run clubs up and down the country, bringing joy and running to various areas, and I thought this was absolutely something Sheffield needed,” she explained.
Now the nights are drawing in, I find there’s no time to run in the week before it gets dark. Run for Fun means that I can feel safe running in a group, and as we move as a convoy of hi-vis jackets and head torches, we are easily seen by traffic. “I always wanted to help women feel safe whilst running. Running in a group, especially at night just adds that extra layer of safety,” Libby says.
A big part of the club is its open access to beginner runners. As a relatively new runner, I found the idea of running with a group very daunting. What if I can’t keep up? Or even worse, I try so hard to keep up that I fall flat on my face?
As Libby explains, Run for Fun “focuses on running at a manageable, slower pace, encouraging those of all running abilities to attend.
“We are a really relaxed running group. We don’t focus on pace at all, or even distance. We have a 3-kilometre beginner run every month, with paces from 6.30 min/km-9.30 min/km, and we have a tail walker too. This ensures absolutely nobody is left behind, and I really hope this encourages people to attend even if they have no running experience.”
“I always wanted to help women feel safe whilst running. Running in a group, especially at night just adds that extra layer of safety”
I asked Libby what she would say to people who, like me, might feel nervous to join or go alone. “Everybody is in the same boat,” she responds. “At the start of every run, I ask our ladies, ‘Who has come here alone?’ And I’d say 99% of them put up their hands! We really are the friendliest bunch and just looking for someone to have a good chat with.”
The club has amassed over a huge 1600 members since April this year. I found the club through their social media posts, and I receive updates about runs and socials via WhatsApp. It couldn’t be easier!
Run for Fun has recently started collaborating with other health and wellness organisations, such as HotPod Yoga and Nomad Maison, to offer yoga, pilates and stretching sessions catered for runner’s bodies.
Libby is also hoping to expand the club further and cater for more people. “Starting in November I’ll be adding two more runs a month midweek. These additions are only possible with the help of our ambassadors, who help me out with runs, socials and general admin. The club has regular cinema socials and a sister book club called Read for Fun so the community can continue to grow and engage with each other in a different environment.”
Words: Kathryn Schoon
