THE BENEFITS OF JOINING A RUN CLUB
Each week, dedicated runners across the UK join local running clubs to enhance their skills in a friendly, supportive environment, enjoying numerous benefits. There are many benefits of joining a running club…
PERFORMANCE
Want to run faster and longer? Join a running club! A recent study of 200K+ London Marathon runners found that club membership significantly boosts performance. It can improve finishing times by up to 40 minutes!
SOCIAL
If you’ve moved to a new area and want to meet like-minded people or you just want to be social, Running clubs are a one of the best ways to do it. With time to chat along the route you might even end up enjoying a post run drink with your fellow runners.
SUPPORT
If you’re struggling with your training or you’re looking for a pat on the back after a good one, running with a Run Club will give you all the support and encouragement you need.
SAFETY
Running on your own can feel a little uneasy, especially if it’s in the dark or through poorly lit streets; running with a run club will give you that extra security.
COACHING ADVICE
Not all run clubs have coaches on hand but if you’re looking for some training advice from experienced runners our staff members are happy to help.
COMPETITIVE OR NOT
Not everyone who runs in a Run Club is looking for competition but if you thrive with a little rivalry then you could find your
MOTIVATION
Running is a great way to get a little solitude but sometimes it helps having someone to chat to and cheer you on when you’re finding it difficult.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Mixing up your running routes helps keep things interesting and who better to help you discover new places to run than passionate runners who know the area.
BENEFITS OF GOING TO A PARKRUN
parkrun’s offer more than just a way to get fit—they provide a vibrant community and countless benefits for runners of all levels. Here are seven key reasons to consider running a parkrun:
Feel the Buzz
A 2018 study by Glasgow Caledonian University found that 89% of parkrunners felt happier, with improved mental health and body image, thanks to their weekly participation.
Health is Wealth
The Royal College of General Practitioners recently launched an initiative to prescribe parkrun to patients – aiming to help inactive individuals get moving and even reduce reliance on long-term medication for conditions like diabetes.
GPs already prescribing parkrun say it has helped patients manage anxiety, depression, diabetes, heart conditions and high blood pressure – all while easing the burden on the NHS.
A Stronger Community
parkrun actually began as a social intervention.
Its founder, Paul Sinton-Hewitt, was an injured runner who missed spending time with friends. He created parkrun to stay connected – and that social purpose still runs strong today.
Research published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association backs this up, revealing that exercising with others significantly reduces stress and boosts overall quality of life.
For All the Family
It’s never too early to get children into healthy habits. A long-term Swedish study shows that being active in childhood can improve health and brain function well into adulthood.
Many participants also run while pregnant, or with babies in running buggies. Even the family dog is welcome – parkrun really is for every generation.
Running Not Required
Volunteering is at the heart of parkrun – the whole event is run by volunteers, from marshals to timekeepers and finish line organisers.
According to the University of Exeter, volunteering can increase life satisfaction, reduce depression, and even help you live longer.
The health benefits of volunteering are immense and thousands of people give their time to parkrun each week. It’s a great way to stay active, build confidence and boost self-esteem – all while helping others.”
Nature’s Healing Power
Outdoor exercise in green spaces is proven to benefit mental health, enhance social connection, and boost our overall sense of wellbeing.
It’s brilliant to be out in nature, interacting with your surroundings. With more people seeking low-cost ways to stay fit, parkrun offers something special: it’s free, every week, for everyone – forever.
Boosting the Feel-Good Factor
parkrun may even enhance your endorphin levels – those natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals your brain produces.
We generate endorphins through physical activity, social interaction, building friendships, and feeling part of a community and parkrun brings all of that together.
So, what are you doing this Saturday morning? We’ll see you at 9am on the start line.
Check out our race pace charts here and our free training plans here
