If you aren’t part of a run club, you might have some preconceived ideas about them. You might think everyone’s a skilled runner and you’ll be left behind. Or that they’re all good friends and it’s too late for you to fit in. If that’s the case, you’re not alone.
Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, fitness influencers and co-founders of online wellness platform KIC, surveyed over 5000 women and non-binary people to better understand how they felt about run clubs. They found that 1 in 5 had joined a run club or fun run at some point.
But among the 4 in 5 who hadn’t, there was a perception that run clubs were only for a certain fitness level. Among those who hadn’t joined a club, 41% believed they weren’t fast enough while 17% said they felt intimidated.
These numbers led Smith and Henshaw to launch IRL KICRUN Club earlier this year. The groups meet every Saturday at parks in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, London and, most recently, Perth. After the run, members can grab coffee at a nearby café.
“Running is incredible for our confidence and mental health but it’s often gatekept by self-doubt,” says Smith. “That’s why inclusivity is so important to us. It’s crucial for breaking down the barriers and misconceptions about who run clubs are made for. Our community knows they can come as they are, without judgment or pressure.”
Smith says run clubs have transformed a once solo form of exercise into a shared experience. In her experience, the post-run high is amplified when you run with others. The collective energy has kept her coming back to run clubs, even on mornings when she hasn’t felt like getting out of bed.
“Knowing you have a set time and place to run each week, with a community that shares your passions and goals, is really motivating,” she says. “Runs clubs remind you that running isn’t just about chasing your next personal best. They’re about getting out there, having fun, connecting with others, moving your body and running your way.”
For Smith, the mental benefits of running far outweigh the physical. Running is an incredible stress reliever for her and whenever she feels her adrenaline building up, a quick run is the best way to burn it off.
“Laura always talks about how running is her form of meditation and I get it,” says Smith. “The mental clarity you can unlock when you get out in the fresh air and move your body is unreal.”
The greatest impact Smith and Henshaw have seen so far from the KICRUN Club is the confidence it’s given people. The two have spoken to many people who wanted to run but didn’t believe they were runners until they joined the group.
“When you achieve something you never thought you could, the pride and confidence you feel is surreal,” says Smith. “It’s a holistic approach to well-being that goes far beyond just the physical benefits of runnings.”
READ MORE: POPSUGAR
- The $5 Beauty Item Sarah Ellen Can’t Live Without
- 11 Picnic Rugs Perfect Backdrop For Your On-the-Ground Spread
- Create the Perfect Necklace Stack With These 6 Tips From A Jewellery Expert
- The Best Serums to Naturally Grow and Strengthen Your Lashes
- These 9 Statement Jewellery Pieces Will Take Your Neutrals to New Heights
- 7 Australian-Owned Activewear Brands to Level Up Your Next Workout
