Why Do Women Need Their Own Run Clubs?
Running should be for everyone. And in an ideal world, every run club would feel equally safe and welcoming for all genders. But the reality is that many women face barriers to running that men simply do not experience. Safety concerns, particularly when running alone or in the dark. Feeling intimidated in male-dominated groups. Worrying about pace judgement. Dealing with unwanted attention on the streets.
Women-only run clubs address these barriers directly. They create spaces where women can run without looking over their shoulder, where pace is never a source of embarrassment, and where the conversation flows freely because everyone feels comfortable. The growth of these clubs across the UK reflects a genuine need, and the communities they build are some of the strongest in the running world.
If you are thinking about starting a women-only run club, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Understanding the Need
A survey by England Athletics found that a significant proportion of women feel unsafe running alone, particularly in the dark. This is not an irrational fear. It is a lived reality that affects when, where, and whether women choose to run.
Group running addresses the safety concern directly. There is strength in numbers, and a group of women running together is inherently safer than a woman running alone. But women-only clubs offer something beyond physical safety. They offer psychological safety: the freedom to be yourself, to run at your own pace, to talk about things that matter to you, without feeling self-conscious or out of place.
This is not about excluding men. It is about creating a specific space that meets a specific need. Many women who start in a women-only club go on to join mixed clubs as well, because the confidence they build in a supportive environment gives them the foundation to run anywhere.
Getting Started
The process of starting a women-only run club is similar to starting any run club, with a few additional considerations.
Define your audience. Are you targeting complete beginners, experienced runners, or a mix? Women-only clubs that focus on beginners tend to grow quickly because there is a huge population of women who want to start running but feel intimidated by existing clubs. A "Couch to 5K" programme specifically for women is an excellent way to launch.
Choose your meeting point carefully. Safety is paramount. Pick a well-lit, well-populated location that is easy to reach by public transport. Cafes and gyms are popular choices because they offer indoor space for gathering before and after the run, as well as toilet facilities and bag storage.
Plan safe routes. Every route should be well-lit, well-populated, and free from isolated stretches. Walk each route at the time of day you plan to use it and assess it from a safety perspective. Avoid parks that are poorly lit after dark, underpasses, and areas with limited visibility. Share your routes in advance through the RunClub app so members know exactly where they are going.
Set the tone from day one. Your first session establishes the culture of your club. Make it explicitly welcoming, non-competitive, and supportive. Introduce everyone by name. Explain that all paces are welcome and that nobody will be left behind. Run at the pace of the slowest person. Finish with a social activity that gives people time to connect.
Safety as a Priority
Safety should be woven into every aspect of your club, not treated as an afterthought.
Always run in a group. Never let a member run alone, even if they are faster or slower than the rest. If the group needs to split by pace, ensure each sub-group has at least three members. A buddy system, where members are paired up for each session, adds an extra layer of accountability.
Designate a back-marker. Every session should have a designated person at the back of the group who ensures nobody is left behind. This role is especially important in a women-only club, where the consequences of someone being left alone can feel more serious.
Share your route and expected return time. Before each session, share the route with someone who is not running, whether that is a partner, a friend, or a club committee member. If the group does not return by the expected time, that person knows where to look.
Carry phones. Every member should carry their phone on every run. In an emergency, a phone is the most important piece of safety equipment anyone can have. Encourage members to share their live location with a trusted contact during the run.
High-visibility gear. For evening runs, high-vis clothing and lights are essential. Consider providing branded high-vis vests for your members. This serves a dual purpose: safety and club identity.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong during a run, whether it is a person, a location, or a situation, trust the group's instincts and change course. It is always better to be cautious than to dismiss a concern.
Building the Community
The social element of a women-only run club is often even more important than the running itself. Many members join not just to get fit, but to find friends, build confidence, and be part of a supportive community.
Create space for conversation. Run at a pace that allows people to talk. The conversations that happen during a run are where friendships form and where members feel most connected to the group. If the pace is too fast for talking, it is too fast for a social run.
Organise non-running socials. Brunches, coffee mornings, cinema trips, and nights out give members opportunities to connect outside of running. These events strengthen the bonds within the group and make the club feel like more than just an exercise class.
Celebrate everything. First 5K completions, personal bests, attendance milestones, birthdays, promotions, new jobs. Celebrate the whole person, not just the runner. This creates a culture where people feel valued for who they are, not just how fast they can run.
Create a private group. A private WhatsApp group, Facebook group, or communication channel within the RunClub app gives members a space to chat between sessions. This keeps the community alive throughout the week and provides a platform for sharing tips, asking questions, and offering support.
Feature member stories. Share member stories on your social media, with their permission. "Why I joined," "My first 5K," "What this club means to me." These stories inspire potential members and make existing members feel seen and appreciated.
Addressing Common Concerns
"Is it discriminatory to exclude men?" No. Single-sex groups are permitted under the Equality Act 2010 where there is a legitimate reason, such as safety or the promotion of participation among an underrepresented group. Women-only run clubs exist to address genuine barriers that women face in accessing running, and they are both legal and widely supported.
"What about trans women?" This is a question that each club needs to address thoughtfully and in line with its values. Many women-only clubs welcome trans women, recognising that they face many of the same safety concerns and barriers as cisgender women. Be clear about your policy, communicate it respectfully, and be prepared to have open conversations about inclusivity.
"Will we be taken seriously?" Absolutely. Women-only run clubs are some of the fastest-growing and most respected running communities in the UK. Clubs like This Girl Can Run, She Runs, and Black Girls Do Run UK have built national reputations and inspired thousands of women to start running. Your club can do the same.
Growing Your Club
Women-only clubs often grow faster than mixed clubs because the demand is so high. Many women are actively searching for a safe, supportive running group and will jump at the opportunity when they find one.
List your club on the RunClub app. Make it easy for women in your area to find you. A clear, welcoming profile that emphasises safety, inclusivity, and community will attract exactly the right members.
Partner with local businesses. Women-focused businesses, wellness studios, yoga centres, and beauty salons are natural partners. They share your audience and can help promote your club to their customers.
Use social media strategically. Share photos that show the diversity and warmth of your group. Feature member testimonials. Post about your routes, your socials, and your achievements. Women who see themselves reflected in your content are more likely to join.
Host taster sessions. A free, no-commitment taster session is the lowest-barrier way to attract new members. Promote it widely, make it beginner-friendly, and ensure every newcomer feels welcomed and supported.
The Impact You Can Make
Starting a women-only run club is about more than running. It is about creating a space where women feel empowered, connected, and free. It is about showing women that running is for them, regardless of their pace, their size, their age, or their experience. It is about building a community that lifts people up and carries them through the tough days as well as the good ones.
The women who join your club will not just become better runners. They will become more confident, more connected, and more resilient. And that impact extends far beyond the running route.
Create your women-only run club on the RunClub app today. Build a community where every woman can run with confidence, safety, and joy. Download RunClub and take the first step.
