RUN THE WORLD: The club has seen over 200 runners take part in their weekly 5k runs during their first year
A women’s running group from Manchester has welcomed more than 200 runners to the club since it launched to mark World Mental Health Day in October 2021.
The group, called runtheworldMCR, is based in Monton, Salford and was founded by Becky Walker and Lydia Norman to host a free 5k run on a weekly basis. Lydia said: “Founded on friendship, we are far more than just a running group. We aim to get women together to build their confidence, support their mental health and make them feel safe. We’re always being told we have created something really special and we’re so proud of that.”
With an average weekly turnout of at least 35 women, the running group has seen more than 200 runners attend at least one run since it launched.
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The group is suited to all ages and fitness levels and the organizers recently launched walktheworldMCR routes for beginners and people who are unable to run, as well as longer routes for those looking to increase their speed or distance.
Members range from women in their early 20s who are complete beginners to those aged 50 plus, as well as new mums who bring their buggies to the runs, to ultra-marathon runners. Some women attend every week while others drop in on a monthly basis.
To mark their first anniversary, runtheworldMCR hosted a party at Oats & Honey, Monton, featuring an awards ceremony with prizes for the most improved runners and goody bags for members.
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Becky and Lydia also invited their members to share feedback and nominate their fellow members for awards.
One anonymous runner said: “I’ve gained a whole new running family of amazingly supportive women. That’s priceless” while another wrote: “RuntheworldMCR is incredible. It’s been an absolute joy to be a member and meet so many incredible women who love running and I’ve genuinely made friends from the group and I never would have met them without RuntheworldMCR! Sessions are always well thought out and cater to different abilities and never patronizing or leave anyone out.”
The group appears to be making a real difference in the community, with another runner saying:
“I find the group really motivating, it’s such a great group of girls who are very supportive. I love the different routes and new challenges as well as the social events. Overall I’ve gained a real love and passion for running.”
It also appears to be motivating people to get out there and start running, with one review saying: “I’ve enjoyed having a group to hold me accountable and get my butt out on the road! I love how social the group is when we run and the socials after running, and the book club seems amazing too! There’s nothing I haven’t enjoyed, I’m looking forward to running in the winter instead of stopping because I’m scared to run in the dark.”
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Co-founder Becky continued: “The biggest highlight from our first year has been meeting hundreds of amazing women who have joined us to run and walk. We couldn’t have asked for a better group of friendly, supportive girls who make new members feel welcome every week.
“We’ve also become an ambassador for fitness brand lululemon, as well completing Leadership in Running Fitness qualifications, sponsored by the charity, Sport in Mind.
“It’s opened up opportunities that we could have only dreamed of, and this is just the start. We have big ambitions for runtheworldMCR. We never imagined it would have been so popular and we are often asked if we’ll do other evenings, different times or launch in another location. We do a lot of work behind the scenes, so watch this space.”
New runners wishing to join the group can message Becky and Lydia on Instagram @runtheworldMCR or attend a run on Tuesday evenings, meeting at Dukes Drive, Monton, at 6.20pm ahead of a 6.30pm start.
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