Start a Running Group

Build something local. Real people. Real miles. Real community.

Running groups have always been about more than running. They’re about showing up, encouraging each other, and finishing a session feeling better than when you started — even if your legs disagree.

At FitChic, we believe every town should have a friendly, welcoming running group, led by someone who knows their stuff and actually enjoys helping others improve. That someone could be you.

Whether you’re a personal trainer, fitness coach, running coach, or just an experienced runner with leadership skills, this is your chance to create something simple, powerful, and genuinely local.

Why Start a Running Group?

Because gyms aren’t for everyone.
Because running is free.
Because people still like meeting other humans in real life.

A local running group:

  • Builds confidence for beginners
  • Creates routine and accountability
  • Encourages safe, social exercise
  • Strengthens your local reputation as a coach or leader

And best of all — it grows naturally. One runner tells another. Before you know it, Saturday mornings have a purpose again.

Who Can Start a Group?

You don’t need to be an Olympian. You do need to be:

  • Reliable
  • Friendly
  • Sensible
  • Supportive

Perfect fits include:

  • Personal trainers
  • Fitness or wellbeing coaches
  • Running coaches
  • Sports students or graduates
  • Experienced runners who enjoy leading others

If people trust you, they’ll follow you. Simple as that.

What Does a FitChic Running Group Look Like?

Nothing complicated. In fact, simpler is better.

A typical group:

  • Meets once or twice a week
  • Runs in a park, track, or safe local route
  • Caters for mixed abilities (or clearly defined pace groups)
  • Focuses on encouragement, not ego

Some groups are beginner-only. Others are improver or social pace. Many do a mix. There’s no rigid format — just consistency and care.

Your Role as a Group Leader

You’re not there to bark orders or show off. You’re there to:

  • Plan sensible, achievable sessions
  • Keep everyone safe and included
  • Encourage good form and pacing
  • Create a welcoming, judgement-free atmosphere

You set the tone. If you’re calm, friendly, and organised, the group will be too.

What FitChic Does for You

This is the easy part.

FitChic:

  • Promotes your group in our national directory
  • Sends local runners your way
  • Gives you a professional online presence
  • Helps runners find you by location and ability level
  • Supports community-led fitness (no gatekeeping, no nonsense)

There are no complicated systems, contracts, or hard sells. Just visibility and support.

What You Don’t Have to Worry About

Let’s clear this up:

  • ❌ No gym rent
  • ❌ No long-term commitments
  • ❌ No expensive equipment
  • ❌ No pressure to scale into something huge

Many of the best running groups stay small — and that’s perfectly fine.

Getting Started Is Simple

  1. Choose a location and meeting time
  2. Decide who the group is for (beginners, mixed, improvers)
  3. Create your FitChic listing
  4. Turn up, be consistent, and let word-of-mouth do the rest

Running groups grow because they work — not because they’re flashy.

Ready to Lead?

If you’ve ever thought, “Someone should start a running group around here” — congratulations. That someone is you.

Create your group, set the pace, and give your local community a reason to get moving together.

👉 Start your running group today and add your listing to FitChic

Old-fashioned consistency. Modern support. Real community.