Next up in our Club Spotlight series, we’re championing a couple of local clubs established nearly two decades apart: the newly-founded Lets Run Manchester and Chorlton Runners (est 2005).

Founders Tony Payne and Lauren Knott both shared how feeling intimidated at another club motivated them to go off the beaten track and set up their own…

SPOTLIGHT ON… CHORLTON RUNNERS

Chorlton Runners started in 2005 with a simple, grainy ad in a local paper. Before one of its first sessions, founders (and cousins) Tony and Ann hoped that nobody would show up due to torrential rain. However, over a dozen members attended – so they knew there was no going back! Tony told us more about the charismatic club.

WHAT STARTED CHORLTON RUNNERS?

“Chorlton Runners started after I couldn’t find a club that was friendly to newcomers. The people all talked about ‘PB’s (I didn’t even know what that meant!), ‘splits’, ‘spikes’ and things – but there was was no ‘hello, welcome to our club, what’s your name?’ It was all very serious. After this experience, I decided to create an inclusive community of runners, and this is where Chorlton Runners story begins”.

WHERE DO YOU TRAIN?

“As we now have over 650 members, we train at a variety of places. We often meet outside or inside the Bowling Green pub in Chorlton but also use Green Moss playing field and other locations. All our meeting places are on the website“.

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE?

“From our couch to 5k-ers to people who want to win marathons, we truly do welcome everyone. Our inclusiveness is fostered by our close-knit committee who also arrange a fantastic array of social events – and we’ve even managed to wrangle free sandwiches after Tuesday evening runs at the Bowling Green pub!

Finally, we’re totally unmissable at Manchester running events. If you wear a Chorlton vest, you’ll find people in the crowds proudly sporting the black and yellow club colours, cheering you on until the end”.

SPOTLIGHT ON… LETS RUN MANCHESTER

In 2023, a women’s-only running club started with a simple concept: show up at the same time and place each week, run at a set pace, and chat and make friends along the way!  Lets Run Manchester now has 235 members and is a safe, social space for its members. We spoke to founder Lauren Knott who started with the mantra ‘Thursday’s for the girls!”

HOW DID LETS RUN START?

“Let’s Run was founded because I was looking to join a run club myself – to stay safe on my runs through the winter in particular. Many local clubs were male-heavy and male-led which felt quite intimidating, even to me as a confident runner. So I decided to create our female-led run club to allow women an alternative space to run safely with others”.

WHERE DO YOU TRAIN?

“We meet weekly on a Thursday at 6pm outside Manchester Central (on the Windmill Street side). Our runs are loops through the city centre and there are a few different routes”.

WHAT MAKES LETSRUN UNIQUE?

“Rather than competitive training and chasing PBs, our runs are about connecting with like-minded people, getting some miles in the legs and enjoying a run in good company. We have a set pace of approximately 6:30/km and also host monthly weekend runs which are still female-led but open to all!”

Now that you’ve met the club, hear from some of its members about how being part of it has transformed their lives.

MEET MIKE

The Chorlton committee chose to spotlight Mike, who was new to running when he joined, and threw himself into the community and club events with gusto. Mike told us about his experience, and why joining Chorlton marked a turning point in his life.

“I started running in September 2021, after separating myself from a very unhealthy relationship with drugs and alcohol, and instead redirecting that addictiveness into something healthier. I joined Chorlton runners in August of 2023 and my experience so far has been wonderful”.

“My favourite thing about the club is being able to compete in tournaments I wouldn’t have access to without being in a club. I’ve absolutely loved the Welsh castles relay, cross country, and road relays over the last year. If competing isn’t really your thing, we also have loads of social and charity events – most notably the 24 hour run for the homeless in Winter, which has a great turnout”.

MEET NIAMH

Lauren championed club member Niamh Grace as a relative newbie who has made amazing progress since joining.

“I started running in October last year and joined Lets Run in November after I could run 5k. I was a little daunted before my first session, as I was so new to running and worried I’d not be able to do the full distance. However, when I went along, everybody was so friendly and I quickly learnt that nobody gets left behind”.

“I love how social the club is; we just run and chat for an hour each week, and I’ve made friends who I now do long runs with at the weekend. Since joining, I’ve taken part in two 10ks and a half marathon. Next up will be the Manchester Half, where I can really test my new found fitness. However, my main goal is to have fun with my new running friends and enjoy the day!”

FIND A CLUB PAGE

With the running revolution meaning more people are lacing up than ever before, there’s no better time to join a running club. If you’re lucky enough to live in the North West, this region boasts a huge variety of thriving clubs, who can help you reach your goals whether that be to get fit, socialise or even win the Manchester Half marathon!

Our handy Find a Club page uses interactive maps to help you find local running club gems. Find out more below!