SPOTLIGHT ON: MADE RUNNING, MANCHESTER RUN CLUB AND YMCA HARRIERS

Dozens of local clubs helped make the Manchester Half a blast this year – from volunteering, cheer hubs and taking on the challenge itself. Three clubs who particularly stood out were Made Running, Manchester Run Club and YMCA Harriers, who turned up in full force over event weekend with their camaraderie, charisma and cheering capacities!

Find out more about these awesome groups below, and don’t forget to check out our Find a Club page if you feel inspired to join one your nearest running community.

SPOTLIGHT ON: MADE RUNNING

Made Running was founded in 2020 by Hermen Dange.

After being released from prison in 2020, Hermen Dange felt a strong desire to reform himself and start anew. The ex-convict had discovered the inner peace and joy running brought him – and this newfound passion led him to establish Made Running.
The close-knot community now has over 1500 members, with 400-500 people attending its weekly sessions. Committee member Temi told us more…

HOW DID MADE RUNNING START?

“Made Running began in 2020, after our founder Hermen was released from prison and discovered running as an outlet and distraction away from a life of crime. From humble beginnings with just seven members, Made Running has blossomed into a close-knit community which strives to empower people no matter life’s challenges”.

 

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WHERE DO YOU TRAIN?

“We run 5km every Wednesday at 5am from Aviva Studio and 5km every Saturday at 9:15AM from Media City. All levels are welcome and no one gets left behind.”

WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT?

“Authentic vibes, always, and the opportunity to meet new people (not to mention network at our co-working space on Cheetham Hill). There is also a warm up and warm down before and after each run and inspiring stories from members on the day”.

SPOTLIGHT ON: MANCHESTER RUN CLUB

Born from networking group Manchester Young Professionals over lockdown, Manchester Run Club is a dynamic club whose tagline is “running for everyone”. We spoke to club committee member and representative Martin Lucass about what MCR is all about…

Marv is a dedicated MCR committee member who helps lead training sessions.

HOW DID MRC START?

“We started during lockdown from the community at Manchester Young Professionals – a forward thinking networking group established in 2013. At a time when social connection and exercise was more important than ever, the club grew really quickly. We now have around 5000 members on Strava and see 200-250 people take part in our 5km city centre runs”.

WHERE DO YOU TRAIN?

“This is where it gets interesting! The club hosts 6 week series where we move around to different parts of the city centre. At the moment, we’re meeting at Square Gardens in the Northern Quarter at 6:30 pm on Tuesday evenings. Pace groups vary between 4:30-7:00 mins/km”.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT?

“A huge ability range (a lot of first timers), great routes, a super inclusive atmosphere and social events – we’ve just organised our first club trip to Barcelona next year which is really exciting!”

SPOTLIGHT ON: YMCA HARRIERS

As Manchester’s oldest running group, YMCA Harriers is a small yet mighty club who cater to different running interests (trail and fell sessions included!) We spoke to Women’s Captain Josie to find out what else the club has to offer.

HOW DID THE CLUB START?

“As our history dates back to 1882, we’re not quite sure exactly how we started, but have always been associated with the YMCA who provide support to young people in Manchester. Our history means we have many traditions, such as the popular Summer and Christmas handicap races each year!”

WHERE DO YOU TRAIN?

“We train at 18:45 pm on Tuesdays at the Manchester Regional Arena where we do interval training, and a social run takes place on Thursdays at 18:30pm. Sessions start at the Y Club and vary between 5-12 km”.

WHAT MAKES YMCA HARRIERS UNIQUE?

“With around 60 members, we’re small but super friendly, with monthly socials and shout outs to recent achievements at the start of sessions. As well as road running and cross-country, we organise fell and trail running sessions which have taken our members to stunning areas such as the Peak District, New Mills, Littlesborough, Darwen and Disley. Pop down on a Tuesday or Thursday to give one of our sessions a go and find out more!”

YMCA Harriers offer many different types of running, across different terrain.

This concludes our Club Spotlight series. Find out more about other outstanding clubs in the local area – Lets Run Manchester and Chorlton Runners here, as well as MileShy Club here.