Next up in our Club Spotlight series, we’re championing letsrun, Manchester’s hottest new running club which began with the mantra ‘Thursday’s for the girls”.

The idea is simple: show up,  run at a set pace, and chat and make friends (… and don’t forget obligatory post-run pastry sampling).

Founder Lauren Knott told us more about the hype of what began as a women-only club…

HI LAUREN. HOW DID LETS RUN START?

“letsrun 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-only 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. We now have 235 members so there are plenty of new people to meet!”.

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!”

“We also pride ourselves as a safe, social space – especially for female members”.

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

 

MEET CLUB MEMBER 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 letsrun 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!