Building Community Through Running
Why run clubs can be more than just sharing miles.
Back in 2021, as the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic was somewhat behind us, I was beginning to yearn for more community—especially a community of other runners. When I moved to Suffolk in 2020, it was on the heels of having joined up with RaceTeamRVA: a run training team in Richmond, VA. This had led to meeting up with runners on Saturdays for long run trainings, and eventually to connecting with a smaller group that met during the week. It was my first real taste of a run club or group since I had done club running at Randolph-Macon in college and Cross Country/Track in high school.
As I yearned for community, I realized that there were a lot of run clubs and groups in the Hampton Roads area. However, many of them were a little further away or required the potential for traffic, and would have been difficult to be a part of regularly. Out of this desire and difficulty of location was born the idea to just put something out there and organize a meetup—I am extroverted after all and love to be around people. The Driver Run Group was born.
From there we met regularly and enjoyed smiles and miles on a local trail near the church I worked at. Over time, the Driver Group molded and transformed through partnerships and connections to what is Run Some Mo Run Club out of MoMac Brewing Company in Portsmouth, Va. The connections that brought about this connection have been one of the most immensely important parts of my life that has kept me grounded outside of my vocation and family.
In hosting Run Build Grow, I have come to see that all around this country, run clubs are providing a space for folks that transcends running itself. Run clubs are not just for running, but they are for social gatherings, a time to unwind, not just with miles, but with fellowship and joy as well. Sometimes I run or walk with others, sometimes my miles are by myself. However, I always return to the brewery, having completed my miles, to inquiries of “How were your miles?”, “How was your day?” Or “What’s been going on?”
This kind of support has been one of the big things that has honestly helped me stave off the worst parts of burnout that I have felt over the last number of years. No matter how busy or hectic work is, when I show up at run club each Tuesday, I know there is going to be a supportive and uplifting friend. Even when those who are there are in less than good moods, the shared journey is honestly an emotional boost.
My affinity towards running has always been one centered around both the mental and physical benefits of the active sport. Having just spent over 3 months sidelined from running with an injury, I can say that I truly love running and it really affects me when I cannot do it. However, the great thing about forming a community around running is the support, friendships, and motivation you get whether you are running or not. Sure, those around you want you to be running as much as you probably do—for me, they probably were getting sick of hearing me complain, haha. However, in a community, the shared journey becomes a part of the lifestyle.
In this new era of running, there is so much focus around run clubs, groups, and communities. Some of it is negative, and I think we can see how the system can be abused for more personal and egotistical reasons. However, as a pastor, I do a lot of preaching and teaching that focuses on the true nature of community.
The Book of Acts in the New Testament describes the early church, and in its earlier chapters, we read:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)
This passage reminds me that it is in community that we can often express the fullness of our purpose in life. When we create genuine community and befriend those around us, we receive a support system that can help us through the highs and lows of our running journey and life more broadly. As opposed to our vocation, it feels more natural, because we can create community around something that brings us joy and is a passion—running, most of you reading this, but I am sure there are other things too.
I have been with running friends through not just personal bests or injuries, but I have also seen them through major life events—graduations, new jobs, loss of family members, divorces, marriages, and so much more. The bonds of community have grown strong, that I can be myself around them, and I can be honest with them about my own joys and struggles.
It is interesting to reflect back on all that has led to this point of having a community that I so much enjoy. It took my own strength and initiative to not just be willing to join a group, but to in turn—when I couldn’t find one that met my immediate needs—find one and be willing to make decisions that led to where it is today.
I know for some it takes more energy than others to step into that uncomfortable space of finding and inserting yourself into a community. However, I will say that if/when you find the right one, it can become a support system that you will never regret. If you’re hesitant, begin by just searching running groups in your area. Is there a big run club that has various run meetups? Are there a bunch of groups meeting up throughout the week? Maybe you can find them on social media. Maybe there is a flyer somewhere you go regularly. Maybe you already know someone who is a part of one, and you just need to take the leap.
Sometimes, a leap of faith is all you need to find a supportive community. Don’t be afraid to try a variety if you need to, to find the one that works best for you. Run clubs are not a one size fits all type of system. There are two run clubs near me—the one I lead and one at a brewery that is closer to my house. They have similar spirits, and function in two different ways. Both have their own identity. Find the one that works for you and in turn find a transformative community that can help shape and change the community around you.
Enjoy the run, and make every mile count!!!
Great comments and a perfect read for anyone looking to balance their life by joining a running club.