How to build community through run clubs
Run clubs are more than scheduled meetups on a calendar. They are spaces where runners come together to connect, build community, and share miles safely and inclusively. Behind every great group run is careful planning: choosing the route, setting expectations, managing pace groups, and making sure everyone feels welcomed.
At Footpath, we know how important mapping is in this process. Routes help organizers plan logistics, communicate clearly with attendees, and keep everyone on course. To dive into best practices, we spoke with two community leaders who are shaping the run club experience in powerful ways.
Rachel Bambrick is the founder of Women in Ultrarunning, a non-profit organization that helps welcome more women into the sport of ultrarunning. The group increases female involvement by fostering a supportive community and providing tools that make the sport more accessible. With three chapters across Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Montana, Women in Ultrarunning creates inclusive spaces through online platforms, virtual events, and in-person gatherings.
Jay Tinsley is a run leader for the Phoenix chapter of Black Men Run, where he specializes in trail running through the Black Men Turf group. Black Men Run is a national and international movement that encourages African American men to get active and discover the benefits of running for both body and mind. The organization has grown to over 50 chapters in 30 states, with international chapters in Paris and London. In Phoenix, Jay helps bring BMR’s “healthy brotherhood” ethos to the trails, where fellowship and community are just as important as the miles.
What’s your top priority when organizing a group run, and why?
Rachel
Inclusivity! I want folks who come to our events and runs to feel welcomed and accepted. There is a lot that goes into this, from being pace inclusive to choosing areas to run that are accessible to providing attendees with information about the run beforehand so they know what to expect. All of these items (and more) make running clubs more accessible and help members feel a sense of belonging.
Jay
Creating a safe opportunity for movement and fellowship. So many of us already run. We get in our cars and drive 20 minutes to spend quality time with our running community. And for those who are not already avid runners, I want them to know that they are not alone in the journey.
What’s one piece of etiquette you wish every runner in a group setting knew?
Rachel
If a run group says “all paces,” then that truly means all paces and that must be honored. Plan ahead and have pace leaders for different paces, and make sure you have folks who know the route at the front and back of the group. There is nothing worse than being left behind at a new-to-you group run.
Jay
To respect the vibe of the group. If it is a quiet group that appreciates the relative silence of rapid footsteps, please do not blast your Bluetooth speaker. If it is a safe space intended to allow people to focus on their miles, please do not try to hit on the first person you meet.
How do you communicate routes to your run club, and why is it important for runners to review the map or know the course ahead of time?
Rachel
The week of an event, I send a message in our event chat with details about the event. Everything from the parking and bathroom situation at the start, to what type of shoes to wear, and more. I also send out the route. It is particularly important, with the amount of trail running we do as a group, that folks have the route ahead of time to review it and ensure they know where they are going. While we do have folks who know the route in the front and back of the group, and we stop throughout the run to ensure folks stay together, running in the woods or on trails can have a higher risk of getting lost or turned around, making it even more important to know the route ahead of time.
Jay
We have standard routes that most of our regulars are familiar with, but if someone new is in attendance, we provide clear instructions on where to go depending on how far they want to run. If there are new runners out or we are exploring the trails, we will employ a party pacer or no drop policy. No man (or anyone) left behind.
We love how both leaders emphasize how mapping and clear communication lower barriers for participation. A shared route gives confidence to newcomers, supports pacing strategies, and makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the run together.
How do you make sure runners of all levels feel included and supported?
Rachel
While our group is called “Women In Ultrarunning,” which can sound very advanced on the surface, we strive to make all of our events accessible and beginner-friendly. We always share our max min/mi pace ahead of time so attendees know what to expect, and we ensure the group stays together by taking breaks throughout the run and having pace leaders. All of our events also have an educational topic focus that relates to ultrarunning (fueling and nutrition, mental strategy, crewing and pacing, etc.), so folks new to ultrarunning (and seasoned vets too) can learn something they did not know about the sport before. This makes the barrier to entry feel less intimidating.
Jay
We try to emphasize the power of movement and not just running. If folks are brand new to running or rehabbing, there is typically someone who will move with them to make sure they feel supported, and more importantly, experience the fellowship.
How do you keep your group fun and engaging beyond the miles?
Rachel
We host monthly events so we can put on the best gatherings possible. All of our events have an educational topic focus so attendees can walk away having learned something new about the sport of ultrarunning. We also love a good giveaway or raffle at the end. Lastly, we have an online community.
Jay
The fellowship piece is key, and running is often just the medium through which we receive it. Black Men Run is called the healthy brotherhood because we make it a point to experience each other as more than just runners. We are fathers, husbands, cancer survivors, fraternity brothers, community activists, engineers, Michigan enthusiasts, and more. We have become integrated into the fabric of each other’s lives. We are there to celebrate when someone’s family grows and to support when the opposite occurs.
Final Mile
From Rachel’s emphasis on inclusivity to Jay’s focus on fellowship, the message is clear: successful group runs are built on thoughtful planning and a commitment to community. Mapping and route sharing sit at the center of that effort, giving participants confidence, creating structure, and allowing leaders to focus on what matters most. If you are looking for a welcoming run community, we encourage you to check out groups like Women in Ultrarunning and Black Men Run. They will greet you with open arms and miles of support.
We have recently launched Footpath for Professionals to further support communities like these. It makes it simple for run clubs and event leaders to share detailed route maps, with premium Footpath Elite features automatically unlocked for their participants—no upgrades or subscriptions required.
If you are part of a run club or community and would like to learn more, please reach out to [email protected] for early access.