Oxford Girls Running: My experience joining a running club

Last week I decided to join a running club for the very first time.

The club I joined was Oxford Girls Running, a group I wrote about in August after speaking to the founders about its success six months in. 

Harriet Day, 26 from Wallingford and Megan Titterington, 24 from Bicester, set up the group in February after meeting on TikTok. 

They decided to start the free running club to help women feel safe running in the dark, and have since built a supportive community of runners.

READ MORE: Founders of Oxford Girls Running celebrate group's success

After I spoke to the duo and found out more about the group I was keen to join, but having never been to a running club I felt apprehensive. Although I am currently training for a half marathon, I was unsure what to expect and whether I'd even be able to keep up.

After weeks of thinking about it, I decided to go along last Monday (September 16) after meeting a girl called Emily who also wanted to try it out. 

The group meet outside John Lewis in Westgate at 6pm every Monday, ready for a warmup at 6.15pm. At 6.20pm they run a 5k around the city, arriving back to the starting point at around 7pm. 

(Image: Charlotte Coles) Approaching a group of strangers is always nerve-wracking, but as soon as I arrived at John Lewis on Monday evening I instantly felt welcomed by the group. 

We began a group warm-up in a circle before all 41 of us set off on our 5k. We were lucky on this evening as it was the perfect weather to run - not too hot and not too cold.

We ran around Christchurch Meadows and through the University Parks, a part of Oxford I haven't had the chance to fully explore yet. Getting to discover new places is one of the reasons I love running.

Views on the run (Image: Charlotte Coles) Views on the run (Image: Charlotte Coles) READ MORE: Oxford Samaritans reopen doors for first time since pandemic

As we ran I got to know some of the girls I had met at the start.

My worries of not being able to keep up with the group soon disappeared, as there is always someone at the front and at the back, meaning no-one gets left behind. 

The run was fun and relaxing with no pressure. Finding an inclusive and supportive running club was important for me and I was so pleased to have found one. 

We stopped for a picture underneath the Bridge of Sighs, which a stranger kindly offered to take for us.

We then ran through the city centre back to John Lewis and was met by a beautiful sunset.

I carried on chatting with members of the group after the run and I've since been for coffee with Eloise, one of the girls I met.

Overall, my first experience running with a running club was very enjoyable.

Making friends in your 20s can be hard, but I've never felt so welcomed by a group of strangers, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys running and meeting new people.