Within the media there is a lot of pressure, especially on women, to meet certain standards when running. For example: running a 9-minute mile, never doing less than 5km, or not wearing a running vest unless you’re going far and fast enough. You can be expected to have the newest gadget, the best pace, the perfect form. It adds a lot of pressure – and its no wonder running can feel intimidating for most women.
Dr Libby Holmes thought so too. She recently completed her PhD in biophysics at the University of Sheffield and began running three years ago to help improve her mental health. But what started as a way to feel better soon came with a feeling of isolation.
“I quickly realised it could feel like a really lonely sport,” she recalls.
She wanted to join a running club, but the competitive paces many clubs expect left her struggling to keep up. So she decided to create her own.
Running, rewritten
Run For Fun Sheffield is a women-only running club that caters to slower paces and focuses on enjoyment over competition.
“As a woman, running can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out. So I started this club to change that, to create a safe space where women could feel comfortable, supported and inspired to begin their own journey,” Libby told The Sheffield Tab.
And it’s proved successful. The club has since amassed over 5,000 Instagram followers and hosts run clubs twice a week for all running abilities to take part in – sometimes with up to 100 women turning up.
“We don’t focus on pace and performance; we just encourage everyone to show up and give it a go,” she added.
Challenging the narrative
According to Running Level, the average 5km running time for a woman is 35 minutes and 27 seconds with a pace of 7km an hour – so why don’t run clubs and social media reflect that?
Libby noticed that most run clubs don’t go slower than a 6.30km pace, which excludes many runners. Meanwhile, social media has reinforced the idea that if you can’t run a 25-minute 5km or go beyond 5km at all, you’re not a “real” runner. This kind of exclusivity can make the sport feel isolating and can act as a deterrent to anyone who might want to give it a try.
“That’s why our run club matters. We focus on being real, inclusive, and authentic, so more women feel confident enough to give running a try, no matter their pace or experience,” she explained.
More than miles
But Run For Fun is more than just an inclusive running club. It is a community that nurtures growth, friendship and confidence through being active.
Sophie Barwick, a member of Run For Fun, says it takes the stigma out of the bad experiences of running that are often caused by social media pressure.
“It’s more enjoyable,” she said, “It doesn’t feel like something I have to do but something I enjoy doing.”
Other members shared similar sentiments.
For Annabelle Burgin, other running clubs often feel competitive and even intimidating. But Run For Fun offers a relaxed environment where women can make friends and enjoy themselves.
“In your late 20s it is really difficult to make friends. So I think it’s a good idea to get active and meet new people.”
The club has even attracted followers from abroad. Juliette Cousin, who takes part in the running club when she visits from France, said: “It has a great sense of community – it motivates me a lot.”
Moving at their own pace
Many members of the club are partaking in upcoming races, including the Manchester Marathon and the Sheffield Half Marathon. Libby herself is preparing to run the 2026 London Marathon in memory of her fiancés’ father, raising money for Bone Cancer Research Trust.
But running isn’t the only thing bringing people together. The club hosts monthly walks for those who prefer a slower pace, a book club called Read For Fun, and they’ll be holding their summer social on Sunday 10th August. There is something for everyone.
For Libby, the club has been life changing: “I honestly couldn’t imagine my life without it. Through the club, I’ve met so many amazing people, we’ve all bonded over running and it’s created this really special community,” she said.
By removing the stigma and pressure, Dr Libby Holmes is reshaping what running means for women. Run For Fun Sheffield is an environment where women can succeed and push themselves without the fear of judgement or needless competitions.
To join them, all you need to do is show up.
Follow @runforfunsheffield on Instagram
