The Women's Running Network was founded by women for women whatever their age, stage, shape or size. It introduces running to women in a safe, fun and social environment. Founded as a self-help group in Exeter in 1998, it is steadily growing throughout the UK, taking running to more and more women around the country.

Local groups usually meet at a café or sports centre and offer a structured approach to running in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. New members often spend more time walking than running, so sessions are structured so that each member can proceed at her own pace, whilst ensuring that the group starts and finishes together. It is important to the philosophy of the network that the group meets in a social setting, a café or a pub, after the training session.

Longer-established groups often provide training at different levels on different nights of the week and have developed training schedules, up to and including marathon distance, for members who wish to become more serious and competitive runners. Groups also arrange training weekends where the emphasis is on developing members’ running across different terrain in a new part of the country, as well as strengthening the social and supportive aspects of the group.

Sport England is now working with the Women’s Running Network to help promote physical activity for their target groups, especially women who have not been involved in physical activity previously, and young women. A funded project employing full-time development staff has been established in SW England, where the Network has more than forty groups.

For a woman who is keen to start running, or return to running after a break, joining the Women’s Running Network is an ideal first step. All you need is some basic running kit: a good pair of running shoes, shorts or pants, a comfortable top and you can go to a session of your nearest local group. Details can be found on Women's Running Network