Lockdown caused a significant drop in activity levels of our population – leisure centres were shut down, social distancing made sure we weren’t able to play team sports with friends and the inactivity took a toll on our mental health.
Coming out the other side of the pandemic, activity is rising – but there’s one sport in particular that has seen a significant uptick in people – running.
“Running’s really accessible,” says Eleanor Stretch, social secretary for the running club at Newcastle. “You don’t need anything [new], you just put trainers on, even if they’re not good t, and you just come out and run which is really nice.”
Newcastle’s Running Club was founded in 2015, currently celebrating its 10th anniversary. Since the pandemic, the rise in runners has been significant within the club.
“It’s definitely been very noticeable coming out of COVID,” agrees Simon Cheung, Welfare Secretary for the club. “I think that people were ready to get out there and enjoy the fresh air again. It’s really quite accessible as well, which is one of the big reasons that it's for everyone.”
It’s not just lockdown that has had a significant impact on people taking up running. The growth of social media and fitness influencers have introduced the hobby to a wider audience, and interest in the club has increased steadily.
“This year, as committee, I see a lot of new faces, which is so nice. We’ve had 300 new members, but I reckon a good half of that is freshers, so it’s really exciting!” Eleanor comments.
“I definitely think running’s becoming more … it’s not a trend, but it’s definitely become more popular. I also think with Instagram runners and TikTok runners, people are really wanting to get into it.”
… it’s not a trend, but it’s definitely become more popular.
Simon adds that “Lots of people are finding on TikTok and on Instagram reels that running is a great way to explore the outdoors whilst also maintaining your health.”
The club has a standing Monday and Thursday run, and they trial different routes throughout the city. Most frequently, they run through the Town Moor, sticking close to Jesmond, but also explore the Quayside.
Further from Newcastle City Centre, the club explores places such as the Angel of the North, Tynemouth, but also adventure further to the Pennines or the Lake District to introduce members to different landscapes.
The beauty of running is that you can start anytime, and the club has the perfect programme to help you begin. The Couch to 5K Programme piggy backs off of its national counterpart and helps you get into the sport safely and with the support you need.
The beauty of running is that you can start anytime, and the club has the perfect programme to help you begin.
As former vice-president of the club, Simon spoke about introducing the programme with the help of the student’s union and still spearheads the initiative today.
“The idea is to get people off their feet, get them walking, and then eventually get them running longer and longer distances until they can complete a 5K. In the three years we’ve been putting Couch to 5K on for new students, we’ve seen people go from not doing any running at all to even doing the Great North Run and further.”
It’s a supportive environment for everyone at any skill level or commitment. Every meet has separate committee members leading groups at different paces, and the ability to choose is up to you. Even from starting out to becoming a seasoned runner, theres always a pace for you!
“From a personal standpoint as a medical student,” Simon continues, “it’s really rewarding because even if you change one person’s habits, hopefully, over their lifetime, it could save a few lives as well.”
There’s also plenty of space to get to know everyone too! Eleanor mentions a variety of socials, but highlights her favourite - Pizza and Pint Night.
“Every couple months we do a run on a Thursday, about a 5K, and we all end up at the Lost Wanderer Pub. We order lots of pizzas and it’s really chatty and it’s how we get to know everyone, which is lovely.”
If you’re thinking of taking up running as a hobby, or continuing where you left off at home – Newcastle’s Running Club is most likely the place for you to be!