The Bristol run club where 'no one is left behind'

A fast-growing run club where "no one is left behind" is being praised for prioritising the mental health of its members.

Jay Medway set up Left Handed Giant (LHG) Run Club in Bristol in 2019, as an alternative to some of the more competitive and "intimidating" clubs.

Each runner is applauded as they finish and talking is encouraged.

"If you can't talk while you run, you're running too fast," said Ms Medway.

The founder said she wanted to provide a supportive community where everyone is equal. 

Runner Robert Taylor said the free sessions had given people, such as the LGBTQ+ community, a "safe space to express yourself".

"Especially in the dark at this time of year, it can be quite daunting to be on your own," he said.

"So it's nice to have a community around you that's inclusive and they can help you out if any problems occur."

LHG Run Club launched with just 17 members, but now it is so popular that up to 160 people will turn up to one session. 

The club meets twice a week at one of the Left Handed Giant pubs in Bristol, which give it its name, to run a loop round the city centre.

There are "no egos" and everybody must be clapped in, right until the last runner returns, said Ms Medway.

"Nobody's left behind, we're all in it together and it's more about talking to the person rather than the pace," she added.

She explained that when people are running and not face-to-face they are "more open to talk to people".

Cat Hicks said as a female runner she feels "protected" being part of the club, and the social element of the group also helped her make friends when she first moved to Bristol.

"It's just a really inclusive run club and because you're running it's not really awkward," she said.

"I've probably been put off joining other [run clubs] just because of the competitive side of them", said Marie Dixon.

"I've just felt that I would never be fast enough or quick enough to be in them."

"This club for me, personally, is really important to make sure that I'm exercising my brain as well as my body," she added.

Even in bad weather large numbers still turn up each week, something even Ms Medway is surprised by.

"I didn't think I'd ever get this big, but it's great," she said.

She now hopes to be able to give other runners the tools to start up similar clubs to help encourage more people to exercise without pressure.

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