A Kendal running club aimed at people who have not run before is marking three months since they began.
The Shit Runners Club (SRC) began life as a running club for people who are ‘not actually good at running’ and has since grown into one of the largest running clubs in the Lake District.
Shaun Fagan, the founder of the club, was surprised at the immediate growth of the club.
Mr Fagan said: “It feels like three years to be honest, I can’t believe it’s only been three months.
“It’s just staggering.
“The sheer rate and pace at which we’ve done things and grown has been absolutely mind-blowing.
“What’s incredible is the amount of people on Facebook who come running with us and are supporting, commenting and sharing it all because they all feel a part of it.
“That’s the beauty of it – it’s not just my idea, it’s a proper, full blown community now.”
The club has grown beyond its original scope and now offers runs six days a week as well as a variety of social activities.
A group of 21 volunteers help plan these activities and other extras, such as merchandise.
The ethos of the club has helped this, with the attitude being low-pressure with just turning up considered a step in the right direction.
Mr Fagan said: “We don’t set particular targets, people come along and can do stuff at their own pace.
“Because we’ve got two runs a week where everybody turns up, if you do that for two or three weeks then people are noticing a significant improvement in their running ability and fitness.
“People come in without any ability at all and they get going, then they themselves become mentors who are behind them.”
The amount of runs that are put on every week means that the club is more flexible than others and people can attend runs that fit their schedule.
Now the group is expanding, with one club already set up in Morecambe and plans for Lancaster, Preston and Barrow later in the year.
The hopes are that the SRC can go national in the future, with further plans to eventually reach Scotland and Ireland.
The social aspect of the club is expanding, with activities such as paddleboard planned.
Mr Fagan said: “I thought we’d have a group, we’d turn up twice a week and then go home.
“Now people are organising parties, barbecues and all these other events and activities.
“We’ve got a group of dozens of people who are all now mates.
“I didn’t even think about that when I started, it’s been quite humbling.”
Read the full article at: https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/26046910.popular-new-running-club-hits-three-month-milestone/