Inclusion Isn’t a Buzzword
“Everyone is welcome” sounds nice on a flyer, but it’s not the same as inclusion. A group can say they’re welcoming and still feel unwelcoming if athletes don’t see themselves represented, if fee structures exclude people, or if leadership only reflects a narrow slice of the community.
If you want to build a running group that’s actually inclusive, it’s about systems, not slogans.
What Inclusion Really Looks Like
True inclusion goes beyond who shows up at the start line. It’s about who gets centered, who gets leadership roles, and whether your group makes space for runners of all abilities, identities, and backgrounds.
-
It’s about representation in photos, but also in decision-making.
-
It’s about celebrating athletes at every pace, not just the front of the pack.
-
It’s about acknowledging the land you run on, and connecting with the Indigenous communities tied to it.
When those pieces are missing, athletes notice — and often opt out.
Practical Steps to Build Inclusivity
Start with the basics:
-
Representation in leadership. If your board, captains, or coordinators all look the same, your group has work to do.
-
Fee structures that make sense. Create sliding scales, scholarships, or fee waivers that don’t tokenize.
-
Training your volunteers. Cultural competency, pronoun use, and bias awareness matter.
-
Partnerships over photo ops. Build relationships with local BIPOC and Indigenous groups. Don’t just invite them to run — support their work and show up for them.
-
Celebrating all finish lines. That 15-minute miler deserves the same spotlight as the sub-3 marathoner.
Masters & Menopausal Athletes: Don’t Forget Them
Inclusivity also means recognizing age and life stage. Masters and menopausal athletes are often overlooked in group training. If your group doesn’t account for different recovery needs, fueling conversations, or strength training support, you’re leaving athletes behind.
If you’re serious about building inclusivity into your group or org:
-
Equity Consulting (1:1 calls) → For orgs and leaders who want tailored support without the tokenism trap.
-
Workshops & Trainings → Bring your team or volunteers into the conversation and give them practical tools.
Inclusive Running Group FAQ
Is saying “all paces welcome” enough?
Not if the culture doesn’t back it up. If your slowest runners feel like an afterthought, they won’t stick around.
What’s wrong with just posting diverse photos?
Representation in marketing is important, but if it’s not backed by real inclusion in leadership and systems, it feels performative.
Do small running groups need equity plans?
Yes — even small steps matter. You don’t need a massive budget to build inclusive practices. Start with leadership, fees, and training.
How can groups partner with Indigenous communities?
Go beyond land acknowledgments. Build relationships, invite Indigenous runners into leadership, and support their events and initiatives.
What’s one quick change groups can make today?
Celebrate the back of the pack the same way you celebrate the front. It sends a powerful message that every runner matters.
An inclusive running group doesn’t just say “everyone is welcome.” It proves it — through who leads, how it supports, and the systems it builds.
When you move beyond optics, you don’t just get a bigger group. You get a stronger, more connected community that runners actually want to be part of.