Running groups get called out a lot for not being as inclusive as they claim to be. It’s a fair criticism. Plenty of groups say “all paces welcome” but then take off at an 8-minute pace, leaving anyone slower to fend for themselves. But there’s another side to this conversation that doesn’t get nearly as much attention.
It’s not just about whether a run group makes space for everyone. It’s also about whether the people who show up actually lean into that space.
I’ve seen this happen so many times. Someone new shows up, hangs back for a few runs, then quietly stops coming. Not because they weren’t welcome, but because they didn’t want to feel like they were holding others back. Maybe they assumed no one wanted to run their pace. Maybe they didn’t want to ask if anyone else was up for going slower. Instead of taking up space, they disappeared.
As a run leader, I try to keep an eye on this. I do my best to make sure no one gets left behind, but I also can’t force someone to speak up if they’re feeling out of place. And when someone just stops showing up without a word, I don’t always know if they felt unwelcome or if life just got in the way.
True inclusivity goes both ways. Yes, groups need to do better at structuring runs that actually accommodate different paces. But runners also need to be willing to engage. If you show up and immediately assume you’re slowing everyone down, you’re not really giving the group a chance to include you.
If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in a run group, I get it. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there, especially if you’re not sure you’ll fit in. But I’d challenge you to consider whether the group itself made you feel that way or if you pulled yourself back before giving it a real shot.
And if you’re a leader, pay attention to the quiet exits. Sometimes people disappear because life gets busy. But sometimes they disappear because they didn’t feel like they had permission to stay.
Let’s keep making space. But let’s also make sure people know they’re allowed to take it.