The Running Community: Support, respect and inspiration

One of the most powerful things about running, is that while it’s often seen as an individual sport, the community that surrounds it often makes it one of the most supportive environments you’ll ever experience. Whether in training sessions, at the start line of a race, or sharing advice over a coffee after a long run, there is something unique about the way runners rally around each other.

Unlike many sporting contexts where competition can breed intense rivalry, often amongst teammates, running communities, from local top clubs, with international competitors, to informal running groups, foster encouragement, camaraderie, and genuine respect for everyone’s journey. No matter your background, pace, or personal goals, there’s a shared understanding that showing up, putting in the effort, and striving for progress is worthy of recognition.

Diversity, Respect and the Shared Journey

One of the things I love most about being part of the running scene here in Northern Ireland is the diversity of people it brings together. Within a single club session, you might find seasoned marathoners, complete beginners, parents juggling training around family life - you'll find teachers, nurses, builders and barristers and athletes returning after injury or setbacks. The respect shown across these different journeys and personalities is remarkable. Everyone knows that running is deeply personal; every step forward represents hours of commitment, resilience, and small victories that only another runner can truly appreciate, regardless of who you are and what you do.

This mutual respect breeds support. In training, runners cheer each other on through tough intervals. In races, competitors often shout encouragement to those around them. And in online forums or post-run chats, advice flows freely, everyone wanting to help others enjoy the sport they love.

My Recent Experiences

Since the spring marathon season, I’ve been back racing again recently, and more involved in the local club scene. Events like the Laganside 10k, the Belfast Half Marathon, and the Seaton Classic 10k have been fantastic reminders of the atmosphere that the running community creates. Standing on the start line, there’s nervous anticipation, of course, but also an overwhelming sense of togetherness. Strangers exchange words of encouragement, club mates rally around one another, Strava connections get introduced for the first time, and after the finish line, everyone celebrates, regardless of whether they’ve run a PB or simply made it round.

Joining my new club Mallusk Harriers has only reinforced this. The support, camaraderie, and good-humoured competitiveness I’ve found there mirrors what I see across clubs all over Northern Ireland, including my previous club Monkstown Spartans, who have an excellent community spirt and lots of members who are just top humans and passionate runners. I suspect (and hope) it's the same across the UK too. I certainly got a great feel for this too as part of Puma Project 3 earlier in the year. I have made great friends and connections from that experience, with athletes, who are now connections from Brussels, Birmingham, to Boston. Running clubs and communities are platforms not just for training and racing, but for building connections, sharing in struggles, and celebrating achievements collectively. In addition, I have been really grateful in the past few months to have be asked by Alan Ladd, a now local club mate (but wasn't at the time), coach and nutritionist to appear on his podcast (you can listen this this on a previous blog post) to appear as a guest for interview. This again, was all in the spirit of sharing and learning, even though technically we may be seen as in the market together as rival coaches. It shows that support wins every time, and we need to keep building each other up. Also just at the time of writing this post another local athlete, renowned coach and content producer Adam Smyth, talked on his flowstate podcast, with his co-presenter Luke Twynford, about a great interaction we had at the recent Belfast Half Marathon finish, where I mentioned how I was loving his podcast this past year.

Again Adam had no specific reason to mention that interaction and also mentioning my PB to his podcast audience, apart from I guess his shared views that if we have positive things to share in running with each other, we should share them. Again, positivity and support goes a long way, and runners I feel here locally, will almost always support others where they can.

Inspiration Without Comparison

As a coach, I believe being part of this community can add immense motivation and enjoyment to your running. Others can inspire you to push a little harder, to stay consistent, and to realise what you’re capable of. But there’s a balance to be struck. It's very easy to fall into the trap of comparison, judging your progress against someone else’s times, mileage, or achievements. That can quickly take the joy out of the sport. My philosophy is to embrace the inspiration without letting comparison define your journey. Running should be about your growth, progress, and enjoyment.

The Role of a Coach in a Supportive Community

Another reality of being part of a running community is the sheer amount of advice you’ll receive. From training tips to shoe recommendations, everyone means well, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming, even contradictory. That’s where an experienced, impartial coach can help. My role is to filter the noise, to help you work out what’s right for you and your unique circumstances, and to keep you grounded in your own goals and needs. The community can lift you up and keep you motivated, while good coaching provides the structure and clarity to channel that energy effectively. Together, they create an environment where you can thrive.

Final Thoughts

Running is a sport of individual effort, but it thrives on collective spirit. The running community with its diversity, mutual respect, and genuine encouragement, is unlike anything else I’ve encountered in sport. My own recent experiences racing again - and joining a new club have reminded me how powerful this support network is, and how much it adds to the joy of running.

So whether you’re new to running, aiming for a PB, or just seeking more enjoyment in your training, lean into the community. Let it inspire you, but not define you. And if you ever feel lost in the noise, that’s where a coach like me can help guide the way – ensuring your journey is about growth, balance, and fulfilment.