Meet The Outrunners
The Run Club Going The Extra Mile For Their Community
The Outrunners may seem like your ordinary East London running club at first glance, but the reality is anything but typical. Beyond the exterior of a conventional running group lies a thriving registered charity that has deeply influenced the local community it calls home.
The Outrunners are a collective driven by a shared passion for running. Hosting weekly run sessions, they help individuals of all levels get into running, providing support to help each person reach their goals – both personal and professional.
Attracting young runners from ages 8 to 18, they also host three weekly run sessions for adults, of which around 100 runners attend regularly. Fueling fitness with fun, The Outrunners not only train members for races across London but also host the innovative Run Your Career program.
After meeting The Outrunners at Love Trail Festival, we were amazed by their commitment to their run community and wanted to support their mission.Tyler from The Outrunners shared his thoughts of the experience with us:
"We met the team from Cotswold Outdoor at the Love Trails festival and quickly realised a shared commitment to getting people moving and having fun in the outdoor. The team donated brilliant camping kit, which helped our crew of nearly 50 young people escape the city for an amazing weekend under the stars. It was a special experience for so many of them, who don’t get opportunities like this often - and all made possible by Cotswold’s Outdoors support. A huge thanks from all of us."
Run Your Career
The Outrunners go the extra mile when it comes to empowering young runners to chase their goals. The Run Your Career initiative involves a series of events and employability workshops which aim to level the playing field and inspire young minds, connecting individuals to industries including law, architecture, fashion, journalism, and more.
By creating impactful opportunities for young people through their events, they aim to provide access to world-leading companies. The events attract diverse industry representatives and offer invaluable advice on breaking into different industries.
Through career mapping, The Outrunners empower young runners to visualise their current position and plan out the steps needed to achieve their goals. They also give runners a chance to sign up for work experience with the companies that resonate with them most.
“Being part of The Outrunners is good because you find new friends. It's like a second family.”
Sprint
The opportunities offered by Run Your Career don’t stop there. Sprint is an immersive one to three-day work experience opportunity giving participants a firsthand glimpse into the dynamic world of office environments.
Its aim is to engage young runners in projects mirroring real-life. The participants gain valuable hands-on experience, allowing them to enhance their CVs or portfolios and effectively showcase their skills to prospective employers.
“I feel part of the community and it's nice to feel welcome somewhere. We're a massive family; we help and accept one another.”
Mentoring, Move & The London Marathon Academy
The Outrunners’ mentors provide crucial support to young individuals in school years five and six, helping them navigate the challenging transition from primary to secondary school. Through group activities like ice skating, bike rides, and meals, the mentorship scheme aims to create a sense of community and friendship among mentees, helping improve their overall well-being.
In 2023, The Outrunners launched Move in collaboration with Nike. Move was made for Black and Asian girls and women from low-income areas who had disengaged from sports. The women and girls who complete the program are encouraged to join ongoing running groups afterwards. Plus, The Outrunners will also choose up to four young women aged 18+ to support following program completion, helping them to become coaches, fitness advocates, and change-makers in their community.
Lastly, to address underrepresentation in the run community, The Outrunners initiated The London Marathon Academy. In collaboration with the London Marathon, it provided those running access to coaching, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and talks from inspirational marathon runners from minority groups. In 2023, 20 runners participated and raised an astounding £21k!
"Everyone loves and supports each other, we're like a big family."
It's clear that The Outrunners' achievements haven't gone unnoticed, earning them features in the national press and recognition from publications like GQ Magazine and Runners World. As they lace up for the future, The Outrunners are not just about running; they’re paving the way for a healthier, more connected, and inclusive community in East London and beyond.
Want to support the Outrunners too?
This Christmas they're raising money to help disadvantaged young people in East London with sports activities, including weekends in the great outdoors. You can donate directly here. You can also find out how to get involved with the Outrunners on their website.
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