03/06/2026
Today is Global Running Day, and just as we have every year since our formation in 2017, DOrunning will be celebrating it in our usual proactive and positive style – by getting out for a run with the intention of inspiring others to do the same.
We encourage everyone in our community to lace up, get outside, and enjoy a run, whether it's an attempt at a personal best, a social jog with friends, or simply a few solo miles taken at your own pace.
Whilst our focus and main purpose have evolved somewhat since the end of 2025, together we can still celebrate the joy of movement and the spirit of running that connects us all.
Back in 2017, DOrunning (formally SBRC) was established to break the mould and challenge the stigma often associated with traditional running clubs. Our aim was to become Nottingham's first truly social and fully inclusive running group. What we created was a roaring success. Others quickly followed our example and, with greater resources, were able to develop groups and clubs of their own...
Far from being discouraged, this was exactly what we had hoped for. My sole intention was to help others experience the same benefits from running that I had, whilst removing many of the barriers and negative aspects that often prevented participation. I made a promise never to compete or compare.
In 2019, this mindset allowed DOrunning to take another step forward. We strengthened our brand, developed collaborations and partnerships, and it enabled me personally to support and encourage those facing the greatest barriers to participation.
After making such positive progress, the Covid-19 pandemic, as it did for every aspect of life, brought much of that momentum to an almost complete standstill. Nevertheless, we found ways to continue our work, albeit at a much slower pace than originally hoped.
As restrictions eased, our focus returned entirely to bringing people together through group activity. After eighteen months of isolation, those who benefited from our unique approach needed it more than ever. Understanding that need, we committed all of our time and energy to rebuilding those connections.
Fast forward a few years and that renewed sense of togetherness has helped fuel a remarkable surge in participation. More people are running than ever before, and more groups continue to emerge. We absolutely love to see it! Unlike some, we have never viewed this as competition. It doesn't matter who gets people running; what matters is that as many people as possible are enjoying the countless physical, mental and social benefits that running provides.
Bringing our journey up to the present day, at the end of 2025 we made the incredibly difficult decision to move our attention away from regular running groups. It was certainly not a decision taken lightly.
The running scene in our amazing city is now stronger than it has ever been, with multiple opportunities available every night of the week. That success has afforded us the opportunity to return to what we had hoped DOrunning could become when we first began reshaping our offer in 2019: a small but determined organisation committed to making a genuine difference.
We know the impact we have had on individuals, charitable organisations, and the local economy. We probably don't talk about it enough, but we don't feel the need to. Much like running itself, all that really matters is putting one foot in front of the other and continuing to move forward.
Of course, like any group, club or organisation, there have been moments of adversity along the way. Misunderstandings, misconceptions, and occasionally people forgetting what once served them so well. Whether intentional or not, these moments have sometimes created distractions, but they have never deterred us from our purpose.
Our impact has been immeasurable. Literally, thousands of friendships have been formed, significant sums have been raised for good causes, and partnerships have been created that will endure for years to come. Whilst we cannot control how others perceive our journey, we can control our own direction — and we choose to move forward with positivity, purpose and even greater determination.
Whatever doubts may be cast upon our approach, and despite once being recognised as the most inclusive running group in the city, we have never allowed our boundaries to be crossed in ways that would compromise our integrity or undermine the values upon which our success has been built - kindness, respect and good intentions. This is often questioned to distract from the incredible achievements - we cannot help people, who want to fight against our beliefs, particularly when it suits their intrusive needs.
If recent changes have led some to believe that DOrunning is nearing the end of its association with running, then Global Running Day is the perfect opportunity to remind those who continue to support, advocate for and be inspired by DOrunning that there is still so much more to come.
We can finally say, in every sense of the phrase, that we are …
From being the trendsetters of genuine inclusivity, we are now afforded the availability to expand into other aspects of running provision and specifically targeted activity.
Watch this space 👀
For today, however, on GRD26, DO exactly as you should. With smile on your face, get out there, and make sure you are...
Des 💪
01/06/2026
21/05/2026
07/03/2026
13/02/2026
29/01/2026
01/01/2026
28/12/2025
24/12/2025
23/12/2025