What makes Fitmums and Friends different?
We believe that being active should be something everyone can enjoy — whatever your age, ability, confidence or experience.
But we also know that taking that first step can be difficult. Walking into a new group, not knowing anyone, worrying that you won't be able to keep up or wondering whether you'll be left behind can all be barriers to getting started.
That's why we have simple, practical systems that make joining Fitmums and Friends feel welcoming, safe and supportive from the moment you arrive.
Our systems have been built through years of experience, listening to our members and understanding the things that can make people feel uncomfortable or excluded. They mean you don't have to be an experienced runner or walker, you don't have to know anyone and you don't have to be the fastest person in the group. You just need to turn up. We'll help with the rest.
Look for the Welcome Paddle
Walking into a new group can be daunting — so we've made sure you don't have to worry about where to go. When you arrive at a session just look for the "Welcome Paddle" at the entrance to the venue. Find the paddle and you'll find someone who is there to welcome you.
They'll explain how the session works, answer any questions, help you choose the distance that's right for you and introduce you to the appropriate distance group. They'll make sure you know where you're going and connect you with your trained leader.
Whether you're joining us to run or walk, you don't need to arrive knowing what to do. Just find the Welcome Paddle and support will begin from there.
Move at your own pace — without being left behind
One of the things that makes our groups different is a system called shepherding. We know that people naturally move at different speeds — and that your pace can change depending on your experience, your fitness, your health and simply how you're feeling that day.
Our shepherding system is designed to make sure that people can run or walk at their own natural pace without being left behind. This means you don't have to slow down because you're worried about losing the group, but equally, you don't have to push yourself to move faster than feels comfortable.
Our volunteers use shepherding to ensure the group stays connected, with support at the back so that everyone knows they are part of the group. No one is left behind. No one has to move faster than they want to. You can read more about the shepherding system HERE
Choose your distance
At our running sessions, you can typically choose from a range of distances — usually 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 miles. Many of our clubs also offer walking groups, giving you the opportunity to choose a walking distance and pace that works for you.
The exact options vary between clubs and sessions, but our aim is always the same: to give you a choice and make sure there is an option that feels right for you. Maybe you're completely new to running and want to start with one mile. Perhaps you're building your confidence after a break, returning to activity after an illness or injury, or you're already active and want to challenge yourself further.
Whatever your reason for coming, we want you to feel confident that you can find your place within our groups.
Sometimes, if we have fewer trained leaders available, we may need to reduce the number of distances on offer. But we aim to provide a variety of options wherever possible — and we always protect our 1-mile group so that beginners and those returning to activity know they can turn up and find a welcoming starting point.
Our dedicated 1-Mile group
We know that one mile can feel like a huge achievement. Our dedicated 1-mile group is there for people who are taking their first steps into running, returning after a break or simply wanting a gentler start. You don't have to prove yourself before you join us, you do not need to already be able to run a mile or 5k.
We understand how hard it can be to crack that first mile but with company it can genuinely be so much easier. So all you need is to walk through our doors and let us help you do the rest. One mile is enough.
And because we protect this group, you can have confidence that there is a place for you to start. For many people, that first mile becomes the beginning of something much bigger — improved confidence, better fitness, new friendships and a sense of belonging.
Trained Leaders who know how to support you
Our running groups are led by trained volunteers who have completed the Leadership in Running Fitness (LIRF) course (England Athletics), and our walking groups are supported by volunteers with the appropriate training and knowledge to lead their sessions. All Leaders also attend an in-house training session with Fitmums and Friends - which helps introduce, explain and embed all the unique supportive systems utilised at sessions to make the experience of members the best it can possibly be.
We believe that good leadership matters. Our leaders understand how to manage groups of different abilities and experience levels, helping everyone to feel confident and supported.
Our sessions include an appropriate warm-up to help prepare your body for activity, a supported run or walk where our group systems help keep everyone together, and a cool-down and stretch to finish.
Our leaders also understand that leading a group is about much more than setting the pace. It's about noticing when someone needs encouragement, making sure people feel included and helping create an environment where everyone can participate safely and confidently. Our trained leaders, alongside our wider volunteer systems, help us provide a consistent approach across our clubs.
It's more than a running or walking group
All of these systems have one thing in common: they remove the things that can make people feel they don't belong. You don't have to know anyone. You don't have to be fast. You don't have to run or walk a certain distance. You don't have to worry about being left behind. You don't have to arrive knowing how everything works. You just need to find the Welcome Paddle. From there, we'll help you find your place.
Because at Fitmums and Friends, we believe that being active is about more than running or walking. It's about moving, connecting and thriving together — and creating communities where everyone feels they belong.