In a city where running clubs are increasingly common, StrideOut Sheffield is quietly transforming what it means to lace up your trainers.
The group is not about pace, distance or competition, for many members, it offers more than a weekly run – it provides a sense of belonging.
“There definitely is a sense of community,” explains chair Amy Everett. “It provides a space for open discussions about things like menopause, divorce, marriage and children. Because it’s just women, there’s that openness and honesty.”
Inclusivity sits at the heart of the group’s identity. StrideOut ensures no one is left behind. “Our aim is to do the distance together and enjoy it together,” Amy says.
One of their unique practices known as a “run back”, ensures the entire group stays connected. Faster runners loop back to support people at the rear, reinforcing the idea that every member shares the journey equally.
“It means the person at the back isn’t always at the back,” Amy adds. “We try to really live what inclusion means.”
The club attracts women ranging from their mid-30s to their 70s. For many, joining represents a chance to rediscover themselves and create space in their lives.
“These women are starting to find space for themselves again,” Amy says.
While some members enjoy the physical benefits of running, for others it is about mental wellbeing, being outdoors and feeling supported within a community.
One story captures the group’s impact: a member named Emma joined StrideOut after feeling out of place in other Sheffield running clubs.
On one Friday morning run, the group paused halfway up a hill so she could catch her breath. Instead of continuing, they sat together at the top, sharing the moment.
“It was just really lovely,” Amy recalls. “We were all there with her.”
Emma passed away later that year, but the memory remains.
“Sometimes we run past where she’s buried in Stannington and say hello,” Amy says. “But I’ll always remember that moment because I think it was a chance for her to say what she needed to, and we could be there for her”.
For its members the impact is clear: StrideOut is a running club that brings people together, keeps them moving and ensures no one is left behind.
