GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Each week, Leeds Dock Running Club brings together over 100 runners, fostering a strong sense of community at Leeds Dock. Members lace up their trainers to take part in a range of events organised by the club’s owners, Ian, Suzette, Rob and Pippa. The club hosts inclusive and engaging activities that encourage members to support one another on their fitness journeys.

We spoke with Ian, one of the co-owners, to learn what makes the club so unique. He shared insights into the club’s events and how you can get involved. Read on to find out more!

Q: Can you introduce yourself and your role at Leeds Dock Running Club?
A: My name is Ian, and I co-manage Leeds Dock Running Club alongside Suzette, Rob and Pippa. My responsibilities include organising and leading running sessions, managing the club’s social media pages, and handling administrative work behind the scenes to ensure that the club operates effectively and sustainably.

Q: What inspired you to lead a running club at Leeds Dock?
A: I joined Leeds Dock Running Club in early 2022 when there were only a handful of regular runners attending, and sessions were held once a week on a Wednesday. After becoming friends with one of the run leaders, Suzette, we discussed the potential to expand and grow the club together, as we both shared a vision of building a thriving community through running. We believe that the Leeds Dock area is the perfect location for a community running club, catering to both residents and the wider area. Leeds Dock is already home to various sports and fitness groups, such as open water swimming, paddleboarding and the Waterfront Festival, so we see our running club as a valuable addition that benefits people of all ages and backgrounds.

Q: How long has Leeds Dock Running Club been going?
A: I believe the club was established in 2019, but it was quite informal at that time, with run sessions varying from week to week and only being held on Thursday lunchtimes at one point. Naturally, during the pandemic and lockdowns of 2020/21, the club did not operate, but it resumed in 2022 with a small number of members, including Suzette, Rob and Pippa, attending the Wednesday evening runs – at which point I joined shortly after.

Q: How can others from the community or outside Leeds get involved?
A: Leeds Dock Running Club is a free, inclusive community for everyone, and we welcome individuals from any location to get involved and join us. While most of our members live in or around the city centre and Leeds Dock area, we also have many runners who travel from further afield for our weekly sessions.

Our club caters to runners of all abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned marathon runners. All our sessions can be viewed on the RunTogether app here, where you can sign up for free, or you can check our latest social media posts for further details on what to expect here.

Q: What inspired you to start running?
A: I remember watching the London Marathon every year on television and thinking, “I could never do that.” Growing up, I participated in other activities such as cycling and hiking, but it wasn’t until the lockdown that I decided to give running a try. I found running to be incredibly accessible and easy to get into, and it has significantly benefited my physical and mental health. 

Being part of a running club has also allowed me to socialise and make new friends while improving my skills and training. I would encourage anyone who is contemplating trying it out to lace up their trainers and give it a go. At Leeds Dock Running Club, we offer a variety of weekly sessions to help and support you.

Q: What makes you most proud of Leeds Dock Running Club?
A: The camaraderie among our members is what makes Leeds Dock Running Club the success it is. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced racer, you will be warmly welcomed to join us for our weekly sessions. 

Our team of qualified run leaders and volunteers will ensure that you feel supported throughout your running journey. We’ve had runners join us who were new to the sport, and through attending our club runs, they have gone on to complete half-marathons and marathons, which makes me immensely proud to have contributed to their achievements.

Q: How many runners do you attract each week?
A: Our Monday Move is our weekly social run for all and is the most popular session, attracting approximately 100 runners each week. Our Wednesday Rush training sessions are tailored for those looking to improve their speed or strength, drawing about 40 runners each week. 

The Sunday Stride, our weekly long run, typically attracts between 20 and 35 runners. While these numbers might seem daunting for someone considering joining the club for the first time, all our runners are friendly and welcoming, and our run leaders and volunteers will ensure that you feel supported during the runs.

Q: Could you tell me more about some of the charitable events you organise as part of your running club?
A: We are proud to host the Leeds Dock Relay, which is our annual collaboration with the Recovery Runners, who support a wide range of individuals in recovery from alcoholism, drug misuse and mental health issues. The proceeds from this event go back into helping them and their incredible community. 

Additionally, we host a quarterly Food Bank Run in collaboration with South Leeds Food Bank. Before each of these runs, our members bring along a selection of non-perishable food items to donate and can also make cash donations on the night. All the proceeds from these events go straight back into the community, aiding those in need who rely on food banks in Leeds.

Q: I’ve noticed that you host various weekly communal events, from your Sunday Stride to the Doggy Dash. Could you share more about these?
A: As a running club, we host three weekly sessions aimed at different abilities. Our current schedule is as follows:

• MONDAY MOVE – 6:15pm: This is our weekly social run for all and is the most accessible for new members. We have three different pace groups each week: our beginners group, steady group, and speedy group. Each group is a step up in terms of speed and distance, so you should find a suitable group regardless of your pace. As our weekly social run, the emphasis is less on speed and more on having a jog and a chat, making it welcoming for everyone.
• WEDNESDAY RUSH – 6:15pm: This is our weekly training run, perfect for those looking to improve their speed or strength while still enjoying a social environment. We have a rotation of different sessions, including intervals, negative splits, hill reps and tempo runs, all designed to help you train and enhance your performance.
• SUNDAY STRIDE – 10:00am: This is our weekly long run, ideal for those looking to build their endurance while being part of a social group. Our Sunday runs offer variety, with each session being slightly different, including trail routes, timed runs along the canal, club away days and our monthly Canter & Coffee run, where we complete a one-hour session followed by discounted drinks and pastries at Fearns Leeds Dock.

We also host special events throughout the year, such as our Doggy Dash, Navigation Challenge, and our very own LDRC Half Marathon. Whatever you’re looking for – be it a social jog, a rigorous training session or a leisurely run with your dog – you’ll find something to suit you at Leeds Dock Running Club!

Q: Do you have to be good at running to join your club?
A: Leeds Dock Running Club is open to runners of all abilities; you simply choose the day and session that best suits you. In the past, we’ve welcomed complete novice runners, and through our sessions, they’ve built up their speed and confidence, eventually training for half-marathons and marathons. 

For anyone looking to join us for the first time or those unsure of their ability, we recommend our Monday Move beginners group. This session is designed for those newer to running and combines a mix of short routes, skill sessions, games and fun.

Q: What makes Leeds Dock a particularly great place to run?
A: Leeds Dock is a hidden gem in the city centre, and our vision is to help build a thriving community. To achieve this, we regularly engage with and promote other businesses at the Dock, such as Fearns, Pizza Express and Yoga Hero, all of whom have offered discounts to our runners. 

Leeds Dock also provides excellent access to running routes that showcase the rich history and diversity of Leeds, with areas such as Temple Newsham, Middleton Woods and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal just on our doorstep. We warmly encourage runners from across the region and beyond to come down and join us, benefitting from the fantastic community surrounding Leeds Dock.

Q: Why should people join Leeds Dock Running Club?
A: Whether you are serious about improving your fitness and training for a specific event or simply wish to enjoy a casual social jog and chat, there will be a session to suit you at Leeds Dock Running Club. 

Joining our community is a fantastic way to get outside in the fresh air, enjoy running, train for an event and make new friends along the way. All our sessions are led by a qualified UK Athletics run leader, and we promise to provide a safe and welcoming environment for runners of all abilities.

Q: If you had to describe Leeds Dock Running Club in three words, what would they be?
A: Supportive, encouraging and fun.

—

Leeds Dock Running Club goes beyond being just a fitness group – it’s a supportive community that encourages people of all abilities to get out, get moving and experience the many benefits of running. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just looking for a casual social jog, there’s something for everyone.

The community spirit of the club reflect the ethos of running itself: as the famous marathon runner John Bingham once put it, “The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”

So why not take that first step and get involved? Follow them on social media (@leedsdockrunning) to stay up to date with their fantastic work and learn how you can join them on their fitness journey.