Brand-new social run club that offers fitness, fun and ‘midweek vibes’ in Liverpool

A brand-new city social run club is offering fitness, fun, and a chance to boost those ‘midweek vibes’.

On The Run Liverpool meets every Tuesday in Lark Lane and is open to regular runners or those just starting out.

It was begun five weeks ago by Nicole Austin who says:

“On The Run is focused on creating a fun inclusive space for people to get moving and meet others – and get a feelgood vibe in the middle of the week.

“There’s no pressure, no pace expectations, just a lovely welcome for anyone who wants to join us.”

The club meets outside Minna at 6.30pm, setting off for one and a half laps around Sefton Park for a ‘super relaxed 5K’ before gathering back together at Milo Lounge for a chill and a chat.

So for those who maybe aren’t the front runners? “Don’t worry,” smiles Nicole. “We’ll grab the seats!”

Nicole, 26, who’s originally from the Midlands but came to Liverpool for uni – ‘and fell in love with it’ – has lived in the city for the last eight years, leaving only for a travelling year three years ago.

It was when she came back that the social media executive for Killer Ink Tattoo started running to help improve her own fitness and mental health, and now she wants to create a community of people like her to help them improve theirs too.

“When I started I couldn’t even run for the bus,” explains Nicole. “I was a person who had never done exercise, I didn’t like exercise, and it was just not me.

“But I started doing the Couch to 5K to support my mental health, and it went from there.

“I think my mental health suffered after I first left uni where, don’t get me wrong there was a lot that was positive, but I’d also picked up bad habits.  I was drinking too much, I lacked purpose because I didn’t know what I was going to do, I had debt and I didn’t really feel like an adult.

“I was a mess.

“And it was bizarre how running, initially for only 30 seconds, and building up to that 5K boosted my mood.  When I achieved that first 5K I burst into tears, I was so pleased and couldn’t believe I’d stuck to it.

“I felt so much better and I was hooked … all thanks to Sarah Millican guiding me to my goal!”

Nicole began taking part in park runs at the weekend, but felt she’d always feel flat by Tuesday when the endorphins had subsided and there were no social runs to look forward.

“Tuesday felt like the day when there was a lull, when your motivation can dip a bit, and I thought it would be good if there was something else that kept me accountable, and would create a commitment along with like-minded people, so I set up On The Run Liverpool. 

“It means people can be mindful, but there’s no pressure.

“There’s been a real mix of people so far with groups of around 15 which I’m chuffed with, and I’d like to grow it so more people can keep fit and get outdoors, and to boost wellness.

“It’s also a really good way of making new friends and meeting people you might not ordinarily meet, so eventually I might organise other events as well.

“There’s an Instagram page and a WhatsApp group where people share tips, so that’s really encouraging.”

Nicole adds:

“People can get in touch via Instagram or just turn up on a Tuesday evening.

“I’ve been so motivated and inspired by everyone I’ve met so far, and I hope others will be too.”

Find out more on Instagram.

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