A space for women to run, connect and grow together.

Something new is popping up at Running Department.

Starting 15 August, we’re introducing RD POP-UP: Women-Only Run, a 12-week women-only training series led by our Great Eastern Women’s Run Official Pacers.

So no, we’re not opening a pop-up store. 😄

RD POP-UP is our way of creating temporary running experiences for different parts of our community. For our very first POP-UP, we’re creating something we’ve wanted to do for a long time: a dedicated space for women to run together.

Why a Women-Only Run?

Running Department has always believed that running should be welcoming and accessible to everyone.

At the same time, we recognise that there is value in creating spaces for different groups within our community to come together, find confidence and support one another in their own running journeys.

With Great Eastern Women’s Run celebrating its 20th edition this year, and with a strong all-women team of Official Pacers preparing for the race, we thought there couldn’t be a better time to take that first step.

For the next 12 weeks, our GEWR Official Pacers will lead a series of weekend training runs where women can train together, exchange conversations, make new friends and work towards their running goals.

For women, by women.

Who is RD POP-UP for?

You don’t need to be fast.

You don’t need to belong to Running Department.

You don’t need to be part of a run club.

And you don’t even need to be racing at Great Eastern Women’s Run.

RD POP-UP: Women-Only Run is open to all women, regardless of pace, experience or running community.

Whether you’re preparing for your first 10km, chasing a new Half Marathon personal best, building towards another upcoming race, or simply looking for some company on your weekend miles, you’re welcome to join us.

Train Towards Your Goal

Our training runs will be supported by the same Official Pacers preparing to lead runners at Great Eastern Women’s Run.

If you have a target timing in mind, you can train alongside pacers preparing for:

Half Marathon

• 2hr 15min @ 6:23min/km
• 2hr 30min @ 7:07min/km
• 2hr 45min @ 7:49min/km

10km

• 60min @ 6:00min/km
• 70min @ 7:00min/km
• 80min @ 8:00min/km

The pacers will be running at these paces during the runs. While these timings are there to help provide structure and guidance, you don’t need to be chasing any of them to join us.

Come at your own pace and work towards your own goal.

6km at a Time

Long runs can sound intimidating, especially if you’re just getting started.

That’s why our weekend training runs are designed around approximately 6km loops.

Depending on the week’s programme, runners training for longer distances can continue for additional loops, while those who are newer to running or looking for a shorter session can stop after completing their intended distance.

Start with 6km. Come back the following week. Add another loop when you’re ready.

You don’t have to run the furthest distance to be part of the session.

Run Safe, Run Together

As always, we want everyone to enjoy their run and get home safely.

A few reminders when running with us:

• Run only when you are feeling well. If you’re unwell, injured or not feeling right, give the session a miss and come back when you’re ready.
• Keep to two abreast and be considerate to other runners, cyclists and members of the public sharing the paths with us.
• Keep left where possible and listen out for instructions from our pacers and run crews.
• Stay hydrated, especially during longer sessions and warmer mornings.
• Know your limits. Training is about consistency, not completing every km at all costs.

And most importantly, look out for one another. If you see someone struggling, check in on her.

That’s what running together is about.

Come As You Are

This is our first RD POP-UP, and we’re going to learn along the way.

We hope it becomes a space where women feel comfortable showing up regardless of where they are in their running journey. A place to train towards a goal, find some confidence, meet someone new and perhaps leave with a few more friends than when they arrived.

No matter which community or run club you come from, you’re welcome here.

Last but not least, please ensure you RSVP for a slot before you come! This will greatly help us out on the resource and logistics planning for each run.

 

See you at the RD POP-UP: Women-Only Run.