Running groups coming together to celebrate Global Running Day in Thanet

11 June 2024

Last Wednesday (5 June) marked Global Running Day as the running community came together across the world to celebrate the benefits of running and to get active together! All those with a shared love of running in Thanet, Kent came together to complete a 5k social run. We caught up with the organisers, Coastal Striders, to find out more.

“Starting from The Boating Pool, Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate, the run was open to all those who run, jog, or jeff (run-walk-run) across Thanet to join the thousands of other participants around the world in celebration of a day that encourages everyone to stay active and healthy.

“Jon Holl of Thanet Roadrunners brought all local clubs together to celebrate this global event for the first time last year. It proved to be a huge success attracting around 150 runners. This year, the baton was passed to Coastal Striders to lead the way in organising the event which saw an even bigger attendance.

“Whether part of a running club, group, parkrun or an individual, everyone was invited to join. Those representing running clubs and groups across Thanet were seen wearing their shirt colours with pride. Runners included those from each of the two Thanet parkruns (Margate and Pegwell Bay), Thanet Roadrunners, Coastal Striders, Alfie’s Striders, Thanet Athletics Club, Kent County Athletics Association, Vegan Runners, The Illegal Runners, That Running Club, Follow us Running and other informal groups.

"Running has been proven to benefit not only your physical health, but your mental health too. Running with others has added benefits of strengthening social bonds, camaraderie, increasing motivation, energy and sense of enjoyment. The number of running groups joining this celebration of running highlights that it’s an easily accessible form of exercise in Thanet and beyond that is open to all."

If you are interested in starting your running journey or you already run and would like to join like-minded people, use our RunTogether group finder to find a group near you. Or if you are local to Thanet, please feel free to get in touch with any of the running clubs listed above who will make you feel welcome.

Photo credit: Graham Ó Síodhacháin