How the 261 Fearless effect supported me to find the joy in running and made me feel empowered
We are a community of women running for health and wellbeing, friendship and fun. We know that when women support women amazing things happen. In each of our clubs you’ll find a warm welcome, a pressure and judgement-free environment and women ready to help you on your running journey.
Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned runner, our clubs cater for all women who want to discover the possibilities and benefits that running can bring, regardless of their running experience.
With no focus on training plans or race preparation and each session designed to give you a break from the stresses of everyday life, there’s lots of laughter and fun to be had at your local club.
All our coaches have completed the unique 261 Fearless Coach Certification courses and are ready and waiting to help you learn to run safely and efficiently.
Come and join us as we run and chat together, make friends and give ourselves the best future we can. Be FEARLESS with us.
We're proud to be supported by The National Lottery Community Fund!
In the moment when she felt like giving up and she was full of fear, Kathrine Switzer moved fearlessly ahead. She proved what women are able to achieve on April 19, 1967 when she officially ran the Boston Marathon as the first woman wearing the bib number 261. Back then, a woman running a marathon was unimaginable. Along the course, Kathrine was attacked by an angry official who wanted to forcefully remove her from the race - simply because she was a woman. It was in this moment when she decided to be fearless and went on. She moved on to become an advocate for women's running and enable us to pursue the sport today. The number 261 continues to be a symbol for FEARLESSNESS globally.
We have clubs scattered around the UK. You’ll find the 261 Fearless ethos, spirit and teaching techniques in each one. Read about each club to find out what it’s like to be a member and discover how we’re supporting women to create a positive sense of self confidence and fearlessness.
You can try out any of our clubs for free. After your first Meet Run, further attendance is only £2 per Meet Run or we have an annual membership of £40 and can subsidise membership fees where finance is a barrier to participation.
Click on each club to find out more about them.
261 Club Greenwich meets on Saturday mornings at 10am by the café in Eltham Park South. Coaches Juliet, Lorrae and Carol would love to welcome you to join them whether you’re in London for a quick trip or are a local resident. Go and enjoy the beautiful park and find peace in the woods.
You can email them on 261fearlessgreenwich@gmail.com and find them on social media:
"We know how hard it is to fit exercise into our lives when we're so busy with work and family but we also know how much it helps us to stay positive! Come and join us for an hour on Saturday mornings. After time spent running in our local woods you'll leave feeling refreshed by nature and by the company of like-minded women."
- Juliet Morris, 261 Club Greenwich Coach
Thursdays at 7pm at The Print Centre car park, The Causeway is the meeting point for 261 Club Burwell. Coaches Alice, Gill and Marie would love you to join them for a fun, evening meetrun to leave the stresses of the day behind you.
You can email them on 261fearlessbwell@gmail.com and find them on social media:
"It's wonderful how running together brings us closer together. There's a strong feeling of support in our club and we all help each other, not only to get motivated to exercise but also with our needs outside of the club. Over the years, it has been so good to see many new friendships form. It's such a supportive community and we love welcoming new women to enjoy it too."
- Stephanie Sutton, 261 Club Burwell
The beautiful Lune Valley is the home for 261 Club Lune Valley and they meet every Friday at 09.30am at the Bull Beck picnic site near Caton. Join coaches Rose, Tricia and Roz to run along the scenic cycle path beside the river Lune.
You can email them on 261fearlesslv@gmail.com and find them on social media:
"I always thought running wasn't for me and that I couldn't do it but I'd recently retired and was looking for new challenges. I was nervous about going along but discovered a great group of friendly women. There's a wide range of running experience in the club but as a complete novice, I was made to feel very welcome and with their support and encouragement I soon realised that I can run and now I love it! The group really has helped me be fitter, do something that I would never have thought was in me and to gain more of an 'I can' attitude in life."
- Helen Deacon, member at 261 Club Lune Valley
With views of the historic Lancaster Castle and a variety of running routes close by, Ryelands Park is the perfect location for 261 Club Lancaster. Meeting every Friday morning at 09.30am in the car park, coaches Juliet, Helen and Marie are ready to welcome you and help you on your running journey.
You can email them on 261fearlesslancaster@gmail.com and find them on social media:
“I've found the inclusivity and non-pressurised philosophy of 261 to be the perfect encouragement! The coaches’ approach, with fun warm-up games and activities alongside some running has given me, as an older runner, invaluable improvement in technique, confidence and knowledge.”
- Chris Dowbiggin, member at 261 Club Lancaster
Every Thursday at 09.30am and 6:30pm at the Whitelands Farm Sports Ground you’ll find coaches Lisa, Janette, Carolyn, Becca and Jackie leading the 261 Club Bicester meetruns. You can meet them at the car park before the run and you might find them in the café afterwards too!
You can email them on 261fearlessbicester@mail.com and find them on social media:
“When new members come along for the first time, we always reassure them that it doesn’t matter how far or fast they can run (or not run). Every one of our members is working at their own pace and we have clever tricks to keep everyone together. You’ll never feel you are holding anyone up or worry about being last. It is so lovely the way the more experienced runners support and encourage the women who are new to running. – we’ve all been there – we are all in this together!”
- Lisa Ruggles, 261 Club Bicester Coach
Paddy Freeman’s Car park is the meeting point for 261 Club Newcastle. Join them on Fridays at 09.30am where coaches Vino, Karolien, Hilary, Ali, Arlene, Jeni and Sue will ensure you have a fun, active meetrun with plenty of laughter.
You can email them on 261fearlessnewcastle@gmail.com and find them on social media:
“I joined as a member and the meetruns quickly became my Friday morning routine. I enjoyed being a part of such a supportive group of women and this motivated and gave me the confidence to then train as a coach. There is such a sense of community and I am really looking forward to leading the meetruns. I am proud to be part of the 261 family.”
- Vino Subramaniam, member turned 261 Club Newcastle Coach
Coach Jo will meet you outside Scarth Hall on South Green in Staindrop on Friday afternoons at 5:30pm.
She'd love you to join her for games, drills and running fun in this beautiful part of the world.
Email the club at 261clubteesdale@gmail.com and find them on social media:
Let us introduce the team who run our Community Interest Company.
This small team keep the show running. They handle the administration for the Clubs, support our Coaches, spread the word about what we do and look for opportunities to grow and expand our network.
Click on each team member and let them introduce themselves.
Hello, I'm Juliet. I'm the founder of 261 Club UK and have been a Director since we launched in 2017. I am a former GP who is truly passionate about improving the health of women through physical activity. I want ALL women to experience the benefits running can bring. Not just personally but to their family, work and local community. But, there are many barriers to running and I love working to try to help break those down and seeing women flourish when they realise they can do something they never thought they could. When women work together, incredible things happen and I'm proud to be a leader of this wonderfully supportive, social running community.
Hi I’m Lisa Ruggles, one of the UK Directors. Being a director means I have many roles that help keep 261 Club UK running smoothly, but my favourite has to be supporting our wonderful coaches and hearing how their Meet Runs make such a difference for their members. I also am group leader for our club in Bicester, which means I also see women’s lives change before my eyes – job satisfaction at its best!
I'm Karolien, the 261 Club UK Social Media Manager. I'm also a Coach at 261 Club Newcastle. My professional life is all about communication and languages but in my free time I like to stay fit by going running, cycling, swimming and hiking. I like to travel and explore new places but can also be tempted by some quiet time on the sofa, reading a book or watching a movie.
I'm Pam, I first joined 261 Club Bicester in 2021 on their Activate You programme. I loved meeting other like-minded women while also learning about running technique and gaining confidence. I became the Membership Secretary in 2022. This was my first step back into work after having two children. I am very organised and enjoy structure so this role is perfect for me. I love that I can fit it in around my busy life and be part of the 261 community.
No matter what your running ability or experience, you will be welcomed by your local 261 Club. We don’t mind how you look or what you wear, how much you sweat or how slow you go. We’ll help you with your running technique and set you on the path to years of running fun.
So many issues crop up when you begin running, no one will ever snigger at your questions. We’ll guide you through the basics of how to run, what to wear, how to stretch, the list goes on. No one expects you to know anything and everyone will be delighted to share their knowledge and personal experiences.
Our coaches receive high-quality training and ongoing education. We want you to enjoy healthy running and be able to get past the lung-busting first steps, so our coaches use games, drills and exercises specifically designed to help you run correctly, safely and injury free.
A 261 Club is a community of women who want to support and encourage each other to be healthy and active. You will be amazed at how much it helps to have others who believe you can do it and motivate and spur you on. We’ve all doubted ourselves and lacked confidence in the past. Let us guide and support you.
Joining our local club is just the beginning. It connects you to our global 261 Fearless community, which educates and empowers women around the world. There are endless opportunities and ways to be involved. Just be fearless and take the first step.
COMFORTABLE CLOTHES. Just wear something you can move freely in, there’s no need for Lycra or technical fabrics. Layers are good so you can take them on or off according to how hot you feel.
Any brand and any age will do, dig out the sports shoes from the back of the cupboard. You can invest in a new pair once you’ve got started.
If you have one; our coaches will be able to advise you if you don’t. In the meantime, just wear the most supportive bra you have and perhaps a tight fitting vest too to give extra support.
Bring a waterproof coat and something dry to pull on afterwards.
Wear a hat and gloves, a light scarf can be a good idea too.
Grab a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bottle of water.
261 Coaches are role models for other women to take the first step to a more active and healther life. As a 261 Coach you motivate, inspire and encourage women at your 261 Club Meet Run to step out of their comfort zone and to grow. All you need is loads of enthusiasm and commitment to spark the passion for running in other women.