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Welcome to SoBo Ladies Running Club – where every pace has a place.
Based in the heart of beautiful Southbourne, Dorset, our ladies-only running club was created with one clear purpose: to offer a safe, supportive, and uplifting space for women who want to run without pressure or judgment.
Whether you’re completely new to running, returning after time away, or you’ve ever felt you’re “too slow” for a traditional running club – you’re exactly who we’re here for.
We meet every Saturday morning to enjoy gentle 5km runs along the beach and over the stunning Hengistbury Head. It’s not about speed or competition – it’s about moving together, soaking up the sea air, and supporting one another with every step.
Our Mission
SoBo Ladies Running Club has a simple mission, to encourage as many women as possible to find joy and connection through running.
Traditional running clubs can sometimes feel overly competitive, focused on speed, medals and results. At SLRC we recognise that every runner is different. For many of us, we don’t run to compete or to constantly chase PB’s. We run to simply feel good, to clear our heads, to enjoy a bit of nature in our hectic lives.
We wanted a running club that reflected that ethos. A place to celebrate all paces, to feel at ease without constant comparison or fear of judgement. To simply run for the pure enjoyment of it.
Our commitment is to not only improve physical fitness but also to uplift mental well-being through the power of community support and shared experiences. With every stride, we aim to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships.
Our Values
The foundation of SoBo Ladies Running Club is built upon three core values, namely, inclusivity, kindness, and community. We believe in the power of empathy and understanding, ensuring that every member feels valued and supported.
We celebrate every achievement, big or small, and encourage each other to keep moving forward. Through our runs, events, and social connections, we strive to make a positive impact not only within our club but in the wider Southbourne community as well.
Running for Mental Health
Running is more than a physical activity, it’s a way to reconnect with yourself and build resilience in every day life. At SLRC we are firm believers in the benefits running can have on both your physical and mental wellbeing. Combining running with community and nature helps to boost these benefits even further. For any ladies out there struggling with anxiety, low level depression or burnout, joining a community such as SLRC won’t just benefit your physical health, but will have a hugely positive impact on your mental health too.
The NHS encourages five steps to mental wellbeing; these are:
- Connect with other people
- Be physically active
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
By joining SoBo Ladies Running Club you will give yourself the opportunity to experience all of these steps. Our weekly runs are done as a community of like-minded women, hitting both the physical activity and connection. If you’ve never run before, or never followed a training plan, our community can help you learn those skills. Our community encourages our members to support one another and to foster an inclusive environment. Lastly, there is perhaps nothing quite like running to keep you grounded in the present moment. From hearing your internal voice shout that your legs are tired, to feeling the wind on your face, running is a great way to cultivate a practice of mindfulness without trying.