Every Wednesday evening, runners and walkers gather along the River Ness for a 5k that’s as much about community as it is about fitness. Runmore Run Club, based in Inverness, has turned a simple midweek jog into a fixture of the city’s social calendar.
Founded last summer by local doctor Jonty Eaton-Hart Runmore has grown into a community, welcoming everyone from first-time runners to seasoned marathoners in search of friendly faces.
The group meet outside Black Isle Bar before heading off for their midweek 5k. Picture: Lauren Cameron.
Building a community
When Jonty moved north to take up a post at Raigmore Hospital last summer, he didn’t know many people. During a visit to his sister in Nottingham, he joined her local running group – and decided to start something similar back in Inverness – informal, welcoming and open to all.
“The first few weeks it was only doctors,” Jonty said. “Now we’ve got a whole range of people from different places and different jobs – which was our goal.”
That mix of people is part of what makes Runmore special. What started as a handful of colleagues has become a cross-section of Inverness life. Friendships have formed, trips have been planned, and Wednesday nights have become something to look forward to.
“I think that it can be difficult sometimes for young people in Inverness to meet each other,” Jonty admitted. “When I moved up here, I didn’t know anybody. I was working quite a lot at the hospital, so it took a while to branch out.”
Just over a year later, the group regularly fills the pavement paths around the river – and the tables at Black Isle Bar, where runners cool down over pizza and local beer.
What keeps people coming back, Jonty says, is the chance to meet people.
An open invitation
Each session has a front and tail runner to make sure no one’s left behind, with a halfway pause for a breather and a chat. Some come for the exercise, others for the conversation – and a few for the post-run pizza.
The group includes couples, long-time members, first-timers and friends catching up after work. The mix is relaxed and welcoming – something Jonty is keen to highlight for those feeling unsure.
“I’ve encouraged people to come just for the pizza first,” he said. “Chat to a few people who’ve done the run and see how relaxed it really is.”
He added: “Some people run a bit and walk a bit, some people only do part of it – and others who originally just came for pizza have ended up joining the run!”
That easy-going approach has struck a chord, especially with young people looking for ways to socialise outside pubs or gyms. In a city where meeting new people can be challenging, Runmore has become a midweek highlight.
The rise of ‘run culture’
Runmore is part of a growing movement across the UK. From London to the Highlands, social run clubs have become the new after-work hangout – offering young people a ‘third space’ between home and work, where they can socialise without the pressure of nightlife.
Many, like Runmore, share routes and photos on social media, helping members stay connected beyond the run itself.
“Since COVID, running has really taken off,” Jonty said. “It’s really cool to see.
“The social elements of running with people are a big part of it – but also the headspace running gives you.”
Over the past year, Runmore has also formed informal collaborations with other local groups such as Roots Café and women’s collective Slow Glow run club, helping link different corners of Inverness’s growing running scene.
And in smaller cities like Inverness, where social opportunities can feel limited, these clubs fill an important gap.
“Exercise is a great form of stress release – it releases endorphins, which makes you feel good,” Jonty said. “But I think it’s more than that – it’s a chance to chat to people, catch up with some friends, and meet new people. It’s a really nice way of socialising.”
All runners are invited to join for pizza and a pint at a local bar after their Wednesday night run. Picture: Lauren Cameron.
Looking ahead
The group meets every Wednesday at 7pm outside Black Isle Bar, rain or shine, missing only Christmas and New Year’s Day. A small team of volunteer leaders keeps things going even when Jonty takes a break.
With that team now in place, Jonty hopes the club will continue to grow even while he spends a few months away later this year.
For anyone tempted but nervous, Jonty’s advice is simple: “Just come along – even if it’s just for the pizza first. Have a chat with one of us and you’ll realise it’s not scary.”
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