Every Wednesday evening, runners and walkers gather along the River Ness for a 5k that\u2019s 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\u2019s social calendar.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The group meet outside Black Isle Bar before heading off for their midweek 5k. Picture: Lauren Cameron.<\/p>\n
Building a community<\/strong><\/p>\n When Jonty moved north to take up a post at Raigmore Hospital last summer, he didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe first few weeks it was only doctors,\u201d Jonty said. \u201cNow we’ve got a whole range of people from different places and different jobs – which was our goal.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that it can be difficult sometimes for young people in Inverness to meet each other,\u201d Jonty admitted. \u201cWhen 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n What keeps people coming back, Jonty says, is the chance to meet people.<\/p>\n An open invitation<\/strong><\/p>\n Each session has a front and tail runner to make sure no one\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI’ve encouraged people to come just for the pizza first,\u201d he said. \u201cChat to a few people who’ve done the run and see how relaxed it really is.\u201d<\/p>\n He added: \u201cSome 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!\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The rise of \u2018run culture\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n Runmore<\/a> 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 \u2018third space\u2019 between home and work, where they can socialise without the pressure of nightlife.<\/p>\n Many, like Runmore, share routes and photos on social media, helping members stay connected beyond the run itself.<\/p>\n \u201cSince COVID, running has really taken off,\u201d Jonty said. \u201cIt’s really cool to see.<\/p>\n \u201cThe social elements of running with people are a big part of it – but also the headspace running gives you.\u201d<\/p>\n Over the past year, Runmore has also formed informal collaborations with other local groups such as Roots Caf\u00e9 and women\u2019s collective Slow Glow run club, helping link different corners of Inverness\u2019s growing running scene.<\/p>\n And in smaller cities like Inverness, where social opportunities can feel limited, these clubs fill an important gap.<\/p>\n \u201cExercise is a great form of stress release – it releases endorphins, which makes you feel good,\u201d Jonty said. \u201cBut I think it’s more than that – it\u2019s a chance to chat to people, catch up with some friends, and meet new people. It’s a really nice way of socialising.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n The group meets every Wednesday at 7pm outside Black Isle Bar, rain or shine, missing only Christmas and New Year\u2019s Day. A small team of volunteer leaders keeps things going even when Jonty takes a break.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For anyone tempted but nervous, Jonty\u2019s advice is simple: \u201cJust come along – even if it\u2019s just for the pizza first. Have a chat with one of us and you\u2019ll realise it’s not scary.\u201d<\/p>\n Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here<\/b><\/a> to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print. All runners are invited to join for pizza and a pint at a local bar after their Wednesday night run. Picture: Lauren Cameron.<\/p>\n