A different route into running
Parbold Pink Panthers, a women-only club in Lancashire, is showing how the social side of running can make trails more accessible. England Athletics has profiled the club’s approach to welcoming beginners, with chair Jane Cloke describing a culture that places enjoyment, safety and confidence ahead of speed. The club has developed over 21 years and offers a useful example for organisers trying to engage people who might be put off by unfamiliar paths, technical terrain or the expectation that every session must be competitive.
Understanding what stops people joining
The first barrier to trail running is often uncertainty rather than lack of fitness. Newcomers may worry about keeping up, navigating unfamiliar paths, choosing footwear or running alone. Those concerns are not solved simply by advertising a friendly atmosphere. Clubs need a session format that demonstrates what friendly actually means. The Panthers’ monthly Women on the Trails sessions offer an approachable starting point, with leaders who know the routes and can explain what participants should expect before they set off.
The importance of staying together
The club follows a no-one-left-behind approach. Leaders adjust routes and pace to the group, and a back-marker helps ensure nobody becomes separated. This changes the experience for someone who is unsure of their ability. Instead of measuring themselves against the fastest participant, runners can concentrate on learning the terrain and enjoying the surroundings. It also creates a meaningful leadership role for experienced members, who can offer reassurance and practical guidance without turning a beginner session into an informal race.
Confidence is built in small steps
Familiar routes help runners become comfortable with surfaces, slopes and navigation. Returning to a known trail can be more productive than constantly seeking greater difficulty. The Panthers celebrate achievements such as a first trail mile or a first ascent of a local hill. That approach recognises progress without insisting that every member must eventually race. For clubs, it is a reminder that retention may depend as much on how people feel after a session as on measurable improvements in distance or pace.
A safer and more supportive environment
Women’s experiences of running can be shaped by concerns about personal safety, particularly on quieter paths or during darker hours. Group sessions do not eliminate every risk, but they can offer shared knowledge and greater confidence. England Athletics has also supported the Let’s Lift the Curfew campaign, which highlights women’s safety concerns when running after dark. Listening to participants and choosing appropriate routes, meeting points and session times should therefore be treated as basic planning rather than optional extras.
Equipment should not become another obstacle
Trail footwear can help on muddy or technical ground, but beginners should not feel they need a complete specialist wardrobe before joining a suitable introductory run. Cloke points runners towards independent shops for advice and notes that road shoes may be adequate on some routes when conditions allow. Clear advance information about terrain and weather is more useful than a generic kit list. A club can build trust by explaining what is genuinely necessary and where participants can seek informed guidance.
Lessons for the wider running sector
The story has implications beyond one Lancashire club. Retailers, event organisers and participation programmes all benefit when more people feel that running is for them. A welcoming community can become the starting point for future races, footwear purchases and regular exercise, but those outcomes should follow participation rather than dictate it. The strongest measure of success for an introductory group may be whether someone returns the following month, brings a friend and gradually feels comfortable exploring new places.
Keeping the invitation open
The Panthers’ model will not fit every location, but its principles are transferable: identify the real barriers, choose familiar routes, provide clear leadership and celebrate a range of achievements. Women curious about trails need not begin with steep climbs or long distances. Walking hills, taking breaks and asking questions can all be part of the experience. For the wider industry, the message is that inclusive running is built through practical choices on the ground, not just through promotional language.
What clubs can learn
A club considering a similar programme should start by asking local women what would make participation easier. That might mean daytime sessions, a shorter loop, a named leader to contact beforehand or a route close to public transport. It may also mean explaining whether walking is welcome and what happens if someone needs to turn back. These small operational decisions make the difference between an invitation that sounds inclusive and one that feels genuinely accessible. Consistency matters too: a reliable monthly session gives hesitant newcomers another opportunity to try.
Beyond the first session
A positive introduction is only the beginning. Organisers can help participants progress by offering a choice of routes and encouraging friendships without creating pressure to improve quickly. Regular feedback can reveal whether the advertised pace matches reality and whether participants feel comfortable asking for support. The Panthers’ experience suggests that the strongest communities combine capable leadership with permission to enjoy running in different ways. That is a useful principle for any organisation hoping to grow trail participation sustainably.
Source: Original announcement or report.
