Series One - Why Run? podcast - 5th May 2022

Steve used to belong to a running club, but always came last, which left him feeling humiliated and lonely, even though he went on to run a marathon and numerous other races. So during lockdown, he decided to set up a new group, Norwich Social Joggers, and it has now grown to over 200 members.  

At Norwich Social Joggers, it’s all about meeting new friends and having fun.  

Steve started running in 2015 and then joined Norwich Road Runners with his ex-partner. “We’d go twice a week. Monday was beginners’ night  and I preferred Mondays as I had someone to run with. I was left alone on other nights, left behind in the cold and humiliated, while the rest of group were way up the road.”  

Eventually Steve did really getting in to it and in 2018-19, he signed up for 10ks and then a half marathon and the Brighton Marathon in 2018. “It became a bit addictive, even though I wasn’t a fast runner.”

In December 2019, Steve separated from his partner and then the running club closed during COVID in March 2020. 

In lockdown, Steve had lots of spare time and was off work for 7-8 weeks. And while he was out jogging with friends, they joked that it would be good to have our own little group. 

Steve designed a running top and started a Facebook Group. “I was putting lot of work in to it and was waiting for the moment when we got the green light and could go ahead.”  

The plan was to be a social jogging group – rather than a running club. “We’d invite anyone struggling to get out for a run, struggling with their mental health and well-being – for anyone who, like myself,  wanted to go for a social jog without worrying about being competitive and how fast they were running.”

At NSJ, people like the chit-chat, making new friends, and the socialising part afterwards.” It’s just more relaxed. We don’t have anyone coming back and bragging about their times,” explains Steve. “We’re just there for the running. As long as they start and finish, they’re happy. 

 Some members have been referred through the NHS or local mental health groups. The group also has serious competitive runners.

 “We’ve got people who come and run just for the social aspect. They’ve never had a social life like this. Lot of people like the social side just as much, if not more than the running.” 

 The most heart-warming moment for Steve was when the members  took over Norwich FC’s ground at Carrow Rd. They organised for there to be a picture of Steve on the screens and for the touchline boards all to say “Thank you Steve”. “It was unbelievable”, he smiles. 

Steve knew there was a gap in the running clubs for something like Norwich Social Joggers, but it’s success has surpassed his expectations. They now hold charity quiz nights, Easter fun runs, Christmas fun runs and Halloween runs – all in fancy dress.  

“At the moment, I just live for Norwich Social Joggers,” said Steve. “I get so much out of it. It’s given me an extended social life. I like to keep busy. I’m not one for sitting in front of the telly. Now it’s a busy weekend, every weekend. It’s done everyone a lot of good with their mental health and well-being, including me.”