As a running group leader, you likely have a passion for the sport and want to share that with as many people as possible. After all, who doesn’t love running? The benefits of this activity are endless. For instance, it’s an efficient way to get your cardio while clearing your head. Running allows you to think, reduces stress, and more.
Moreover, there are benefits of belonging to a running group. For example, it’s a place to learn new techniques and make new friends. But is your running club developing at the pace you want? If you’re feeling stuck or need some ideas on promoting your running club, read on for five ways to promote your group—and get more members.
Host weekly or bi-weekly runs
Runs are a great way to get people out to experience the group. Hosting frequent runs (weekly or bi-weekly) gets people hooked and encourages them to join. Be sure to publicize the runs on your group’s website and social media so everyone can participate. Depending on your running group, you might also consider hosting social runs. It can be anything from a themed run where everyone has to dress up in a costume to a beer run or runs through fun destinations.
Hold events with partners
Partner with other local organizations to bring members of your groups together. It can be as simple as hosting a happy hour with other local running groups. Again, publicize these events through your website and reach out to sports influencers. By hosting events with other organizations, you not only bring people together but also diversify your group. As a result, it helps you build an even stronger and larger group.
Offer member perks
What can you offer members of your running club that they can’t get anywhere else? If you know that most of your group members are die-hard runners, partner with others and offer discounts to local running stores and sponsored races. Some of the best ways to promote your running group are by offering member perks. Consider hosting group events, like group runs or group workouts. These are great ways to introduce new people to the sport.
Provide free running training classes
Another great way to promote your running club is by providing free running training classes. It’s another excellent way to introduce new people to the sport and allow people to build a community around the running group. Many running groups host free weekly or bi-weekly training classes. That allows new members to join the running club and become more involved while receiving running advice from seasoned runners. Most running groups host these classes at a local park or track.
Look to get featured in community publications
Is there a publication that focuses on running in your city? Reach out to them to see if you can get featured in one of their articles. After all, word of mouth is great, but it’s not always enough. Depending on your location and community, you might want to contact city or county officials, local news outlets, college newspapers, or local running magazines. Write an article for them or see how to get featured on their platforms.
Welcoming new running group members
The running community is a tight-knit group that welcomes new members. To get more people involved, promote your running club regularly. Host weekly or bi-weekly runs, hold events with partners, offer member perks, provide free running training classes, and look to get featured in community publications to promote your running group and get more members.
And don’t forget, when promoting your running club, you’re not just trying to attract new runners. You’re also trying to attract new group leaders. If you can attract new leaders, you can always grow your group and benefit from having more hands on deck.
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