Run and a bun - the rise of social running groups

The sun is still rising early on a cold, wet Saturday morning but already dozens of people are gathering outside a local bakery.

With the shutters still half closed and the smell of fresh pastries starting to fill the air, excitement is growing.

It is a common enough sight at weekends. But before this group tucks into buns and coffee, they are going running.

Run East is a new social group that has joined the rising trend of promoting physical fitness while supporting the local community.

An alternative to traditional running clubs, several all-abilities groups have popped up, each establishing strong ties with businesses.

Ending weekly runs in neighbourhood bars or coffee shops, they operate as inclusive social hubs.

At the same time, there has been a rise in common interest running groups that focus on shared identities, social causes, and lifestyle preferences.

In Northern Ireland, these include the women-only The Gurls, Vegan Runners and the LGBTQ+ club Frontrunners.

Run East launched in January, linking up with a bakery and record shop.

Organiser Tiernán Oliver said it provided opportunities for people to run together and share experiences - even through the "tough slog" of winter.

"It can be cold, wet and windy and when you are getting up excited about the prospect of meeting people at a dedicated time, you are much more committed and motivated," he said.

"We are meeting new people every weekend. There's a great community vibe. People are running together at paces that suit them. People don't feel left out."

After a few morning miles, runners huddle inside the small bakery, some sitting at stools in the window that has a direct view of the Harland and Wolff cranes.

"The idea of inclusivity and community and feeling you belong to something without feeling compelled to turn up and perform, Run East is for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere," Oliver added.

Belfast Frontrunners, which is part of an international network that promotes running, walking and related activities for LGBTQ+ people, meets twice a week.

Members can take part in 5km, 7.5km or 10km casual runs.

Afterwards, the group winds down in a nearby café.

Charlene Hegarty started taking part in free 5km Parkruns after her twins were born.

"That social aspect that Parkrun offers on a weekend, I needed for midweek. I started looking around for clubs and felt Belfast Frontrunners was the welcome home for me," she said.

"I am a proud, queer woman. I love the fact that the club is out, it's about, it's health focussed.

"We are all a community of people who are moving in the world in different ways but we come together a couple of times a week to try to get enjoyment out of running and a bit of camaraderie.

"The social element for me is the biggest part of it. It's that idea of connecting with like-minded people"

Vegan Runners UK has operated for years but is in its infancy as an organised group in Northern Ireland.

In Belfast it started a Couch to 5k programme in January.

Northern Ireland rep Laura Murphy said while this was aimed at beginners, experienced runners had turned up to meet others with common interests.

"You could always be in Vegan Runners UK but there was not anything organised before I took on my role," she said.

Numbers have grown from about eight to 20 since Couch to 5k launched with many runners travelling into Belfast from other towns, she added.

"Everybody who has come so far, it is more of a social thing for them. They want to get into running and also want to make vegan friends. Most of us don't know other vegan people but this is a chance to meet people and focus on running."