It was just under a year ago that I decided, somewhat on a whim, to sign up for the beginners’ group with Reigate Ladies Joggers. I wasn’t new to running. I’d completed the London Marathon in 2016 at a slow and steady pace, but after a few health setbacks in 2021, my running routine gradually disappeared.
Every attempt to restart felt harder than it should have been. I’d get out of breath quickly, lose confidence just as fast, and head home feeling deflated. Living in the countryside didn’t help either, with dark winter mornings and early evenings making solo runs feel more like a chore than a choice.
Joining Reigate Ladies Joggers changed all of that.
I was ready to commit to something supportive, structured, and shared with other women who understood exactly where I was coming from. The group offered encouragement and a simple, achievable goal, a minimum 5K run on a Monday night. Before I knew it, one run turned into many. Monday runs became routine, Wednesday runs followed, and just before Christmas, I even found myself lacing up for a Saturday morning trail run! To my surprise (and delight), running is no longer something I have to force, it’s something I genuinely look forward to.
As the last of the mince pies are finally finished and thoughts turn to getting back into exercise for the New Year, it feels like the perfect time to take a closer look at what makes Reigate Ladies Joggers so special. With that in mind, I sat down with founder Emma Mankelow to find out how this welcoming community began, what inspired its growth, and why it continues to help so many women rediscover their confidence, one run at a time.
Tell us how Reigate Ladies Joggers started
Thirteen years ago, my friend Anna and I used to go running together. We had lots of conversations about creating a running group and quickly realised there was a gap in the market for women who wanted to exercise but didn’t want to join an athletics club.
Many women join gyms or attend aerobics classes, but if they want to run with a club, there’s often a perception that you need to be an elite athlete; fast, competitive, and running long distances. We wanted to change that.
We created Reigate Ladies Joggers for women of all shapes and sizes, all ages, and all backgrounds who simply wanted to get out and run. Running is a low-cost fitness activity, all you really need is a good pair of trainers and a supportive sports bra. You can wear what you like, and unlike the gym, there’s no feeling of being watched.
There’s no competitive edge at Reigate Ladies Joggers. Everyone runs at their own pace and chooses the level that feels right for them. We started with just two runs a week and around ten ladies jogging together.
How many members do you have now and what do they receive?
We currently have over 180 members. There are two membership options: £30 per month for unlimited access to all our activities, courses, and events, or a pay-as-you-go option where members sign up for individual runs.
How are the running activities structured?
We have 15 coaches and 7 ambassadors who look after our members’ wellbeing across all weekly runs and events. We offer sessions seven days a week, catering for all abilities. There are fitness sessions, trail runs, road runs and events. The runs operate at different times of the day to suit all schedules such as early bird sessions, post school run sessions and evening sessions.
Alongside this, we run fitness sessions and courses for beginners or for those wanting to improve their distance, such as progressing up to 10K. Our focus is very much on running for enjoyment rather than training for races. We also like to keep things interesting by organising regular events in collaboration with local businesses.
Tell us more about the events
For example, last Saturday morning we met in central Reigate at local café Bloom & Bakes before heading out on a trail run around Priory Park. Afterwards, we stayed for coffee, mince pies, and croissants, enjoying a relaxed chat together. It’s a lovely way to connect across different running groups while also supporting local businesses.
We also support our runners with nutrition and wellbeing, often discussing current topics such as menopause supplements or stress management. Recently, we held a drop-in session at Reigate health store Inside Out Health. One of our evening runs started there, and runners could arrive early or stay afterwards for free advice and a special discount on supplements.
Is there a strong sense of community in the group?
Absolutely. Members don’t turn up aiming to run as fast as possible or beat personal bests. Instead, there’s a real sense of collective achievement, we’re all getting up this hill together, we’re all completing this 5K, rain or shine! It’s women supporting women.
That sense of support is especially important during the winter months. While running in spring and summer often feels safer thanks to lighter mornings and evenings, many women don’t feel confident heading out alone in the dark. At Reigate Ladies Joggers, we run in small groups, wearing high-visibility jackets and running lights, so no one is ever left to run on their own or feel unsafe.
The group also offers important mental wellbeing support. Being with like-minded women creates a safe space to talk and share. Often, conversations flow more naturally when running side by side, there’s less pressure than sitting face to face. Our members don’t just exercise together; they support each other through life’s challenges.
Have there been any particularly memorable moments?
There have been many emotional moments over the years, especially when members have faced serious illness. As a group, we’ve supported women through difficult times, including fundraising and simply being there for one another.
Some women have continued running with us during chemotherapy, others while recovering from breast cancer, and many have returned once they’re fully well. Reigate Ladies Joggers isn’t just about physical fitness, it’s a powerful source of mental and emotional support too.
Do you need to be over 18 to run with Reigate Ladies Joggers?
You need to be over 16, and we have members approaching their 70s! Younger runners aged 10 and over, can join if they run alongside a parent or guardian and their ability matches.
Is there anything for men?
Yes, we also have Reigate Men’s Joggers, who meet on Tuesdays. They’re a friendly, supportive group with a similar non-competitive ethos, offering a relaxed alternative to traditional athletics clubs.
How do you promote Reigate Ladies Joggers?
Before COVID, we grew mainly through word of mouth. Now we also use email marketing, banners in the park, and social media advertising.
What’s the plan for the New Year? Are there any new courses starting?
We plan to keep doing what we love and see where it takes us! We have three new beginners’ courses starting in January. Whether you’ve never run before, are returning after a break, or simply want to improve your fitness, it’s a great first step.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence and ability to run 5K and you’ll have plenty of fun along the way. We’re currently offering the first month of membership free, plus a free T-shirt, when you sign up by 4 January 2026 using the code reigatejoggers.
Thank you, Emma. This conversation has certainly motivated me to keep going into the New Year and perhaps, just maybe, sign up for one of the longer-distance training courses in the year. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Reigate Ladies Joggers this year, and it’s been a joy getting to know the coaches and the wonderful women I run alongside each week.
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