The benefits of running in a group (and how to start without the nerves)

Running alone has its charm, but running in a group has advantages you notice from the first week.

1. Consistency

When someone is waiting for you at eight, you go. A fixed day and time with other people turns training into an appointment, and appointments get kept.

2. Effortless motivation

Kilometres go faster in a group: you talk, laugh and forget the watch. On the days you don't feel like it, the group pulls you along.

3. You learn from others

There is always someone who has been running longer and can tell you how to prepare your first 10K, which shoes work for them or how to avoid injuries.

4. Safety

Running with others, especially at night or somewhere you don't know, is safer.

5. New people

Probably the most underrated benefit: many run clubs end up being their members' group of friends.

How to start even if you feel shy

• Choose a social run, not an interval session.
• Check the pace before you go: almost every run shows it.
• Sign up so the club knows you're coming, and introduce yourself when you arrive.
• Don't worry about falling behind: in a run club nobody runs alone.

On Kibi you can see your city's run clubs and group runs, with day, time, pace and price, and sign up from the app for running in a group.