Stride with Strength: The Power of Women's Running Communities

Running is often viewed as an individual sport, a personal challenge to beat your own time or achieve that next goal. But for many women, running is far more than just hitting the pavement solo, it’s about being part of a larger community that inspires, uplifts and pushes them further than they ever imagined. In the company of other women, running transforms into a shared experience, free from the pressures of competition and full of camaraderie and support.

Take Sera Akyazici, Aminata Belli, Shelley Bones and Chloe Filani – runners from New Balance’s all-female identifying running club 'Together Laps'. The club is designed to celebrate the power of community, and the strength that arises when women uplift each other.

In that same spirit, these women are also taking part in New Balance’s eponymous Strava Challenge, which invites runners to join a supportive network by tracking their kilometers over a 30-day period. The goal is to create a shared experience, where every kilometer logged strengthens the community. As a bonus, participants who cover at least 10.80 km by November 9 can also enter to win a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 running shoes. But before lacing up, let’s dive into how community running empowers women.

The Power of Community in Running

Let’s start with the question: why is running with a community so impactful? Joining a running group or club not only helps us stay motivated, but it also provides a sense of belonging and connection.

Whether it’s getting up early for a morning jog with friends or meeting for a weekend group run, these shared experiences make us more likely to show up, push harder and enjoy the process. Sera, an avid runner, captures this well: "It’s more motivating than running alone, which at times can feel lonely." Aminata echoes this sense of belonging: "A running community is fun and pushes me forward."

As we can tell, the benefits of a running group go beyond fitness. For Chloe, joining a running community means "having some accountability for staying active and running," while Shelley describes it as life changing. "I feel a constant sense of support and solidarity with the women in my club, and the community has made me want to explore parts of the world together as a group."

In essence, running with others brings motivation, joy and a profound sense of belonging.It becomes more than just a workout – it’s an opportunity to connect, share goals and uplift each other.

Women Inspiring Women

 On top of running as part of a group, there’s something uniquely empowering about running with other women. Many runners in mixed-gender environments find themselves comparing their progress to their male counterparts, which can sometimes feel discouraging. Shelley points out the challenge: "It can be demoralizing to compare yourself to the men you run with who require such different training and care."

But in an all-women group, that dynamic shifts. "Running with women levels the playing field," Shelley explains. "It allows you to share your problems, get relevant advice and measure your progress in more comparable parameters." Sera highlights the supportive energy: "Doing any type of activity within a women’s circle always felt empowering for me. It feels more like a ‘gentle’ push rather than a ‘forced’ one."

🔗 Join the Together Laps by New Balance run club

Aminata agrees: "Running with other women feels very special to me. It’s just another energy; I can’t really describe it." Chloe, too, finds inspiration in the women around her: "It’s inspiring because I can see the ways I can improve and go further in distance, learning different skills from more advanced women runners."

The Evolving Landscape of Women’s Running

In recent years, the world of running has been evolving positively for women. Aminata sees a bright future for women in the sport. "More women are participating in races, and events are increasingly being designed with women in mind," she notes. Chloe highlights another crucial development: safety. "I think there’s been great change in the running world for women, especially in making it safer, but also it being more than just running – to meet new people and create friendships."

For Shelley, the growing inclusivity is key. "There’s so much potential for the women’s running world. Many assume running isn’t for them because they’re not 'sporty,' don’t feel comfortable running alone or lack the community for longevity. But that’s all changing." With more women getting involved, pushing harder and going further, the landscape is continuously shifting to be more welcoming and diverse.

Comfort, Confidence and the Right Gear

Beyond the community, there’s another aspect that plays a crucial role in any runner’s confidence – gear. Wearing the right shoes and apparel can elevate a runner’s capability and, crucially, minimize injuries. "In any type of sport, gear is the most important element to elevate your sport experience," Sera highlights. "Once you feel supported by your gear, it can help you push yourself further." 

Aminata shares a similar perspective: "Using the right gear really takes me to another level physically and mentally. I just know I built my best support system to be my own best." For Chloe, comfort equals consistency. "A good pair of running shoes allows you to stay balanced and sturdy when running and helps you stay on course and consistent as a runner."

🔗 Take part in the Together Laps by New Balance challenge

Shelley adds that feeling good in your gear can also motivate you to get out there, even when you’re not in the mood to run. "The way we feel about ourselves makes a huge difference to our performance. Sometimes my excitement for trying out new gear outweighs any voices telling me I’m too tired to run."

The New Balance 1080v14: A Game-Changer

Speaking of gear, the New Balance 1080v14 shoe has made a lasting impression on these runners. Sera finds it "a very comfortable shoe for running, with a cushiony bounce that elevates my running experience." Aminata, who had struggled with knee problems, has found relief in this shoe. "Running in New Balance shoes is actually my first time not experiencing knee problems. I finally know I wasn’t the problem, I just didn’t run in the right shoe!"

Chloe describes the sensation of running in the 1080v14 as "floating on air," with the solid sole helping her keep her pace. Shelley also loves the support and style of the shoe. "Race shoes get too much airtime, it’s the shoes that carry me through all my long training runs that I feel most grateful for. These are becoming a fast favorite."

Across the New Balance Together Laps Strava Club, members have been raving about the shoes. Isabella Lumdsen praised their comfort, noting the “supportive arch and bouncy sole — perfect for all the flat-footed girlies.” Camille Josse echoed this enthusiasm, calling them “a shoe that’s both supportive and lightweight — a great design.” Beth Lilly added they give her “a spring in my step and a shoe I never want to take off.” 

For women everywhere, running is more than just exercise. It’s about community, empowerment and personal growth. With the right gear and support, every runner can achieve their best, one step at a time.