We officially registered as a non-profit, Community Interest Company in 2017. We have seven groups dotted around the UK from Newcastle in the North East down to Greenwich, London. Our eighth group is almost ready to start in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Our CIC team is made up of two Directors, Lisa Ruggles and Juliet McGrattan, a Membership Secretary called Pam Sylvester and our Social Media Manager, Karolien Jordens. We have a wonderful volunteer team of 28 Coaches who lead our Meet Runs and bring the magic of 261 to their local communities every week.
We’re so proud to be flying the 261 flag in the UK. We have big plans for expanding so we can reach more and more women in the UK with the special 261 magic that we know changes lives. Do get in touch with us if you want to be part of our team.
“The 261 Club UK helped me to settle into a new area”
261 has really helped me to settle into a new area and gives me the motivation to get out, get moving and meet new people. We moved here and although it was a location we loved, we didn't work or have any friends or family in the area. Home working is quite isolating. Joining 261 has helped me to meet people and find great routes for running and walking, helping me maintain both my physical and mental health.
Zoe, member at 261 Club Teesdale
“We are all far stronger than when we all began”
When I first joined 261 in 2018, I was a menopausal, retired teacher and parkrun regular. I’ve now been part of the wonderful 261 Coaching team at 261 Club Lune Valley for four years. My own running has evolved, and I’ve become more confident to include trail runs and regular half marathons but quite apart from that, I’m doing that running with a group of lovely fearless women who have been on the journey with me, some from being total non-runners. We encourage and support each other, not just at our Meet Runs, we share our problems and successes, laughing together - we are all empowered and far stronger than when we all began. And also, since the global summit I know I’m a part of a much bigger family, all working together for women all over the world.
Tricia, Coach at 261 Club Lune Valley
“The 261 inclusive, supportive and friendly ethos helped my recovery”
Working through the pandemic and supporting my frail, elderly parents at the same time had left me run down, stressed and unfit. Retirement beckoned and despite feeling very nervous, I joined 261 Fearless as I’d enjoyed running in the past and hoped I could again. Over these last two years it’s no exaggeration to say that 261’s inclusive, supportive and friendly ethos has been instrumental in my ‘recovery’. I’m fitter than I’ve ever been, have acquired some wonderful new friends and am looking forward to giving something back by training to be a coach and give education. Thank you 261; always grateful.
Helen, member at 261 Club Lune Valley
“I’ve been able to use the experience in other areas of my life – personally and in my work”
Throughout most of my life I never considered myself to be good enough to join a sport-based group especially a running group. I was the kid who never got chosen to join any teams… I couldn’t hit a ball with a stick, bat or racquet and couldn’t run and considered myself to be rubbish. Consequently, as an adult I avoided groups and team sports and chose to participate in solitary activities such as walking, cycling, swimming and jogging as a way of keeping fit and healthy. When I heard about 261 Club Lune Valley, the decision to try it out was a big thing for me. I immediately felt welcomed by all members, especially the coaches. It’s a brilliant, friendly, fun, non-judgemental and inclusive group – this encouraged me to continue attending regularly as it was a safe space where I wasn’t judged on my performance. The fun element of 261 Meet Runs often made it easy to forget I was exercising! I’ve been a member for several years now and the coached sessions have helped me to improve my running technique and have highlighted the need to include co-ordination and strength-based activities into my life on a regular basis. As a result of my positive experiences, I wanted to help other women to also benefit from all that 261Fearless offers so I applied to train to be a 261 Coach – this was over four years again. This has also been a very rewarding experience where I have gained much more than I have given. The regular bi-monthly teaching events are brilliant, and I have learnt so much. The new knowledge and skills have helped me to be a better 261 Coach. I’ve also been able to use them in other areas of my life - personally and in my work. Seeing the camaraderie and woman gaining confidence while having fun in a supportive space is a fantastic privilege.
Roz, Coach at 261 Club Lune Valley
