On a cold evening in Oxford, I hesitated and looked out of the window, only to see the darkening streets and dreaded rain. The thought of going for a run alone felt daunting, not because I lacked the willpower, but because of the countless scenarios that crept into my mind as a woman. Which path is the safest to take? Which clothes will make me the most visible? And so on. Too often, the weight of decisions like this nudged me to stay indoors.
But then I discovered Oxford Girls Running. There is something transformative about stepping into the chill of an Oxford winter with a group of women who understand those same challenges. There is a sense of togetherness as we navigate the cobbled streets and Christ Church meadows, with laughter and encouragement breaking through any worries. Running as a group doesn’t only make you feel safer, it also gives you motivation on days when the dreariness of an Oxford winter feels like an unconquerable barrier.
For women in Oxford, a running club like this isn’t just about getting out after spending far too long in the library; it’s about reclaiming space, fostering a sense of community, and showing up for each other. It’s a small but significant way to turn dark, winter evenings into something empowering.
Having joined Oxford Girls Running at the beginning of Michaelmas this year, it quickly became something that I looked forward to every week. Megan, one of the co-founders, spoke to me about motivations, misconceptions, and Mondays…
Isabel: What inspired you to make a girls-only running club in Oxford? Is Oxford Girls Running personal to you?
Megan: I’d definitely say the fact that it was winter at the time had a big influence on why we both thought it would be good to start a run club. Running during the daytime has its own risks but at night it’s amplified. I would much rather not run for three months during the dark, winter hours than run and feel unsafe. So, when Harriet asked me whether I wanted to join her in starting a running club I had to say yes!
I had moved to the area only a year before and didn’t have many friends in the area—this past year has been incredible because I’ve met so many amazing people.
So I’d say safety and community friendship were huge reasons for me!
Isabel: How has the club changed since it started?
Megan: The club has grown so much bigger than we both thought, I’d say. We had about 20 to 25 girls for our first run which was still amazing for our first meet, but now we’ve had numbers of up to 60 girls with us. We have a strong WhatsApp community of over 200 people too! And also the events have been insane – being invited to run Silverstone track by Red Bull, a dinner out at Six By Nico and a retreat! It’s been a whirlwind since February.
Isabel: How would you describe the culture and atmosphere within the club?
Megan: I’d describe the culture and atmosphere as friendly and supportive. Run clubs are apology-free zones and all about enjoying yourself!
Isabel: How often do you meet?
Megan: We meet every Monday night at 6pm and once a month on a Saturday or Sunday. And then sometimes we have extra cool events on top of that!
Isabel: How do you keep each other motivated, especially on rainy days?
Megan: Rainy days are definitely hard – I know that if I was running by myself I’d probably sack it off, I know I shouldn’t say that, haha! But during the runs we have done in the rain I’ve actually found myself being so giggly – it’s almost like it becomes hilarious when there’s a group of you. I think knowing you have other people to do it with means you’re more likely to keep to the commitment. Plus we always have post-run snacks so that definitely is a good incentive!
Isabel: Are there any misconceptions about the club you’d like to dispel?
Megan: This isn’t a misconception as such but I definitely just want to say that anyone wanting to join shouldn’t worry about their pace! The most common question we have on Instagram is about the pace of the club – which is 7/7.30 minutes per km so roughly a 35-40 minute 5k. But, run club is for everyone – and we’d love to have you all join!
Isabel: What are the club’s goals for the future?
Megan: I think I’d just love to see it continue for years – even if Harriet and I are no longer there to run it one day. I’ve sadly moved to London now but I want to still come back and visit, because of how much I love the community!
It would also be great to have more collaborations with local businesses too – you can never visit too many pastry and cake places!
Isabel: How can people in Oxford get involved with the club?
Megan: If people want to get involved, join us for a Monday night run or a weekend run!
Monday nights are 5ks at 6pm and we have someone at the front and the back so no one gets left behind! We meet inside Oxford Westgate Social Street Food on a Monday and on the weekend run, it’s outside the Head of the River pub at 10am for the 10k and 10.40am for the 5k. Afterwards on the weekend we always go and get pastries and coffees!
One thing is crystal clear: this group is far more than a means to stay active during the winter. It’s a space where women feel empowered to take to the streets without hesitation or fear. And, for some, it’s about overcoming personal barriers. Oxford Girls Running embodies something that is deeply important to me and many others: the idea that women can create and reclaim spaces for themselves, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, resilience, and community.