Joining a running club can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating.
For many people, walking into a club for the first time is the hardest part of their running journey.
Questions race through their mind before they’ve even stepped out of the car.
“Will I be too slow?”
“Will everyone already know each other?”
“What if I can’t keep up?”
“Will anyone even speak to me?”
As committee members, it’s easy to forget what that first visit felt like. We know where everyone meets, who the run leaders are and what happens on club night. A new runner doesn’t.
Creating a welcoming first experience is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve member retention. People don’t usually stay because they found the perfect training plan—they stay because they found people they enjoy running with.
Why First Impressions Matter
The first club session often determines whether someone comes back.
If they feel ignored, confused or out of place, there’s a good chance they’ll never return.
On the other hand, a warm welcome can turn a nervous first-time visitor into a long-term member.
Think about your own club nights.
If someone arrived ten minutes early, would they immediately know:
- Where to go?
- Who to speak to?
- Which group to join?
- What pace everyone runs?
- Whether they need to sign in?
If the answer is no, there are opportunities to make that experience much better.
Make It Easy to Find You
Your welcome starts long before someone arrives.
Your website and social media should clearly explain:
- Meeting location.
- Start time.
- Parking information.
- Typical distances.
- Pace groups.
- Whether beginners are welcome.
- How many free trial sessions you offer.
Removing uncertainty makes attending for the first time much less daunting.
If you’re reviewing your club’s overall processes, our guide on how to manage a running club more efficiently includes several other ways to improve the experience for both members and volunteers.
Greet Every New Runner Personally
One of the easiest improvements any club can make costs absolutely nothing.
Say hello.
It sounds obvious, but many new runners arrive, stand on their own and wait for someone to notice them.
Assign a committee member or volunteer each week whose only responsibility is welcoming newcomers.
Introduce yourself.
Ask their name.
Find out what sort of running they enjoy.
Explain how the evening works.
Five minutes of conversation can completely change someone’s confidence.
Introduce Them to Other Members
Being welcomed by one committee member is great.
Feeling like part of the club is even better.
Rather than introducing a new runner to everyone, introduce them to just two or three people running a similar pace.
That small group often becomes the reason they return the following week.
Explain What Will Happen
Never assume new runners know how your club operates.
Take a minute to explain:
- How groups are organised.
- Approximate distances.
- Whether the run is social or structured.
- What happens after the run.
- Where everyone meets afterwards.
People feel far more comfortable when they know what to expect.
Pair New Members With Someone of a Similar Pace
Nothing destroys confidence faster than accidentally putting someone in the wrong group.
Where possible, ask about their recent running.
Have they completed Couch to 5K?
Do they regularly run 10Ks?
Are they training for a marathon?
Matching runners with an appropriate group helps ensure they finish feeling encouraged rather than overwhelmed.
Check In During the Run
A quick “How are you getting on?” halfway through a session can make a huge difference.
It shows someone has noticed them.
It also gives them an opportunity to ask questions they might have been too nervous to ask before the run started.
Celebrate Their First Session
Everyone remembers their first club run.
Recognising it helps create an immediate sense of belonging.
That recognition doesn’t have to be public if someone prefers to stay in the background.
A simple “Great to have you with us tonight—we hope to see you again next week” can be enough.
Follow Up Afterwards
One of the biggest missed opportunities is what happens after someone leaves.
A short email or message the following day thanking them for coming can dramatically improve the chances they’ll return.
It’s also an opportunity to answer any questions they may have thought of after getting home.
Keep Trial Sessions Simple
Many clubs offer free trial sessions.
That’s a fantastic way to reduce barriers to joining.
However, make sure everyone knows:
- How many trial sessions are available.
- How to become a member afterwards.
- Where to find membership information.
Keeping track of guest visits also helps avoid awkward conversations later. If you’re still using paper registers, our guide to why running club attendance matters explains how accurate attendance records make this much easier.
Remember That Every Club Member Was Once New
It’s easy for established members to chat with their friends before a run.
Encourage everyone—not just the committee—to look out for unfamiliar faces.
A welcoming culture comes from the whole club, not just a handful of volunteers.
Small Gestures Leave Lasting Impressions
Welcoming new members doesn’t require expensive initiatives or complicated processes.
Often it’s the smallest actions that people remember.
A smile.
A handshake.
An introduction.
A quick message afterwards.
Those moments build confidence.
Confidence builds belonging.
Belonging builds great running clubs.
Key Takeaways
Every new runner arrives hoping they’ve found somewhere they belong.
By making your first impression warm, organised and welcoming, you’ll improve retention, strengthen your club community and make committee life much easier in the long term.
When new members feel like part of the club from day one, they’re far more likely to become active members, volunteers and ambassadors for years to come.
