Merton Women Run: innovative programme that inspired a community of women to be active is extended 

· by · in Borough of Sport, Sport and leisure, Volunteers. ·

Merton Council is proud to announce the continuation of Merton Women Run (MWR), with applications to become a run leader now open. 

MWR is designed to inspire and empower women across the community to become run leaders and encourage other women to get active in their community. In year one, the pilot programme helped 10 women from across Merton undertake Run Leader training with England Athletics. Once qualified, the run leaders went on to facilitate at least three runs per week for groups of women of all levels, including Couch to 5k and pram-friendly runs. 

After reaching over 50 women, many of whom had never run before, MWR is set to grow a network of run leaders and participants, helping more women connect and progress their running journeys together. Group running also helps women stay active throughout the dark winter months, and the project’s ongoing partnership with the council’s Community Safety team and local police teams means women can easily report safety issues affecting female runners in the borough. 

MWR is part of Merton’s mission to become London’s first-ever Borough of Sport, a place where everyone, regardless of their ability or background, can find a way of being active that works for them. The MWR programme also builds capacity and skills into Merton’s sporting sector, helping trusted members of communities gain qualifications and encouraging female leadership in sport. 

Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage, says: 

“This project has already supported women across the borough to get out and about, make connections and enjoy running together. It’s also a brilliant example of collaboration between council departments towards a shared goal: to break down barriers to exercise and ensure everyone feels able to exercise in a way that works for them.”

 The second year of the programme is funded jointly by the council’s Borough of Sport and Community Safety teams, with local athletics club Hercules Wimbledon now joining the project to provide ongoing support to participants. 

Andrew Davies from Hercules Wimbledon says: 

“We’re delighted to be supporting Merton Women Run. It’s a fantastic project that celebrates community spirit, inspires women of all abilities, and encourages Merton residents to get active and enjoy running together.” 

Want to join a running group? 

Runs happen weekly in Merton, women can find their nearest group here. 

You can also browse other ways to be active on the Merton Borough of Sport Activity Finder 

Local resident Emily Fleuriot, who completed the run leader training and delivered runs at Figges Marsh this year, said: 

“I love running, as much for the people I meet as for how it makes me feel in my mind and body. We can all be runners. 

“It took me until I was nearly 40 to give it a go, having never been ‘sporty’, and now I’m a trained run leader supporting others. It’s been fantastic to see women from our running group grow in confidence and start running independently too.” 

Could you become a Run Leader? 

Merton Council is inviting women who are passionate about running and community engagement to apply to become Run Leaders. 

If you want to motivate others, foster community spirit, and help make running accessible and safe for women of all levels, this is your chance to get involved. You don’t need any experience of leading runs, just enthusiasm and the ability to commit to running regular sessions. 

What the Merton Women Run Project Offers: 

  • Learning opportunity: Gain a qualification through fully funded training with England Athletics. Includes online learning modules plus an in-person training day. 
  • Leadership experience: Lead a local running group in your community, helping shape running activities that suit the needs of women near you. 
  • Expert support: Ongoing guidance and support from Hercules Wimbledon, bringing valuable running experience and community spirit between run leaders. 
  • Keeping your community safe: Named links with police and safety services, so you can highlight and address safety concerns, promoting a safer environment for all runners. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should complete the Expression of Interest form available now. The deadline for submissions is Friday 31 October, 12pm. 

For further information or queries, please contact: 
📧 boroughofsport@merton.gov.uk