Libby Holmes is a PhD student studying Biophysics at The University of Sheffield. She’s also the mind behind Run For Fun, a running club that provides a safe and secure space for slower runners and women new to the sport.

Libby started her own running journey a year and half ago, signing up for the Sheffield Half-Marathon with her boyfriend.

“I really enjoyed having a goal to work towards! I also found it really helped me improve my mental health, both exercising and having the goal of the half marathon.”

Libby had always wanted to join a run club, but felt anxious about doing so as a self-proclaimed “slow runner.”

“I decided I wanted to create my own club that is aimed towards slower runners and women who have not necessarily run before. It can be really scary to run alone, especially for women, so I wanted to create a safe and secure environment where they felt comfortable to start their running journey.”

While Libby is going with the flow and seeing how the club naturally develops, her aim is to expand its accessibility to different areas of the city.

“I want to make it accessible for more areas in Sheffield, which I’m hoping to achieve with the help of our amazing ambassadors who will be able to host runs in locations we don’t normally run in, as well as host runs when I’m not available.”

Talking of her own ambitions, Libby’s attitude is one I’m sure most of us would benefit from.

“I try not to put pressure on myself for pace or distance. I think just getting out and going on a run of any distance is a huge achievement.”

To find out more or to join the Sheffield-based run club, you can find Run for Fun here.