HOT GIRLS RUN LA
magazine
How female-only run clubs are empowering women runners
This International Women’s Day, we’ve partnered with Brooks to meet two women who, after joining run clubs, Gorp Girls and Club 99, feel empowered to achieve more as women in sports. Now, they hope to inspire other women to enjoy all that outdoor exploring has to offer. We catch up with them to find out what they love about running, being part of a female sporting community, their top training tips and more!
Phoebe and Helmi have always been keen runners. In fact, the sport has played a key role in their mental health. Phoebe grew up in the picturesque county of Cornwall. “I always loved exploring when I was little”, she tells us. “I have an active family so running and swimming was always what we did growing up. I found it therapeutic and it helps my mental health”. Meanwhile, Helmi started running when her grandmother became ill. “I ended up doing my longest run ever, going from a 5K to a 30K because I was using running as a way to process what was happening”, she says.
A sense of understanding, security and empowerment
Since joining run clubs, (the Gorp Girls and Club 99) both women say they’ve felt a greater sense of belonging within the female sporting community. “There’s no pressure to perform and people are considerate”, says Helmi. “There’s a shared understanding of the different challenges
that we face as women. For example, safety and running or walking at night. Also, the outfits. I
want to wear tiny running shorts and a sports bra when it’s warm, which can sometimes be more uncomfortable when you’re around a group of men”, she continues. Phoebe agrees: “It really gets you out at nighttime and feeling like you’re safe in the city which can be really hard for women at times. When you’re with a group of women, you feel empowered and that really transfers to real life as well. When you have a really strong body of women behind you it inspires you to do other things”, she says.
Alongside the empowerment she finds in the community spirit of a female run club, Phoebe tells us that it enhances her sense of self care and self love.
“I have met so many amazing people through running. I’ve also found a bigger love for myself, because I’m looking after my body when I run.”I
“I have met so many amazing people through running. I’ve also found a bigger love for myself, because I’m looking after my body when I run.
feel like running is self care and self love. As well as an appreciation for nature, I have seen so many beautiful scenes”, she continues.
Runners’ highs, mental health boosts and self esteem
Running clearly plays a huge role in maintaining healthy, happy lifestyles for these ladies. Phoebe enjoys the feeling of escapism: “I love the freedom of getting out of my head and into my body”, she says. “It’s such a freeing thing to dedicate that hour – or even half hour – to yourself. We lead busy lives and our brains are split into so many pieces, so for that hour or however long I’m running for, I know that time is entirely
dedicated to me and that really inspires me to keep going”. Helmi admits that she doesn’t get runner’s highs after every run “but when I do, I feel like I’m flying – it’s like main character energy”, she tells us.
Phoebe notes how her strength and enygfdurance has improved since joining the running community and this brings a great sense of pride. “I can get out and do a 20K run now. It’s definitely a challenge, but I feel such pride after I’ve done that. I love that running allows me to take risks and really push myself”. Helmi agrees that running has helped her in all aspects of life. “It makes me feel more confident and has brought me new friends. It’s helped my mental health, made me fitter, made me stronger – both mentally and physically. It’s helped me in every way”, she says.
6 top tips for female runners
It’s great to see Phoebe and Helmi’s passion for running. Since finding an extra confidence boost within the female running community, they’re thriving. So, do they have any training hacks or tips for fellow female runners? Here’s their top six.
Stretch. “I need to stretch, always, before and after [a run]. I sometimes forget and I know that’s really bad, so just honouring your body by stretching before and after is really important” – Phoebe. “Yes, always stretch. Even when you can’t be bothered and you want to just jump in the shower. It’s going to save you a world of
trouble” – Helmi.
Go out early. “If you just get up a bit earlier you can fit it in. Even if it’s just a 2K run. It doesn’t have to be long. A quick 15 minute run can completely change your day. You begin with that attitude and it flows through to the rest of your day” - Helmi.
Make no excuses. “Put your shoes on and get outside. Don’t think about it too much. It’s amazing to think of the relationships you’ll find and the happiness it will bring to your life. Don’t overthink – just get involved”Phoebe.
Don’t stop! “If you’ve started to run and feel like you have to stop, don’t. Just slow down! Even if it feels like you’re slow motion jogging, just slow down instead of stopping. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Even when you think you don’t have the energy, running gives you energy. So always remember that, when you’re thinking of the excuses not to do it. Future you will feel better!” - Helmi.
Beginners, get comfortable run-
ning – then join a club. “Before joining a run club, get used to running on your own. Not because you’ll be left behind, but because it’s not fun when you feel like you’re struggling. Once you’re comfortable, just go for it. There’s always going to be someone who is in a similar boat to you” - Helmi.
Don’t focus on speed. “Fast doesn’t always mean the best. Sometimes the slow paced, long runs feel a lot better on my body than when I absolutely peg it. For me I’d much rather
eight REASONS TO JOIN HOT GIRLS RUN LA
1. EMPOWERING
ENVIORNMENT
Surround yourself with strong, supportive women who inspire you to push your limits and own your progress.
2. ZERO JUDGEMENT 3. SHARED EXPERIENCE
Female-led spaces often foster inclusivity and acceptance—come as you are, whether you’re a beginner or a marathoner. There’s no pressure to perform, just encouragement to grow at your own pace. It’s about progress, not perfection, and celebrating every step forward.progress.
You’ll connect over common challenges—whether it’s balancing life, health, or crushing your next 5K. Conversations during runs often turn into moments of real connection and support. You’ll realize you’re not alone in what you’re navigating. That shared experience builds powerful bonds that go way beyond the pavement.
MOTIVATION BOOST
There’s just something magical about women hyping each other up during a tough realize you're not alone in what you're navigating. That shared experience builds
BODY POSITIVITY 6. SAFETY IN NUMBERS
More likely to promote self-love, mental well-being, and a healthy relationship Being a part of a team provides space for you to suuround yourself with different
Group runs = safer runs, especially in the early mornings or evenings. Plus, they ness. Studies show that the bigger the group, the less likely bad people are to approach
7. ACCOUNTABILITY
It’s easier to stay consistent when your crew is expecting you—and cheering you on! Knowing someone’s waiting for you at the trail or track adds that extra push to get out the door. On the tough days, their energy lifts you up. Over time, consistency turns into confidence—and that’s where the magic happens.
tough run—instant energy boost! You'll builds powerful bonds. relationship with fitness, not just performance. different and amazing body types. they often prioritize safe routes and awareapproach you.
8. NETWORKING
Meet amazing women from all walks of life—some of your strongest friendships might start on a run. Sharing miles often leads to sharing stories, laughter, and life lessons. There’s something about moving together that breaks down barriers fast. Before you know it, your running buddy becomes your go-to for support far beyond the finish line.
HOT GIRLS smart fast strong fit
Run clubs: Cult or community?
Record numbers of Gen-Z and Millennials are now taking to the streets in the form of run clubs, but are we celebrating inclusivity, or have we inadvertently formed a new kind of cult? One writer finds out...
You’re minding your own business running around Battersea Park when, all of a sudden, a herd of Gen Zs stampedes towards you. They’re kitted out head to toe in perfectly curated outfits (also known as “fits”), which are clearly being christened for the first time as they’ve come straight out of the packet. The girls in minimal sports bras (I’m not being a prude; they’re literally named that), and the guys in their 247 Represent tanks and eye-wateringly tight cycling shorts. Of course, everyone is wearing a pair of Oakleys (note: it isn’t summer anymore, and it isn’t sunny).
Bingo, you guessed it. They are part of a run club – something I have been a part of myself, and admittedly once enjoyed at a time in my life. But now I have an issue with them. Late last year, I attended the launch of a certain brand’s run club (which I’ll refrain from naming), and I left feeling short-changed, having had no authentic conversations (the run itself was deafeningly quiet) and exploited for my email address as I left.
Gym Shark Run Club
Before I go on my rant, I am all for group exer-
cise as a means to getting more people active. For years, I’ve adopted the ethos that everyone can find enjoyment in exercise – whether that be running, open-water swimming, kitesurfing, aerial yoga – whatever your thing is, I’m here for it. We all deserve, and have a right, to find freedom through movement. It’s empowering to exercise; whether you’re a lifelong fitness fanatic who finds solace in sport or begrudging ly turns up to the entrance of the gym because you promised your friend you’d join them for a session. 99.9% of the time, you will always feel better for working out.
Just an hour of exercise is 4% of your day that will impact 100% of the rest of it. Feeling stressed? Exercise reduces our levels of cortisol. Been working on a last-minute deadline and finding yourself flagging? Go for a workout to reset and re-energise with endorphins to carry you through the next few hours. But these are just benefits to the working professionals among us, and there are so many other physical and mental benefits for all to enjoy beyond these.
I myself am also a sucker for group exercise; I was part of our University rowing team, and once I graduated, I felt so lost without a team to
