Southern Running Collective is for you if you’ve ever said:

• “I don’t look like a runner”
• “I have to lose weight/get faster/run without stopping to walk before I can really be a runner”
• “I’m afraid to go to a group run or race because I don’t want to be last”

You’re comfortable covering 1-3 miles at a pace of ~11:00-18:00+/mile

You identify as a slower runner or walker, AKA the middle or back of the pack

You’re a new OR seasoned runner

Absolutely! When we say everyone is welcome here, we mean it. We would love for you to use the resource directory, attend pop-up events, and encourage our runners by running with them at their pace or cheering them on from the sidelines (bonus points if you stay for the final finishers)

We suggest giving a mile a try and knowing your pace/mile beforehand. You may be at a different speed than you think, so we want to see how Southern Running Collective can best support you

Southern Running Collective doesn’t currently host its own regularly scheduled group run; instead, we connect runners with existing group runs across the Metro Atlanta area

However, there are a variety of pop-up events throughout the year open to everyone, and cohort members have access to additional private events

Great question! It’s not because we like to be rigid and boring. It’s because slower runners often have encounters that have led them to experience judgment or exclusion in certain environments. This is especially true if a runner holds any marginalized identity. The House Rules help to remove barriers, so SRC remains a supportive and respectful place for everyone

“Southern” is our founder’s last name, but it also channels Southern hospitality and the entire region that we hope to expand to. “Collective” encompasses the growth we experience from shared learning and experiences

“Long distance” is subjective, but we consider it anything that is a 10K or more. Our goal is to have cohorts for 10Ks, 10 Milers, Half Marathons, and Marathons. The goal races will be announced on a rolling basis

Regardless of experience, we’re all working towards the same goal race. There is a mix of experience levels because each member brings their own backgrounds, questions, and insights, and we learn from one another along the way

Life happens! We record sessions, and they will be available to members to watch when they have time

To create an individualized training plan, we need time to meet with you and learn your goals in time for the start of your cohort

No! Members can live anywhere in the US and participate. Events will be held in Eastern time, 99% of the time

Maybe. There are a lot of factors that could influence whether this would be a good fit. Contact Us or email [email protected], and we’ll figure it out together

While community is a large part of Southern Running Collective, we understand that some people prefer running to be more personal. If you are interested in 1:1 run coaching, please contact us or email [email protected]

Maybe, maybe not. Our focus is listening to and honoring our bodies, not shrinking them. Our founder practices from a Health at Every Size® and weight-inclusive lens, meaning weight loss is not required to lead a full life. As a reminder, Southern Running Collective does not encourage diet-y or weight talk

We would love to chat! There are a variety of ways to be part of SRC, such as joining the resource directory, sponsoring a race cheer station, hosting a shakeout run, presenting an educational topic to a cohort, and more! Contact Us or email [email protected], and we’ll be in touch