1% Running Club

1% Running Club Mission Statement 

At the 1% Running Club, we are dedicated to supporting and elevating runners from diverse backgrounds. As an affiliated England Athletics Running Club, Our mission? To boost minority representation in distance racing and bridge the gap between run crews and athletics clubs.

As our home city marathon, it's encouraging to see that the TCS London Marathon is making significant strides in increasing participation among ethnically diverse runners in the mass field, as evidenced by the data collected over the years. (14.9% in 2024). However, only 5.1% qualified for the Championship start, and 5.7% qualified for  the Good For Age start in 2024. These percentages highlight the lack of representation in both categories - a gap which the 1% Running Club is seeking to fill.

While London celebrates its vibrant diversity, we recognise the stark underrepresentation at start lines. Despite a rise in minority participation overall, specific ethnic groups still account for only around 1%. The 1% Running Club takes its name from these statistics, symbolising our commitment to progress—one percent at a time.

Our club isn't just about running; it's a community where members support and uplift each other. We prioritise inclusivity, particularly focusing on empowering women from ethnic minority backgrounds who face compounded challenges.

Join us as we strive to inspire the next generation of athletes, from middle distance to ultra marathons, and from club running to elite competition. Our goal is to support runners in achieving TCS London Marathon Championship and Good for Age qualifying times, empowering underrepresented communities to progress, one percent at a time.

Together, we'll strive for excellence and ensure that every runner has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of background or starting line.