October 5th 2024.
For a long time, I struggled to get into running. It just didn't seem like something I was interested in or capable of. But one day, everything changed. I was at Stockley Park with a few friends, proudly wearing our bright orange "Asian Women Run" t-shirts from our recent 5k parkrun. Suddenly, a woman approached us and asked if this was a running club and how she could join. Her curiosity and eagerness to be a part of something like this truly touched me.
You see, for years I had resisted running. Even during the pandemic, when my mom would happily go for a jog while I stuck to walking. She would try to convince me, but I was adamant that it was boring and not for me. It wasn't until the restrictions lifted and I joined a gym that something inside me shifted.
One day, while sitting in the steam room, I struck up a conversation with a man named Bob. He had just come back from a run and I was amazed to learn that he was in his 70s and regularly ran at least three 10ks a week! This may not seem like a big deal to some, but for me, it was eye-opening. I couldn't believe that someone his age could be so active and fit. And it got me thinking, if he could do it, why couldn't I?
So, I mustered up the courage to ask him if I could join him on his next run. And without hesitation, he said yes. Two days later, I completed my first ever run. I had mentally prepared myself for a 5k, but ended up doing a 10k instead. It was tough, and I was out of breath the whole time. But when we finished, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride that I had never experienced before.
From that point on, I was hooked. I fell in love with running and gradually felt healthier, lost weight, and became stronger. Within six months, I went from struggling to complete a 10k in 1 hour 11 minutes to running a half marathon.
But despite all of these positive changes, there was still something that made me sad. Whenever I went for a run, I only ever saw white people. And when I participated in charity events, I noticed the severe lack of women like me even more. It made me feel self-conscious and like I didn't belong.
I realized that there must be other Asian women out there who "hated" running simply because they didn't have a safe space to try it. As a woman, running alone can be intimidating and even dangerous at times. I've had men honk and shout at me from their cars, and I've even had to change my route to avoid potential threats.
But my experiences are not unique. According to the National Women's Running survey, nearly half of respondents have experienced verbal harassment while running, and over 10% have been followed or intimidated. These barriers are felt even more by certain communities, particularly Asian and Black communities. It's no wonder that only 4.7% of Asian women participate regularly in running or jogging.
I realized that I couldn't be the only one looking for a safe space to run and a community of people like me. So, I decided to do something about it. After speaking to Tasha, the founder of Black Girls Do Run, I was inspired to start a group exclusively for Asian Women.
Within one evening, we had a name - Asian Women Run - a domain, an Instagram page, and even t-shirts with our logo. When I told my mom about it, she was overjoyed. She had been looking for a group like this for a long time, and she never expected her once running-averse daughter to create one.
In June of this year, we had our first run at Stockley Park. It was a small group - just six of us - but it was one of the best runs I had ever done. We all compared times and there was a sense of excitement and camaraderie among us. It was the feeling I had been searching for all along.
Since then, our group has grown to about 10 members. We run twice a week, mostly in the West London area, and some of us have even signed up for next year's London Marathon. We're nervous but also excited for the challenge.
I never had something like this when I was growing up - a safe place for Asian women to run and build friendships. It's something I am grateful for and hope to see grow even more. Of course, I wish this club wasn't necessary and that women could run freely without feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious. But until that change happens, I will continue to support and grow this community.
I hope that Asian Women Run will expand throughout the UK and possibly even internationally. After all, I am living proof that sometimes the only way to make a change is to start.
Do you have a story to share? I'd love to hear it. Share your views in the comments below. And don't forget to register for parkrun - it's free and you only need to register once.
In a collaboration between Metro and parkrun, we are bringing you a series of content to celebrate parkrun's 20th birthday in 2024. It's not just for runners, it's for everyone. Join us as we share stories of people who have found their calling, their community, or even had their lives changed by lacing up their trainers. Get ready to be empowered, inspired, and energized.
Within one evening, we decided on the name Asian Women Run. After speaking to Tasha, the founder of Black Girls Do Run, she suggested I start a group exclusively for Asian Women. It was a perfect idea, and she helped me through the whole process.
I never had something like this when I was growing up - a safe place for Asian women to run and build friendships
Within one evening, we decided on the name Asian Women Run, got the domain, set up an Instagram page, and designed a logo. We even got some t-shirts printed. When I told my mom about it, she was over the moon. She had been looking for a group like this for a long time, and she never expected her once running-averse daughter to create one.
In June of this year, our first run took place at Stockley Park. Though there were just six of us that first day - myself, my mom, and four other women - it was honestly one of the best runs I've ever done. As we all compared times after, there was a palpable buzz of excitement among us. That feeling was one I'd been searching for forever.
Since then, our group has remained fairly small with about 10 members, but it's been heartwarming to see it grow and more women getting in touch to join every day. We run twice a week, mostly in the West London area at different parks, and some of us have even signed up for next year's London Marathon. We're feeling nervous but also excited for the challenge.
I never grew up having something like this - a safe place that brings Asian women together to run and build friendships - and it is something I feel really grateful for. Of course, there's a part of me that wishes this club wasn't necessary. That women could run whenever and wherever they felt like it and that Asian women, in particular, didn't feel uncomfortable and self-conscious running outdoors. But until a bigger change is made, I hope that the group continues to grow.
I'd love for Asian Women Run to expand throughout the UK, or maybe even internationally. After all, I'm proof that sometimes the only way to make a change is to start.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing
[email protected].
Share your views in the comments below.
In a collaboration between Metro and parkrun, we are bringing you a series of content to celebrate parkrun's 20th birthday in 2024. It's not just for runners, it's for everyone. Come with us as we embark on a series of boundary-pushing well-being content designed to elevate and champion, but also to support mental health and societal cohesion. Whether you run, walk, jog, or strut, join us as we share stories of those who have found their calling, their community, or had their lives changed through the simple act of lacing up their trainers. Get ready to be empowered, inspired, and energized!
Register for parkrun here. The best part is that it's free and you only need to register once.
But it's not just for runners - it's for everyone. We want to create a space where people can come together, regardless of race or background, and support each other in their fitness journeys. So come join us, whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out. We promise you'll find a welcoming and supportive community.
Within one evening, we decided on the name Asian Women Run. After speaking to Tasha, the founder of Black Girls Do Run, she suggested I start a group exclusively for Asian Women. It was a perfect idea, and she helped me through the whole process.
In June this year, our first run took place at Stockley Park. Though there were just six of us that first day - myself, my mom, and four other women - it was honestly one of the best runs I've ever done. As we all compared times after, there was a palpable buzz of excitement among us. That feeling was one I'd been searching for forever.
Since then, our group has remained fairly small with about 10 members, but it's been heartwarming to see it grow and more women getting in touch to join every day. We run
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