Taking up running as a hobby is all about firsts: your first proper running shoes, the first five minutes spent running without stopping, your first 5k, 10k, or marathon.
We vote to add another one to that list: your first good-vibes 5k with music and friends.
That is exactly what went down in Bromsgrove at the start of September, when over 30 Redditch Community Runners joined forces with Stridetribe for our very first collaboration run.
Our paths first crossed with Matt from Stridetribe at the Wythall Fun Run, where he was repping his ambassador role running with his tunes in the 10k. At the same event RCR provided on course marshalls and ran the water station. A collab was pitched, ideas were floated, and fast-forward a few months, both clubs gathered outside Socialsticks, warmed up, and set off through Bromsgrove.
Hit the music, Matt!
Matt’s custom-built speaker kicked into life, treating the pub patrons along Bromsgrove High Street to a bit of Dolly Parton. A few local school kids even threw out high-fives for the cool kids in running gear.
“Let’s gooooo!” came the shout from Matt, and off we went.
Peeling left, we flew past Asda and out onto the estate, weaving past smiling locals and dog walkers on our way into Sanders Park for a couple of loops. Along the way, we all tried out a new “hands-in-the-air” running technique. Jury’s still out, but it might just catch on.
As we looped the park, people cheered us on with smiles, high-fives, and calls of encouragement. The atmosphere was electric – complete with some questionable RCR dancing and even worse Justin Bieber vocals from Simon and Chezza (don’t worry, the album drops soon).
Before we knew it, the 5k was in the bag, but the energy never dropped. Matt kept the tunes and vibes flowing, everyone rallied around each other, and as we tackled the final hill back to SocialSticks, Candi Staton’s You Got the Love boomed over the speaker:
Sometimes I feel like throwin’ my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
It couldn’t have been a more fitting lyric. For an hour, we threw our hands up, ran with massive smiles, and completely forgot about life’s everyday worries. Nobody wanted the route to end.
A huge thank you to Matt and the Stridetribe crew for having RCR along. Keep doing what you’re doing – it was pure joy and completely uplifting. People talk a lot about how running supports both physical and mental health; Stridetribe is bringing that to life.
Hands in the air – let’s go!
Check out our instagram reel of the run.
Redditch Community Runners are always on the look out to collab with other groups. Reach out to us.
