Anniversary of inclusive group where nobody gets left behind.
An MK running club that started with just seven people has evolved in less than a year to a fitness community with nearly 800 members.
And the founder of Nobody Left Behind, Chadrack Kiyama, says he is expecting more than a thousand people to attend his one-year anniversary celebration at MK’s Stantonbury Track next month.
He says the club’s success is down to the fact that people of all cultures, backgrounds, abilities and ages are welcome to join in, and adds that many of his members have found new friends and acquaintances after being alone in the city.
“NLB started last May with just seven friends, but one of them struggled to complete a 5km run, so I stayed with him the whole way walking, running, and pushing through together.
“That moment made me realise how many people want to start running but feel intimidated by it. It inspired me to create a community where ‘nobody gets left behind’.
“Some people think: what if I’m not a good runner, I don’t want to be the slow one holding back the pack”, says Chadrack. “But we take all abilities and all paces. No matter what you can do, as long as you are there, that’s important. We prefer you to be with us rather than be at home doing nothing. At least you’re trying to do something.”
He’s a firm believer that running and exercise promote good mental health as well as physical strength and believes many of his 760 social media members, starting their fitness journeys, are improving their mental health, building connections, and stepping away from computer screens to engage in real-life movement.
The group meets each Monday evening at Furzton Lake and again on Saturday mornings in a variety of different venues. Members come mainly from Milton Keynes but include some from Bedford, Northampton, Luton and even Derby.
The club will celebrate the one-year anniversary in Stantonbury, by announcing a broadening of their activities beyond just running. The day will feature a live DJ, food trucks, a bouncy castle, entertainment – and some running.
https://www.instagram.com/nlb.uk.
