Women-only running club launches in Bishop Auckland

Founder Chloe Taylor, from Crook, said the group will welcome women of all abilities and running speeds.

Announcing the venture on social media, Chloe said creating the club was outside her comfort zone but was driven by a desire to bring local women together through fitness and friendship.

Chloe Taylor. (Image: CHLOE TAYLOR)

Chloe, 33, said: “I want to build a community for us girls to feel safe running together, especially through the darker months.

“This is about getting out, running together, meeting new people and doing something for ourselves.”

The club will hold weekly runs and weekend social events, including post-run coffee meet-ups.

Qualified run leader Chloe Taylor is also planning extra support for women new to running before they join group sessions.

The club’s first event will take place on Saturday, October 10.

Runners will meet outside The Beehive Coffee Shop & Pantry in Bishop Auckland at 8.15am before choosing a 3km or 5km route.

The run will finish at the café, where members can socialise over coffee and buy breakfasts, cakes and other treats.

Chloe said the club is about inclusion, not speed, and welcomes runners of all abilities.

She said: “This isn’t about speed, it’s about socialising and getting out running together, so don’t think you have to run at a certain pace.”

The launch event is free, but runners must register in advance.

Places are limited because of the café’s capacity.

Runners can follow the running club on Instagram and Facebook.

The Beehive is run alongside Angel Trust, with profits funding food banks, counselling and housing support for vulnerable people.

The café opened in May 2025 and supported about 1,100 people through the charity’s services during its first year.