Running is the simplest of all sports, one that requires only a good pair of shoes. Unquestionably, much like other sports, while it demands physical effort, it also tests one’s mental stamina. Running was the inaugural Olympic sport before the games grew into a multi-event spectacle. Solo running is a triumph of will, but collective running can transform into a movement.

This way, when running becomes a communal activity, it fulfils the ancient Greek ideal of sports since, for the ancient Greeks, sports served a higher purpose: it fosters virtue. In Aristotle’s view, the primary aim of all sports was paideia, an expression which encompasses both culture and education. This ancient ideal has inspired athletes to extend their virtues beyond sports, that is to make it an integral part of social life.

Naturally, a community of runners can be a powerful force. But what exactly do we mean by a community?

Definitions vary, but one way to understand it is as a group of people united by shared values and goals, one that fosters partnership through collaboration and mutual preparedness. At its heart, a running community thrives on the collective experience of running, not just as individuals but as a group. This participatory spirit is what truly defines it.

Mirroring global movements such as Parkrun, Islamabad’s running groups are proving how the simplest of exercises can be the key to inclusivity and community…

A GLOBAL MOVEMENT

Across the globe, communities have shown transformations by the simple act of lacing up shoes and hitting pavements together. From London’s bustling city parks to Islamabad’s serene morning trails, running is bridging divides, running unites people of all ages and backgrounds.

In the UK, Parkrun has become a beacon of grassroots community spirit. What began in 2004 as a modest gathering in a London park has blossomed into a global movement, with free weekly five kilometre (5K) runs now hosted in over 20 countries. Here, volunteers cheer equally for first-timers and seasoned athletes, and forge connections that endure long after the finish line.

Across the Atlantic, organisations such as Back on My Feet harness running’s power to uplift homeless individuals. Through morning runs and mentorship, participants rebuild not only their physical strength, but also their confidence and prospects. Meanwhile, groups such as Run Dem Crew and Muslim Runners are redefining inclusivity in the running world. More than just athletic collectives, they create safe spaces for under-represented communities.

Nowhere is the community spirit of running more vividly on display than at the world’s biggest marathons. In cities such as New York and London, race day is a citywide celebration. Streets are closed to traffic and can be seen lined with millions of spectators, musicians and supporters. These events are more than races; they are powerful reminders of what humanity can achieve together. They inspire social campaigns, raise millions for charities, and leave lasting impacts on cities and citizens alike.

ISLAMABAD’S RUNNING REVOLUTION

In Pakistan, the Islamabad Running Club (IRC) is quietly pioneering a health and social revolution. What began as a small group of passionate runners has blossomed into a thriving community of over 250 members. Every weekend, you’ll find them weaving through Islamabad’s lush trails and sun-dappled roads, not exactly chasing medals, but something far more valuable: the shared rhythm of camaraderie, the quiet strength of discipline and the pure joy of moving together. This is running as collective celebration.

“This started as just four friends running together,” says Bilal Ehsan, one of the co-founders of IRC. “Now, it’s a platform that has inspired people to run their first 5K, complete full marathons and even take on ultramarathons. Some have gone on to represent Pakistan in major races abroad,” Bilal tells Eos.

What truly sets IRC apart is its transformative commitment to inclusivity. In a society where women often face barriers to outdoor sports, the club has become a sanctuary, one where female runners, including women in hijab, train freely alongside others.

This is no small feat in a culture where most women experience public spaces as either isolating or unsafe. By normalising large groups of women running together with confidence, IRC isn’t just organising workouts; it’s inaudibly rewriting social norms.

In addition, a strong sense of community fosters powerful synergy. At IRC, this translates into meaningful initiatives that extend far beyond running. The club harnesses the collective energy of its members to drive social impact by organising charity runs in partnership with organisations such as The Citizens Foundation and Care Foundation, which raises awareness for critical local causes.

Through these efforts, IRC demonstrates how fitness and community service can work hand in hand. Also, they coordinate at times with other running clubs, such as Islamabad Run With Us and Margalla Trail Runners, and thus help broaden networks for the Islamabad community.

Over the years, these collaborations have grown in both scale and significance. The club actively participates in campaigns such as Pink Ribbon Day to promote breast cancer awareness and partners with Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital to raise vital funds for cancer patients. Each stride taken together becomes a step toward a healthier and a more compassionate society.

MORE THAN A SPORT

Running is a great equaliser, an exercise that is indifferent to one’s background, wealth or faith. It demands only dedication and, in exchange, grants strength, resilience and human connection. “It’s been life-changing,” says Bilal Ehsan, while reflecting on his transformation from non-runner to marathoner. “Four years ago, I could never have imagined how running would reshape my perspective and introduce me to so many extraordinary and inspiring people,” he adds.

This is running’s true power as a collective exercise. It helps build on both personal identity and a sense of belonging. The mother completing her first kilometre, the young professional chasing a marathon dream, the retiree maintaining health through daily walks, each finds their place in this community. Every stride tells a story of personal triumph.

Blessed with natural beauty, Islamabad provides runners with breathtaking trails carved by nature itself. But more importantly, in this city, running is accomplishing something far greater: it’s breaking social barriers, challenging norms and forging a new kind of community.

What makes this movement remarkable is its organic growth, which is so remarkably visible in the number of community members growing each year. Despite limited sponsorship and minimal government support, the running community continues to thrive and become a beacon of hope and resilience for Islamabad’s people.

In our fractured world, the running community displays a rare unifying force.

The writer teaches at COMSATS University in Islamabad. She can be contacted at ayesharamzan83@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, EOS, June 15th, 2025