What is She Runs: Cardiff all about?
In September 2019 a group of 30+ women who share a love for running decided it was a passion to be shared with others. Too many women have barriers to running and exercise in general and we wanted to help! We came up with a name, a logo and a meeting place & off we all went. Our first official run was on the 13th of October 2019.
We wanted to offer something different to other running clubs. Our club is a social running group; we are not interested in pace, speed, time or even distance, we are into sharing the joy of running.
We came up with the name Run Buddy to describe our supportive role. For every social run we have a lead Run Buddy to support those at the front, Run Buddies in the middle to make sure no one is on their own and a tail Run Buddy for those partying at the back.
Collectively we want to encourage women to run, to find some time for themselves make friends, and most of all realise that anybody can be a runner.
If you have any questions, queries, concerns we are all here to help!
Thank you for joining She Runs : Cardiff!
Meet our Run Buddies:
Caroline
LiRF
I’m originally from Reading but came here for Uni and stayed. I now live in Rhiwbina.
I started running regularly after Uni, working up to completing my first Cardiff half marathon in 2007 . Running slowed down between having my children but I was then determined to get back into it after my second child to get some ‘me time’. Running is my stress buster especially useful whilst working in the NHS (as a physio) and juggling family life. I usually run somewhere around 3 days a week and try to add in gym sessions to help with strength and conditioning to help my running as I get older! My favourite race is a half marathon but I have completed a few marathons and an ultra now and enjoy training for long events once a year or so when I can. I am more at home on the tarmac but do enjoy a trail run too as long as I don’t get lost!
I run alone without music to let my brain untangle but also enjoy running with friends or with my hubby when we can. We’ve also encouraged our kids into junior parkrun and sharing running with them is lots of fun as well as a chance to regularly volunteer and give something back to the community. Being a buddy with SR:C is wonderful as it helps to inspire and motivate me on my own running journey whilst helping others along the way. It’s great to be able to run and chat with other like-minded ladies about all sorts of random topics, especially if there is cake and coffee involved too!
Sara
I live in Whitchurch, am a proud Mum of two young men and work within education, at Cardiff University and independently with Usborne Children’s books.
I started running when I decided for my 50th birthday year of challenges I was going to run the Cardiff Half Marathon! Having a running buddy to share the experience with, meant I was accountable and together we encouraged ourselves to achieve something I never really thought I could achieve.
I am very proud of what we have created with ‘She Runs’ we really had no idea when we met as a group of like minded women what it would become! You’ll find me with the ‘party at the back’ enjoying a slow, steady, sociable pace with others. I love the support network, the joy of seeing others succeed and the fantastic women I meet.
Jo
I am Roath Park girl born and bred and I live with my partner Glenn and two daughters Meg age 24 and Mia age 14.
I am been a Slimming World Consultant for 4 years and run 2 local groups. Before that I worked in Cardiff Council Leisure Dept for 22years before taking voluntary redundancy.
I joined SR:C on their first ever run in Oct 2019 after deciding I wanted to attempt to run a half marathon before my 50th Birthday in March 21!!! I have now run 3 half marathon distances and I try to run 4 times a week and I love being part of the SR:C team.
Libby
LiRF
I’ve always lived in Cardiff, I spent the the first half of my life growing up in the Heath area, but currently live in Rumney with my husband and four children. The latest of which was born just after lockdown commenced. I’m a nurse and work in the local hospital. When in work I’m often seen running the local parkruns post night shift.
I started the Couch to 5k at the start of September 2017 to help me get some much needed me time and headspace whilst dealing with delayed Post Natal Depression and to also help get me fitter/healthier. Since then I’ve continued to run, taking part in many races up to half distance and even managed to run/walk/waddle through pregnancy until my body said enough.I enjoy running on my own but also really love the social aspect of running and all the new people I’ve come to meet through a shared passion. My favourite part of this is supporting and encouraging others in their own running journeys.
Catherine
CiRF (Coach in Running Fitness)
I live in Whitchurch but come from Hereford originally. I am a lawyer by day and a Mum of one. I started running in May 2018 and by September qualified as a LiRF.
My reason for starting to run was because I had signed up to do Cardiff Half to fundraise for charity and I needed to. It quickly turned into a love and I wanted to run further and better.
I used to hate running, I think because it was never properly explained or taught – at school you were either a good runner or you weren’t. I am passionate that running should be accessible to everyone. I used running to manage stress after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and it really helped my recovery to have goals to aim for – I ran my first Ultra 4 months after finishing my treatment.
A year on, I have qualified as a Coach in Running Fitness and I want to share the things I have learned and help people with their own running journeys. The running community really is the most supportive!
Jodie
I live in north Cardiff with my husband and cat. I’m originally from Ludlow but moved here for uni and never really left.
I started running around 8 years ago and completed my first half marathon in 2015, running for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
During the lockdowns I discovered trail running and love it! Shuffling through a forest and listening to the sounds of nature is so good for the soul. I’ve recently completed a couple of ultramarathons.
Running is a big part of my life and I enjoy anything from a chatty lap of Roath lake to a day out on the trails!
Siân
I am originally from Worcestershire but came to Cardiff for university back in 2003 and never left! I live in Cathays with my partner (Matt), stepdaughter (Izy) and fur-baby (a gorgeous Dutch Shepherd cross called Mali!) and I work as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Cardiff University. I started running in 2016 because I wanted to get fitter and I set myself the challenge (whilst also roping in my boyfriend and brothers!) of running Man vs Mountain (22 miles over Snowdon). Once I started running, I got hooked and gradually worked my way up from 10Ks to half marathons to full marathons and even ultra-marathons!! In 2021 I ran the faux-gum and VOGUM with two fabulous groups of She Runs: Cardiff ladies and the experiences were unforgettable! I love everything about running. I love what it does for me personally in terms of improving my mood and giving me much-needed headspace (nothing beats that post-run feeling!) and I also love the incredibly inclusive, supportive and motivating community you become a part of.
Sarah T
LiRF
I live in Penylan, born in Surrey, moved to Cardiff when I was two. Married with 2 grown up children, Lily & Sam, plus my fur baby Herbie the Frenchie. I work in banking.
I run because it helps me in so many ways mentally & physically. It’s my time whether I’m running solo or with company and I love it.
I started running in 2015 when I signed up for the 2016 World Half Marathon in Cardiff, followed by the Cardiff Half the same year. Unfortunately running had to take a back seat for a while in 2017 & 2018. I restarted mid 2019 and joined She Runs: Cardiff in October that year as well as signing up for the 2020 Cardiff Half, which finally happened in March 2022. Since joining She Runs I have also gone onto do a full marathon and an ultra marathon, both things I would never have imagined I could be capable of without out the support of this amazing group.
Deborah
I’m 62, married and a very proud mum to my lovely son who’s 37. I’m officially “retired” but a full time carer for Hubby who has health and mobility issues. I’m passionate about food and cooking, and enjoy spin classes, cold water dipping, hiking and generally being outdoors.
In Lockdown 1 and with the gym closed I took on Couch to 5k having never run before as I believed I couldn’t (I have dodgy knees from one too many hard landings as a young gymnast). I hated every minute of it until about Week 6, but by the time I’d “graduated” I found myself completely hooked. I loved the headspace, buzz and freedom running gave me.
I “stalked” She Runs on Facebook for some time but hesitated to join as I didn’t consider myself a “proper” runner. I finally took the plunge in 2021 and haven’t looked back since! I became a Run Buddy in 2022.
I’m incredibly proud to be part of a group of such inspirational women of all ages and abilities, some of whom I have never met, who have supported, encouraged and motivated me to run in the rain, the dark, up the tallest sand dune in Wales dressed as an elf, across the Severn Bridge, whilst litter picking and to raise funds for some very deserving charities.
I’m now based in Devon and consider myself something of a “roving ambassador” for She Runs and love joining our runs when I’m in Cardiff. Living here means I’ve had to learn to embrace hills and I particularly enjoy trail running on the South West Coastal Path and in the countryside here. I also really enjoy 10k’s and am hoping to get a couple more Half Marathons under my belt in 2026.
My running isn’t fast or pretty but I simply love it. I run for my mental and physical wellbeing and so enjoy the social aspect of being a She Runner. As a run buddy I hope to “pay back” some of the support and encouragement that has, and continues to spur me on and to motivate and inspire others on their own running journeys.
Gemma
Qualified CiRF and Personal Trainer
I started running a few years ago with couch 2 5k. Since then I have run a few marathons and ultras and am a big believer that almost anyone can run long distances if they are able to put the time & effort in.
I am a parkrun obsessive with 250 runs at over 130 locations and very rarely miss a week!
I am a mental health & addictions nurse by trade but I am also CiRf qualified and have completed a Personal Training Diploma.
In my spare time I love doing Hyrox workouts at the gym, watching ice hockey and walking my sausage dog.
Kali
Raised in Wales most of my life, though from English and Scottish parents, it’s been hard to decide where you’re really from. However, Cardiff has been my home for a long time and will continue to be!
I live with my husband, son and miniature dachshund that believes he’s the king of the house. I’m a manager for a digital marketing agency and have been working in the SEO industry for many years, including having the privilege to travel the world.
I have been running since 2009, coming from a family that have done ultra runs and marathons aplenty. It was also a recommendation to combat my mental health. My first race was the Cardiff Half Marathon, which fully progressed to Manchester Marathon a few years later.
I then finally plucked up the courage to try ultra marathons, with a greater appreciation for trail running. I feel a lot more disconnected from the world on a trail run and they are my favourite runs now!
Running is what keeps me going and gives me a focus. I have learnt more about how I think and function through every step I’ve taken on a run. I have my downtime, in between races, but then I will pick it back up again with a new goal to reach. I’ve made the greatest friends through running and especially through She Runs, who have cheered me on every step of the way through my running progression in the past couple of years.
I also discovered in my mid-late twenties that I’m very neurodivergent, with both autism and ADHD to juggle! Running has supported me through that in clearing my head and giving me an outlet to push my energy into.
I can’t wait to see what is in store next in terms of my running journey. And I look forward to inspiring the next person that attends a She Runs club session, now as a fully-fledged Run Buddy!
Clare
I moved to Cardiff to come to uni from rural Herefordshire and stayed here when I graduated because I much preferred living in a city!
I started running in 2016 and after running the London Landmarks Half in 2018 I stopped completely despite really enjoying the race I’d found the training really boring. I had this feeling that I could enjoy running I just needed to work out how.
I intermittently tried to start running again but I fell running by myself which really shook me up and then I hurt my ankle badly at the start of the first lockdown which took a very long time to heal.
I’d been a member of the SR:C Facebook group for a while but didn’t feel I could cover the 5k of the social runs so when the walk to run course was launched at the the end of 2022 I immediately signed up.
I absolutely loved doing walk to run; the commitment of having signed up to something and seeing the same people every week all with the same purpose was fantastic. And I achieved what I was aiming for a genuine love of running. I now regularly and comfortably run the 5k that felt impossible at the start of 2023 and I really enjoy the chatty friendly atmosphere on every run.
Sarah W
I’m originally from the Midlands but ended up in Cardiff (via Bath, Manchester and a few other places) for work about 15 year ago. I’m relatively new to running – and exercise in general – having spent much of my life thinking it wasn’t something I’d ever be able to do (I’d always been more of a books, beer & bands kinda person). But, after a couch 2 5k during lockdown, finding some fun fitness classes, and realising that exercise was not only good for me but actually enjoyable, I took the plunge and joined a She Runs social. It’s been amazing to discover that running is much easier when you have someone to chat to, to be inspired by a wonderful bunch of women and also to find other people who think running at 6am in the morning is perfectly reasonable…
I’m now running 3 or 4 times a week and love the mix of having lovely bunch of other people to have a chatty run with and knowing I’m capable of knocking out a nice long run by myself if I need some time alone in the outdoors. I’m super proud to be a She Runs buddy and look forward to helping other people find the joy of running.
Kat W
LiRF, Trail & Fell LiRF, Level 3 Outdoor First Aid
I live in Canton but spent most of my ‘growing up’ years in Whitchurch. I’m currently a PhD researcher at Cardiff University. I’m also a mum of two boys.
I have had several running lives over the years, but I never felt like a runner until I joined She Runs Cardiff during the first big Covid lockdown in 2020.
I am a trail runner at heart and love nothing more than getting muddy by running through puddles, stomping up hills, and doing some cow dodging. I’m a multiple ultra runner thanks to the support of She Runs Cardiff, and everyone’s unwavering belief (women supporting women is a truly wonderful thing).
Ruth
I live in Llanedeyrn with my husband and two children. I’m a graphic designer and all round creative girl. I love sewing in my spare time and getting to the beach as much as possible.
I’ve always enjoyed keeping fit with bodypump and spin classes but I started running seriously after a friend raved about her Cardiff half marathon experience and I signed up to do my own.
I love running, I feel like it’s my super power to combat bad mental health days. I also love bright leggings, trail running and running up hills – it makes me feel strong!
Mari
Siaradwr Cymraeg
Yn wreiddiol o’r Tymbl yn y Gorllewin, symudais i Gaerdydd yn yr 80au hwyr! Heb symud o Dreganna ers hynny a wedi magu dau o fechgyn yma sydd yn oedolion erbyn hyn. Wedi cael gyrfa amrywiol yng Nghaerdydd o S4C i’r byd addysg. Bellach yn defnyddio’r sgiliau hynny wrth weithio dros Menter Caerdydd fel Swyddog Datblygu Gwasanaethau Plant.
Dwi wedi cadw fy hunan yn weddol ffit erioed drwy gyfrwng pel-rwyd, rhedeg a threcio, a chyflawni Marathon Llundain, nifer o Moonwalks, hanner marathonau, rasys 10km, a threcio i Everest Base Camp a Machu Pichu. Ymunais â Mae Hi’n Rhedeg ym mis Mai 2023 ar gyfer Walk to Run, er mwyn cyrraedd fy mhenblwydd yn 60 ar ddiwedd y flwyddyn mor heini â phosib! Ers y sesiynau hynny, wedi llwyddo cwblhau 10K Caerdydd, 11 milltir Castell i Gastell dros Ysbyty Felindre, a Hanner Marathon Caerdydd. Dwi hefyd wedi mwynhau rhedeg llwybrau o gwmpas Mynydd Caerffili a’r Garth dros yr haf, gyda’r criw ysbrydoledig hwn! Fy mwriad yw parhau i fwynhau rhedeg pellteroedd byr, ond ymestyn i ambell marathon ultra maes o law! Bydd rhedeg yn fy 60au yn gymorth mawr yn gorfforol a meddyliol.
Fyddai ddim yn siarad llawer wrth redeg, ond dwi’n wrandawr gwych!
Originally from Tumble in west Wales, I moved to Cardiff in the late 80s! We haven’t moved from Canton since then and have raised two boys here who are now adults. I’ve had a varied career in Cardiff, from S4C to the world of education. I now work for Menter Caerdydd, as a Children’s Services Development Officer.
I have always kept myself reasonably fit through netball, running and trekking, and completed the London Marathon, several Moonwalks, half marathons, 10km races, and trekked to Everest Base Camp and Machu Pichu. I joined She Runs Cardiff in May 2023 for Walk to Run, in order to reach my 60th birthday at the end of the year as fit as possible! Since those sessions, I have successfully completed the Cardiff 10K, 11 miles Castle to Castle for Velindre Hospital, and the Cardiff Half Marathon. I’ve also enjoyed trail running around Mynydd Caerphilly and Garth over the Summer, with this inspirational group of ladies! My intention is to continue enjoying running short distances, but to prepare for the occasional ultra marathon! Running in my 60s will be a big help physically and mentally.
I don’t talk much while running, but I’m a great listener!
Berni
I grew up in Pontypridd and after working in London and abroad for many years, found myself back in Cardiff. I started running in my mid 30s and worked up to half marathon distance. I stopped in 2010 and only came back to running via long distance walking. I walked 2 marathons, the VOGUM and a 100km and then decided that it would make much more sense to run them and get them done quicker!
I’m passionate about making ultramarathon distances accessible to older women. If I can then you can!
Anita
Siaradwr Cymraeg
Cymraes sydd yn enedigol o bentref bychan yng Nhwmtawe, Cwmllynfell. Yn chwaer i dri o frodyr, symudais i Gaerdydd ar gyfer swydd fel athrawes cynradd. Dechreuais rhedeg ar ôl i mi gael fy mhlentyn cyntaf Elin Haf yn 1999 ar gyfer fy iechyd meddwl a lles. Rwyf erbyn hyn yn fam i dri o blant ac yn bennaeth ysgol Gymraeg llwyddiannus yn Sir Caerffili, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Gwyddon. Mae rhedeg a chadw’n heini wedi helpu achub fy mywyd wrth i mi frwydro yn erbyn triniaeth cancr y coluddyn cam 3 yn 2022. Deunaw mis ar ôl y diagnosis, rwyf yn ddiolchgar iawn fy mod wedi goroesi ac yn medru ailgydio yn fy mywyd unwaith eto yn iach ac yn gryf. Mae bod yn aelod o Mae hi’n rhedeg Caerdydd wedi fy helpu cymaint wrth i mi frwydro yn erbyn cancr. Rwyf yn berson sydd yn mwynhau cwmni eraill, yn berson cyfeillgar sydd yn hoff o helpu eraill. Rwyn edrych ymlaen i rhoi o’m gorau i gefnogi ac ysgogi aelodau o’r clwb rhedeg fel un o’ch Bydis Rhedeg newydd.
Born in a small village in Twmtawe, Cwmllynfell. The sister of three brothers, I moved to Cardiff for a job as a primary school teacher. I started running after I had my first child Elin Haf in 1999 for my mental health and wellbeing.
By now I’m a mother of three children and head of a successful Welsh language school in Caerphilly County, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Gwyddon. Running and keeping fit has helped save my life as I battle stage 3 bowel cancer treatment in 2022. Eighteen months after the diagnosis, I am very grateful to have survived and to be able to get back on with my life once again again healthy and strong. Being a member of She Runs Cardiff has helped me so much as I battle cancer. I’m friendly and enjoy the company of and helping others. I look forward to doing my best to support and motivate members from the running club as one of your new Run Buddies.
Bethan
I live in Heath, originally from Mountain Ash. I’ve been living in Cardiff since September 2016 with my husband, son and dog. I work as an accounts manager in our family business, when I’m not doing that I’m juggling being a Mum, running a house and of course running!
I started running in 2016 originally to get fit; I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much. My first race was the Caerphilly 10k in May 2016 and I haven’t looked back. Since then I’ve completed half marathons, marathons and ultras. I love the social aspect of running and also the fact that you can just leave the house as soon as I’m changed. I also enjoy strength training as well as yoga classes.
Bláthnaid
(pronounced Blaw-nid)
Originally from Dublin, I live in Roath/Penylan with my hubby and daughters. I was a primary teacher, and now work on the education team of a not-for-profit. I got into running in 2018 thanks to a group of local mums – lots of us were total beginners but we trained for and ran the Cardiff Half together for charity. I found running with others a brilliant motivator, and when She Runs: Cardiff started up, I joined right away. I was well and truly bitten by the running bug, and ran 2 marathons the year I turned 40. In the last few years due to long-term injuries and health issues I’ve had to stop running, then get back to running, numerous times. I know first hand how hard this can be. I have just got back running (again!) after surgery and treatment for breast cancer. Running makes me feel happier and stronger, and helps me manage day to day life and the side effects of medication better. It’s always easier to run when you’re having a chat, and when someone is next to you keeping step with you. As a run buddy I hope I can give back some of the encouragement, motivation and support I’ve received from others – and I love a good natter and a post-run treat.
Claire
I’m originally from Cheshire but moved to South Wales for uni, then met my now husband and settled here before having our daughter.
I started running in my 20’s – a while ago now! I run for the health benefits – both mental and physical and especially enjoy trail running.
I’ve done races in the past – the Cardiff half twice, and the Great North Run back in 2007. Though I’m happy to head out on my own for the headspace, I really enjoy social running because I love to chat and to meet new people – running with She Runs provides a great opportunity to do both!
Elizabeth
I’m a data professional by day (sometimes by night too to be honest) and a runner by passion. I’m a Kiwi, have lived and worked in Japan, and have called Cardiff home for nearly a decade now. I’ve been running since my 20s (with a couple of blips along the way), and became a full-blown parkrun addict after moving to the UK.
For a long time I was a very solitary runner and genuinely believed that having other people around would only distract me. Finding SheRuns completely changed that. Running alongside other women at all paces and stages, and feeling that shared support and encouragement, has transformed my running in the best possible way. It’s made me stronger, more confident, and reminded me why I love running in the first place. I now sign myself up for events I previously only considered the sort of thing that ‘other people did’ and don’t hesitate to push the limits of what I can achieve. Running helps me clear my head, problem solve, and gives me a positive outlet for my energy. I’m excited to see what comes next in my running journey, and even more excited to support and inspire others as a SheRuns Run Buddy.
Sam M
Originally from Devon I moved to Cardiff for work in 1999 (last millennium!) and haven’t left, having met my lovely husband! I’ve run for years, pretty much always on my own as a way of balancing out a busy work / home life and giving me much needed time on my own to sort my head out.
I was made redundant in 2025 and after >30 years in the corporate world decided it was time for a change so now I run my own life coaching business. I love it but I do miss being part of a work team so I finally made the move from lurking in the SRC Facebook group last summer to becoming a regular on the summer trail runs. Everyone was so welcoming and it’s given me the social side that I had lost from work.
When the chance came up to join the fantastic She Runs Buddies I just had to take it as there’s nothing I love better than supporting others and hearing their stories.
Catriona
I’m from Scotland, but have lived all over and when I came to Cardiff to study for my masters I fell in love with the city. I moved back here in 2022, live in Roath and work as a journalist in the city centre.
I first started running in 2018, following Couch to 5K, and then discovered parkrun the following year. Running really helped my mental health during lockdown, but when the world went back to normal I totally stopped! Fast forward to my return to Cardiff, I got back into running but, a bit disheartened by how differently my body moved a few years on, I think I’d have soon given up if it wasn’t for finding the courage to join a SheRuns social run. Despite being a slower runner, I felt included and actually enjoyed getting out there. Never would I have believed I’d be 3 half marathons and nearly 100 parkuns down! And have so many new running pals.
Outside of running I enjoy reading, playing the violin (rustily!) and spending time with friends.
Chloe
I grew up in rural Wiltshire and then moved around a lot. I initially moved to Cardiff 2015 for work, then away and came back in 2022. I’ve just bought a house in Canton and hope to stay for a while! After many years of running a few kilometres on my own of a Summer evening and then giving up after about 3 weeks due to #factors, I eventually got stuck in and did my first parkrun in January 2024. I joined She Runs for a track session shortly after and haven’t looked back. I’ve now done 2 road halves, and, more excitingly 2 trail halves, with a plan for the PIGUM this year, I still love doing parkrun on a Saturday.
When not running I am usually at work in the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, or out with the best ever dog in the world, my 12-year-old brindle Staffy cross Roxy. I love going to see bands and comedy and am never happier than when at Greenman festival having a dance and a cider.
She Runs has helped me to get over my imposter syndrome with running and being a buddy helps me give the tiniest bit back – plus it’s great fun and I’ve met some amazing women who are turning into lovely friends.
For info on our Committee Run Buddies who perform various roles to run the group click here – She Runs: Committee
She Runs: Cardiff - Mae Hi'n Rhedeg: Caerdydd 