180 RUN CLUB: The club that runs on fun (and cake!)
180 run club
The club that runs on fun (and cake!)
by Danni Murphy
In the heart of Whitehaven, a running club is bringing people together in a way that goes far beyond exercise. 180 Run Club, founded by Siobhan Wood in October 2025, has quickly grown into a vibrant community where running, friendship and a good slice of cake all go hand in hand.
Unlike many traditional running clubs that focus on training plans and pace times, 180 Run Club was created with a different idea in mind to make running relaxed, welcoming and social. Each week the group meets up to run or jog together around different parts of the local area before finishing with coffee, cake and plenty of laughter. It’s this friendly, laid back atmosphere that has helped the club grow into something special and its completely free to join.
“There’s no pressure at all. We just want people to come along, give it a try and enjoy themselves.”
For Siobhan, running has always been more than just exercise. As a busy full time working single mum of two, finding time to look after her own wellbeing can be difficult. Running became her outlet, a way to stay physically active while also supporting her mental health. Creating the club helped solve another challenge too: finding time for herself doing something she truly loves and having a social life.
“Having that one evening a week where I meet up with everybody keeps me sane,” she said. “I get to meet up with friends, old and new, and we always just have a really good time and of course there’s cake after which helps!”
The idea for the club came after Siobhan noticed that while there were established running clubs in the area, many of them were more structured and focused heavily on performance. She wanted something more relaxed and inclusive.
“I followed lots of social running groups on social media but they were all based in big cities,” she explained. “I remember thinking I wish someone would set something like that up here. Then I thought, well why don’t I just do it?”
And so she did!
Her experience organising a charity fun run in September 2025 had already shown her the power of community. The event raised money for the Special Care Baby Unit in Whitehaven, a place that holds a very personal meaning for her. After her son was born five years earlier, he spent time there and Siobhan found herself living in the ward’s family room while he received care. She has so far raised £1000 for them.
“I wanted to give something back,” she said. “We spent a lot of time there and the support we received meant so much. If raising money could help other families going through something similar, then it was the least I could do.”
That same sense of giving back and building community now runs through the heart of 180 Run Club.
The group is completely open to everyone, whether they are experienced runners or people who have never run before.
“You don’t have to be a seasoned runner and you don’t have to run the full 5k,” Siobhan said. “There’s no pressure at all. We just want people to come along, give it a try and enjoy themselves.”
That approach has clearly struck a chord. Around 40 people turned up to the very first run, with numbers continuing to grow week by week. The club now regularly welcomes more than 30 runners at its weekly meet ups, while its online community has expanded rapidly having just hit 1000 followers across social media platforms.
Local businesses have also become part of the journey. Many runs finish at independent cafés where the group can relax after their efforts. In return, some businesses offer small discounts to the runners, creating a partnership that supports the town’s local economy while giving the club a welcoming place to gather.
“We have some really lovely collaborations with local businesses,” Siobhan said. “It’s a great way for us to support them and for them to support the club too.”
More than anything, it’s the sense of belonging that keeps people coming back. What began as a simple idea from one determined mum has grown into a supportive and positive community where people can meet new friends, stay active and feel part of something.
For anyone in Cumbria looking to try running without pressure, 180 Run Club offers exactly that: a welcoming group, a relaxed run and the promise of coffee, cake and good craic at the finish line.
For information about future dates and events, be sure to follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram (@180_run_club)
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