Lack of time is always one of the top reasons women list for not being able to run as often as they would like to. Around 74 per cent of women say that time pressure is a barrier to exercise for them. For decades, studies and surveys have shown that women spend less time on leisure activities than men do.
We asked the 261 Club members what they think about their local club and this is what they said about their weekly Meet Runs and community.
When we think of our general health we often focus on our heart and lungs but how often do we consider our bone health?
Get to know the 261 Club Albania and learn more about the fearless women running there.
At 261 Fearless, we witness remarkable transformations as women discover their strength and find empowerment through running and education. Their personal stories show how the unique 261 Fearless Education Program helps women become leaders of positive change in their communities. Join us as we present the inspiring journeys of women in our community, and their journey with 261 Fearless.
Periods can be a right bother when it comes to running. Pain or heavy bleeding can make running impossible, hormonal shifts can drain you of motivation and then there’s the simple inconvenience of having to carry period products. Not all women are affected equally, some have few problems with their menstrual cycle where as others find themselves debilitated for a few days every month. How can we stop periods being such a barrier to running?
Volunteering is a remarkable way to contribute to your community while benefitting your own life. It goes beyond the act of giving; it's about making connections, gaining new skills, and finding a sense of purpose. Volunteering opens the door to a world of positive change for both you and your community.
Get to know the 261 Club LA and learn more about the fearless women running there.
A brief ode to the Beden family and in particular, the efforts of Robin to always ensure those around her are loved, supported and connected, no matter what.
Juliet is the 261 Fearless Women’s Health Lead, and also the host of the 261 Fearless Empowerment Talks, an interview series with women sharing their expertise, knowledge and experiences in different areas. Today, we switch roles and interview Juliet about her experiences with the 261 Empowerment Talks.
Get to know the 261 Club Austria and learn more about the fearless women running there.
Women and men get ill differently, but they often get the same medical treatment. This can cost lives. The male body and physiology are still the main benchmark for research and treatment.
At 261 Fearless, we try to remove the barriers that prevent women from running. Whether they’re big or small, breasts can make women hesitant to run or make running difficult. We want women to experience the health benefits of running, including the fact that regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of women developing breast cancer by as much as 30 per cent. We want to share how we directly address breast health in our community, to enable women to run comfortably and confidently, whatever their breast size.
261 Fearless is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women through running and community activities. Its name is inspired by Kathrine Switzer's bib number (261) at the 1967 Boston Marathon, where she became the first woman to officially complete the race with a bib number. As a public relations intern at 261 Fearless, I have the unique opportunity to work directly at the intersection of the organization and the public. Here's a brief insight into my experiences and discoveries.
Get to know the 261 Club New England and learn more about the fearless women running there!
Celebrate with us as we highlight trailblazers in women’s history! Find out how one fearless step can change the course of history.
Get to know the 261 Club New Zealand and learn more about the fearless women running there!
Black History Month is about honoring the triumphs, struggles, and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Its importance can’t be overstated. Knowing the past and recognizing the impact of these individuals on our society, opens the door to the future. Today, we highlight Olympic Champion and international sports icon, Wilma Rudolph.
We’d like to introduce our new 261 Fearless Coach Ambassadors. These women are passionate, purpose-driven Coaches who embody the spirit of a 261 Coach. Throughout the year, they will share their experience with 261 community to give you a look into the life of a Coach.
Get to know the 261 Club UK and learn more about the fearless women running in the UK since 2017!
Leak urine when you cough, jump or run? You aren’t alone, millions of women around the world suffer stress urinary incontinence. It’s no surprise that this is a topic that comes up all the time in our 261 communities. Our 261 Coaches are well equipped to deal with it. A 261 group could be just the place for you to feel confident to exercise if you have a leaky bladder.
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our newest 261Club, 261Club Chile. Double-knot those laces because South America is ready to empower women to live and run fearlessly!
We want to introduce our 261 Coaches around the world - you can now meet the fearless women making the 261 Club Meet Runs happen every week and empowering women through running! Today, we want you to meet Mandy from the 261 Club New England.
Especially in the dark winter months, a lot of women feel unsafe when running outside. However, with some preparation and thought, you can enjoy running outside without fear! We have collected tips from the women in our community on how they stay safe on their runs:
The temperatures are dropping, the weather is changing and you'd rather just stay indoors where it’s cozy and warm - winter is here! Find out here how you can stay warm on your winter runs.
The weekend of November 4th and 5th 2023 will see the New York Marathon literally run across the city that never sleeps, with marathon-related events happening all weekend long!
At 261 Fearless we don’t just want to celebrate all the women who support us – we know there are so many of you and of course we are very grateful for each and every one of you!
Have a look at the special Peloton event for our 261 Fearless charity runners!
261 Fearless encourages women to step up and become leaders. We provide the education, training and setting for women to get out of their comfort zone and grow. But why is it so important to have more women leaders in our world?
If you’re looking for a way to support women’s empowerment, why not consider becoming a 261 Friend?
Running can change your life. You couldn’t agree more when you read this sentence? Then you’re one of the fortunate women who made running a regular part of their lives. You have experienced the power running has on you – physically, mentally, and beyond. Now it’s your turn to inspire other women with your passion, so they can experience the same transformation through running. Become a certified women’s running coach and help empower women through running.
Great news! Runners have a 25 to 40 per cent reduced risk of dying prematurely and live approximately three years longer than non-runners. It’s said that an hour of running may add seven hours to your life. No other form of exercise that researchers have looked at shows comparable impacts on life span. BUT more doesn’t always mean better.
It’s probably a feeling that many women will recognize: while the kids are little and they live at home there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. Once they’ve left the house, however, there’s often a gap – a sense of loss of purpose. We asked some of our Coaches if they’ve experienced this, how they managed to turn it around and how their role as a 261 Fearless Coach helped this process. Here’s what they told us!
There’s so much talk about running in the perimenopause, how it can help you through the menopause transition and what to do if you’re struggling. But, there’s very little information for women who are running after menopause. The average age of the menopause (when you haven’t had a period for 12 months) is 51. Millions of women are living half their life in the post menopause! What can running offer them? Is running safe for women after the menopause? Are there any changes women should make to their running routines post menopause?
There’s good news for runners! Running can help manage the perimenopause and set women up for a healthy future beyond the menopause too. Our women’s health expert Dr Juliet McGrattan gives us the low down on running and the menopause.
Some might wonder if they have to run marathons or hold an advanced degree in athletic training or sports management in order to be a 261 Coach. The short answer is no, absolutely not, not even close. Ok, maybe that’s not a short answer, but you get the point. So, what does a 261 Coach need to have to make an impact on the women in her community? It’s as simple as A-B-C.
From the experience of our global community, we know that getting back to running after COVID-19 isn’t always easy. It can take a long time before you feel back to your pre-COVID self.
The 261 Moment happens when you are FEARLESS and overcome a challenge on your way. Marlene used to be afraid to run, today she is a 261 Coach and Master Coach. Find out about her journey!
Activate You, the 12-week activation program with 261 Fearless!
Activate You, the 12-week activation program with 261 Fearless!
Activate You, the 12-week activation program with 261 Fearless!
Activate You, the 12-week activation program with 261 Fearless!
We celebrate 10 years of running with 261!
We welcome the Jennifer Thomas class of our Master Coaches. This year, we'll educate four new Master Coaches in the UK and New Zealand. Find out more about the fearless women here!
It was a magical weekend all around for the 126th running of the Boston Marathon! Our team of charity runners was welcomed with excellent running weather, loud and lively spectators, and the iconic course paved by historic trailblazers.
I love this old expression: “There is no such thing as bad weather; only inappropriate clothing.”by Kathrine Switzer
We welcome new 261 Coaches to our global community! The volunteers started their journey as 261 Coaches at the Train the Trainer certification courses and will now start to lead meet runs in their local clubs. Find out more about them, their love for running and their motivation to step up and become coaches!
Running makes you feel good, there’s no denying that. It can be used to help improve and maintain mental health. One of the conditions it is particularly beneficial for is anxiety and with around 40 million adults in the United States and over 25 per cent of Europeans experiencing anxiety in any given year, it’s vital that we make running and all the benefits it brings, accessible to everyone.Let’s look at what anxiety is and learn how running can help reduce it.
261 Fearless Inc. provides education to 261 Coaches and Club Directors who lead meet runs in local 261 Clubs and encourage members to start running. This is the domino-effect of empowerment that 261 Fearless triggers. Let’s find out more about the 261 Education Program from our 261 Master Coaches, Lisa and Juliet.
Setting up a local 261 Club is a journey full of joy, but it also takes a whole lot of endurance. A 261 Club is a local, independent non-profit organization under the umbrella of the 261 Fearless Club Network. Bruna, 261 Club Director of 261 Club Albania, tells her story of how she lifted and was lifted through the club.
Lots of things can hurt or feel uncomfortable when you start to run. Dr Juliet McGrattan, expert on women's health and running with 261 Fearless, gives some valuable tips when it comes to niggles like shin splints, numb feet and ITBS.
261 Club Austria encourages women of diverse backgrounds to run together: At the meet run in Vienna, refugees and local women don’t only run together, they also break down cultural and language barriers.
We asked the members of the 261 Clubs around the world what changed in their lives through the weekly meet runs. The results are incredible!
Welcome to the team, Lori!
We are excited to present research results on the 261 Education Program! We are extremely thankful to Dr. Jerry Canterbury for his research involving our organization. His dissertation examined whether 261 Coaches gain leadership skills through the 261 Education Program. We are thrilled to share his encouraging results.
We believe that EDUCATION is the key to EMPOWERMENT. When you gather information and develop your skills, confidence builds and you feel empowered to set goals, make decisions in your own life, and encourage others to do the same. This is our mission – 261 Fearless educates women as 261 Coaches, so that they are well equipped to help other women become empowered through running.
Volunteering for your community is a valuable experience that makes you grow personally and professionally. Our 261 Coaches do important work to bring forward our mission and empower women through running!
The 261 Clubs around the world are the heart and soul of our mission, delivering weekly meet runs to their members. 261 Fearless Inc. provides the 261 Coaches and Club Directors with the know-how and skills to lead a successful and impactful 261 Club. Find out what's happening in the clubs around the world and which new locations are coming soon!
The 261 Club Israel can start launching new groups and hold their first meet runs soon! Women from Israel traveled to Austria to go through our in person education course Train the Trainer. With becoming certified 261 Coaches they will build bridges between a very diverse society through running.
We are so proud of our newest 261 Coaches in Germany and Austria! Nine fearless women took the first step in the certification process to become 261 Coaches and share their joy for running with other women. Let's find out what drives them and what they've learned during the Train the Trainer weekend.
Through your participation in our global Running and Walking Series Move the World, you support 261 Fearless Inc. in fulfilling its mission - for example in Israel.
We look back to a year full of surprises, unexpected turns and new situations. Our team has bundled their efforts and came up with creative ideas and solutions to stay connected and to keep our global 261 Fearless community active. Let's go on an imaginary trip back through 2020 and into 2021!
Our 261 Fearless Inc. team has some inspiring reading tips for you to enjoy over the holidays!
Just as the holiday season starts, we've got the greatest gift idea of all for you: the 261 Friendship. Make one of your loved ones a 261 Friend - they become part of a global community and support 261 Fearless in empowering women throughout the globe.
We MOVED THE WORLD! Women, men and families around the globe ran, walked, biked, hiked and moved in many ways, with every step achieving a positive change in the world and having a lasting impact on women’s lives.
Our 261 Fearless Inc Team picked their favorite items they purchase online. We'd like to inspire you with our reading tips, motivate you to stay active with virtual workouts and make you life easier with practical items for your home.
At 261 Fearless we believe education is key to empowerment. We want our coaches to feel confident, knowledgeable and up to date when they lead their weekly meetruns. Our 261 Empowerment Classes, ensure that’s the case.
A common running niggle, sore muscles happen to the best of us, but like most of these niggles, they’re more frequent in beginners. There’s so much for beginners to discover and cope with and this is why many people don’t stick with running. Those of us who have got past that early stage know just how amazing running is, so it’s important we share our experiences and encourage those just starting out on their journey. This running niggles series is designed to do just that but there’s something for the more experienced runners in this blog too so read on to learn all about muscle aches, why they happen and what to do about them.
If you’ve never had chafed skin from running, you are in the minority and also very lucky! Skin which has been rubbed raw can be intensely painful and make any movement, let alone running, very difficult. Here’s all you need to know about chafing.
Our 261 Fearless Inc Team picked their favorite items they purchase online. We'd like to inspire you with our reading tips, motivate you to stay active with virtual workouts and make you life easier with practical items for your home.
It’s entirely normal for things to twinge and ache when you start running for the first time or after a break. These issues can be enough to convince you that running just isn’t for you. But if you know what you can do to minimise these problems and what to look out for that might need some attention, then you can begin your running journey well equipped and confident. We’ve created a series of blogs to cover all the common beginner niggles and what steps you can take to give you a smooth start to your running journey. We’re starting with blisters! They might sound minor but a good going blister can literally stop you in your running tracks.
Our 261 Fearless Inc Team picked their favorite items they purchase online. We'd like to inspire you with our reading tips, motivate you to stay active with virtual workouts and make you life easier with practical items for your home.
Our 261 Fearless Inc Team picked their favorite items they purchase online. We'd like to inspire you with our reading tips, motivate you to stay active with virtual workouts and make you life easier with practical items for your home.
In the last blog we covered respiration essentials and learnt about how our lungs actually work. Now let’s consider some common lung conditions and find out how we can keep our lungs healthy and in great condition for running.
Our 261 Clubs offer weekly one-hour meet runs to empower women through running and being active – normally! Now, the circumstances have changed, but our local 261 Clubs found ways and options - and continue to support our members in staying active.
Our 261 Fearless Inc Team picked their favorite items they purchase online. We'd like to inspire you with our reading tips, motivate you to stay active with virtual workouts and make you life easier with practical items for your home.
We all know our lungs are vital to everyday life but now they’re potentially under serious attack from a virus, our respect for them has grown further. Biology lessons may be a dim and distant memory but having an understanding of how our lungs function can help us to fully appreciate them and to know how to look after them too.
As a global running network, we have a whole range of pandemic running scenarios amongst our community. We have members who aren’t allowed to run at all and are confined to their homes, we have those who can exercise for one hour a day, close to home and we have others who have a little more freedom in their movement. Whenever our runners are heading out, we want them to be safe but also protect others, so we’ve put together our own 10 responsible running rules for fearless runners.
Life is far from normal for all of us at the moment. Whether we are still allowed to go out and exercise or not, we’re all having to spend a whole lot more hours in our homes. There’s never been a more important time for us to remain healthy, we need our immune system in its best shape ever. It’s vital therefore that we all take steps to maintain and boost our mental and physical health. Here are some simple things that we can do every day to keep well with suggestions as to how to achieve them:
On International Women's Day the 261 Fearless Club Albania participated in the Women's March of Tirana to support girls and women's rights.
Educate, engage and empower - that was the aim of the first information event of the 261 Club MidTN on International Women's Day. We inspired women to join our global network!
261 Club New Zealand re-launched its first meet run after the summer break: Over twenty women of all ages joined and had loads of fun running, playing games and chatting.
Each of our 261 Club members has their individual stories about how they joined their local meet run. Find out more about their first running steps and how it changed their lives. Be inspired by their stories!
Each of our 261 Club members has their individual stories about how they joined their local meet run. Find out more about their first running steps and how it changed their lives. Be inspired by their stories!
Next in our ‘What I’ve learned being a coach’ series, we hear from Lisa Ruggles.
Our 261 Coaches spread the joy of running in their communities and lead weekly meet runs that help to empower women. Over the last two weekends, we educated 28 women who will now step up and take over this new role.
Next in our ‘What I’ve learned being a coach’ series we hear from Katina Wolfe.
Our 261 Fearless Charity Team was on top of the world in New York for the TCS New York City Marathon! A weekend full of bright sunshine, parades, fireworks, and amazing views culminated in the running of the biggest marathon in the world.
At our annual Refresher course for 261 Coaches in Austria, the whole team collected creative ideas, exchanged and expanded their network and had a lot of fun.
261 Fearless Clubs are all non-profit organisations. Because we are a global network, we have new clubs launching in different countries (and states in the USA) all the time.
Our UK coaches were hosted by 261 Club Burwell near Cambridge for their annual refresher this weekend. Learning and laughter were on the menu!
261 Fearless coaches are all volunteers. They give up a one hour a week to lead the running activities during a meetrun, but further time for club administration, planning and developing their coaching skills.
A big Thanks to our Charity Runners and the whole 261 community for the support and a memorable weekend in Washington D.C. at the Marine Corps Marathon. Through all the support we can take the next steps to empower women globally through running.
261 Club Metro Chicago and 261 runners from all over the world gathered in Chicago for a unique Marathon weekend. At the various events, one could see how truly international 261 Fearless has come to be!
We've educated four new 261 Coaches in Austria who will now support our groups in the southern region of Carinthia. Meet the fearless ladies!
Each of our 261 Club members has their individual stories about how they joined their local meet run. Find out more about their first running steps and how it changed their lives. Be inspired by their stories!
Next in our ‘What I’ve learned being a coach’ series we hear from Sylvie Chishungu Zawadi Mwamini.
261 Fearless provides opportunities to step up and to be empowered to ALL women. Therefore, we've launched a pilot project within our refugee program in Vienna: we educated 2 women from Syria and Afghanistan to become 261 Assistant Coaches.
When women become 261 Fearless coaches they often do so because they want to give back, to share what running has given to them and to help women in their community.
The Albanian 261 Coaches and 261 Club members in Tirana and Fier welcomed the 261 Coaches from Austria and Kathrine Switzer warmly. The four days of exchange, mutual learning and building up a network were inspiring and motivating for everybody!
Nine ladies learned all they need to know to be 261 Coaches and spread the joy of running in their communities. Find out more about them!
261 Fearless Club UK were honoured to have thirty fundraising bibs for the Great North Run in Newcastle on Sunday 8th September.
The Club 261 runners in Austria participated as a team at the Women's Run in Klagenfurt and celebrated the joy of running together.
261 Fearless Club Palmerston North / New Zealand took part in the local Halcombe Relay – a six-person relay on country roads based in Halcombe just out of Palmerston North.
261 Fearless Coaches, Members and Friends are doing their bit to reduce the plastic in our seas.
There are so many reasons why we run. We run for fitness, for freedom, for empowerment, for fun, to challenge ourselves; the list is truly endless!
Our 261 Coaches Sylvie and Prudence in Goma lead a 261 Fearless Club Workshop in their city of Goma in DRC to show women what empowerment means and how running can be the vehicle.
261 Fearless joined the Women Can Marathon in Devon, England. The event was a blast!
Education is key to empowerment, that's why we've just launched a brand-new education program: 261 Fearless Empowerment Classes.
It is our great pleasure to introduce 7 new 261 Coaches to you after a fruitful Train the Trainer course in Boston!
261 Fearless Germany joined the Avon Women's Run in Berlin for a good cause, helping to fight breast cancer!
Our team was at the Toronto Marathon Expo to tell women about 261 Fearless and our unique 261 Club network around the world
261 Fearless joined the Wings for Life World Run as a team and women all over the world ran for those who can't.
We are proud to announce that our first 261 meet run was held in Fier, Albania!
We are proud to launch our brand-new 261 Club in Chicago, USA. Come and join us!
When most people think of a running club, they envisage a place where people go to train together, to run faster, further and to prepare for events and club championships.
261 Fearless spreads the joy of running all around the world - now to Lusaka in Zambia.
At our Train the Trainer courses in Boston and Minneapolis we certified 14 new 261 Coaches, we're very proud of them!
We use running as our vehicle to empower women around the world but what do we mean by empower and how are we doing it?
The moment the media on the press truck at the 1967 Boston Marathon pressed the shutter release buttons on their cameras and captured a race official trying to rip the race numbers from a runner’s shirt, the future of women’s running was changed forever.
261 Fearless is expanding in Germany! Four new meet runs in three different cities offer a weekly running holiday for women.
261 Fearless is a growing presence in the world of women’s empowerment globally.
We run on the sunny side of life and share our joy with other women!
The UK hosted a Train the Trainer course in Solihull, Birmingham over the weekend of the 1st to the 3rd of March 2019 and six new women became certified 261 Fearless Coaches.
The UK 2019 refresher was held in the Lune Valley in the North of England and coaches gathered there for a weekend of updates, brain storming and socialising.
We have a great opportunity for 261 Clubs and Charity runners at the Boston Marathon 2019: They will enter a unique partnership!
261 Fearless educated 6 women from 3 continents at our very international Train the Trainer Vienna.
That's what 261 Fearless is all about: You can meet women from different areas, see the world from a new perspective and learn something new!
261 Fearless educated 5 new Coaches in Berlin - a great weekend filled with the magic of 261.
After a weekend full of fun and 261 spirit we certified four new Coaches. Find out who they are!
The 261 documentary - powered by adidas - has come to an end, but the 261 Fearless Game Changers have just started!
In 2019 we have a lot of exciting events where you can feel the 261 spirit. Join us in one of the 261 Fearless events, be inspired and meet like-minded women!
Have you ever joined a meet run? You have over 50 chances to try it.Do you run regularly in your local 261 Club meet run? Then it's time to try something new at one of over 50 meet runs around the world.
Our Club UK Directors and Coaches headed to the NEC in Birmingham for a weekend of sharing the mission of 261 Fearless with everyone attending the National Running Show.
A night full of fun, information and new input for the ladies who joined us at our 261 Ladies Night in Berlin!
A safety expert of the Austrian police gives us tips on how to be safe when running.
The 261 Club Tirana was running for a healthy life together with Dan Thompson as part of the Run the World challenge.
Education is key for 261 Fearless! Our 261 Coaches attend a yearly refresher to get new ideas, new content and connect with each other.
Our charity team was at the New York City marathon and had a memorable weekend. 13 runners participated and collected the incredible sum of $70,000 for the 261 Fearless cause - WOW!
Tasneem Muchhala has defied the odds and started her 261 Fearless Club in Mumbai, India. Congratulations Tasneem, what an achievement!
Check out the schedule of our 261 Fearless events at the Humana Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon in San Antonio!
Equipped with bib numbers 261 and 1261, Carol from 261 Fearless Club Inverurie and Rose from 261 Fearless Club Lune Valley recently ran the Admiral Swansea 10K marathon. Read Carol's report below.
Pat won Dr. Juliet McGrattans award-winning book Sorted: The Active Woman's Guide to Health. Now she finally has it in her hands!
Manchester was again the chosen venue for the latest Train the Trainer in the UK which was held from the 12th to the 14th of October.
261 Fearless is growing! Our network is expanding and reaching women all over the world. We are proud that we can empower women around the globe thanks to our 261 Fearless community. Find out more about our new 261 Clubs and the fearless ladies leading them!
This week Nicole Peeters is testing adidas Solar Boost running shoes for us and we are more than curious to find out how their "boost" her runs!
New mum Jenny takes the new adidas Supernova Tank Top for a test run in the blazing Texas heat and gives us the low down.
There was lots of excitement for 261 Fearless Club UK last week
Our 261 Friend Josie from Malta got the chance to exclusively test and review a product from our sponsor adidas.
Nine women run on our 261 Fearless Charity Team in the 2018 Berlin marathon - it was an unforgettable experience for them and for us as well! Fearless women from all over the world travelled to Berlin and joined us in a weekend full of events.
Our 261 meet run in Vienna started in July 2018 for female refugees and has been a huge success! Women from Syria and other countries meet once a week with the 261 Coaches Christina Mayer and Anna Moitzi to run and have loads of fun together.
Four 261 Fearless Clubs and a 261 Fearless Friend rocked the biggest running party of the year at the Women's Run in Austria!
Our journey to Germany to be part of the Train the Trainer at the adidas headquarters, and then being part of the new 261 Fearless Documentary was an unimaginable opportunity and I cannot find words to express my joy. Let me tell you a little more about it.
Sylvie doesn't speak english - but that didn't stop her from communicating with her 261 Fearless colleagues at the Train the Trainer course in Herzogenaurach! Sylvie gives us the lowdown on her time with our other game changers!
"Every moment of this experience in Herzogenaurach was a big surprise that made me feel excited and full of emotions. I never thought I would have the chance to see the adidas Headquarters amongst a group of other women from all over the world." Mimoza from Albania tells us about her participation in the 261 Train the Trainer.
"Well, to be very honest, I didn’t know what being ‘a 261 Fearless Game Changer’ truly meant before I did this program." Tasneem, one of our seven game-changing heroes recalls her Train the Trainer experience in Herzogenaurach.
"The weekend in Germany actually started in Paris for me. I was still at work when Prudence and Sylvie, our colleagues from Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrived." Christina from Austria tells us about her journey to adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach.
I had the privilege of traveling with the 261 Fearless Friends group to Chicago to run the half marathon last weekend, and what an experience it was! Written by Demi Clark.
"I love sport. I love running. I’ve always loved it. My dream? To work in a big sports company. I currently work in fashion." Greta - one of our seven heroes in our 261 documentary - presented by adidas - tells us how she experienced her weekend in Herzogenaurach.
It's time to get to know a little bit more about each of our 261 Fearless Game Changers and their backgrounds.
Read Patricia's report about joining the 261 Fearless Friendship Team for an amazing event in Canada: the Niagara Fall Women’s Half Marathon
Women who run the world CHANGE the world. Fearless, active, self-confident women are making changes, big and small, in their own lives, their local communities and in the wider world.
Have you ever been to Austria before? Then it's about time! We have the perfect reason to travel there: the season highlight of the Austrian 261 Fearless Club - the Women's Run
So, you’ve spotted your local 261 Club on Facebook and you like the look of it. You can see the women in the group photo are smiling and having a good time. You think you’d actually like to be part of that but you really don’t have the courage to go along. Let us reassure you.
Anyone who has been to a 261 Fearless Train the Trainer to become a coach will know that something very special happens during these courses.
By Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham. There I was standing in an English field with deep green fresh grass, humid sea air and a hilly terrain in front of me.
What’s it like being a Fearless Friend? Jo Moseley in Yorkshire, England signed up and tells us about the benefits that joining the programme has given her.
Congratulations on the birth of your baby! When you know how running helps you in life, both physical and also mentally, you might be itching to get back out there BUT there are some important things you need to consider before you sprint out the door.
Ominous race conditions failed to stop Pat from completing the Boston Marathon with the 261 Fearless Charity Team, follow her journey as she recounts the best day of her life!
Many of our 261 Fearless members faced the challenge of running away from a moving finish line in order to raise money for those who cannot run themselves.
Kathrine Switzer was in London to run the Virgin Money London Marathon for the first time this April. Our 261 Club Greenwich coaches were in town to support her and had a special treat from our global sponsors Adidas.
In order to show their support for our 261 Fearless Charity Team in Boston, some of our clubs prepared special activities for their meet runs, following the motto '261 runs Boston'. Read here about some of the amazing activities that our wonderful coaches organized!
"We are all Fearless as we work through our own personal struggles." Team member Allison Eagan has experienced more than her fair share of struggles. Read how she plans to make Boston 2018 her 'comeback marathon'.
"...you become Fearless and there is nothing that you can’t accomplish." Experienced ultra runner Molly Sheridan explains how running has made her fearless and how she can't wait to meet Kathrine Switzer.
On Thursday before Easter, the 261 Fearless Club in Klagenfurt, Austria, hosted a special event - the annual Easter Egg Run. Despite pouring rain, lots of highly motivated women joined and participated in many fun activities.
"We're in an era where women are learning their power." Demi shares her Boston story and what makes her fearless.
"When I cross the Boston Marathon finish line, that will be for both me and my dad" Kirsty Bullis tells us about why she chose to run for 261 Fearless in Boston and how the finish will be an emotional one for her.
"My passion for running continued to grow and so did my ability to cope with the trials and tribulations of life." Read how team member Mary Spivey found strength and empowerment through running.
The best way to encourage you to sign up to be part of our 2018 TCS NYC Marathon Charity Team is to let Leah, member of our 2017 team, share her amazing experience from last year.
We're inviting the incredible runners from our fundraising team to introduce themselves and tell us all about their running stories and why they are running for 261 Fearless. Meet our runner Debra Wray ...
"I couldn't have done it without my 261 Fearless club." Dana from the 261 club in Doylestown shares the start of her running journey.
There’s so much contradicting advice when it comes to eating and running. Should we eat lots of carbs, hardly any carbs, low fat or high fat and what about protein? It’s a very confusing picture.
One of the great things about running is that it’s a fast, efficient and fun way to stay healthy. You all know that running regularly will help to reduce your risk of lots of major diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. What you might not know however is that running is not enough. There’s something else you need to do too.
Tracing the brave choices in their pasts and looking toward future revolutions, Five 261 Fearless Game-Changing Women gathered at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel last night to mark International Women’s Day by sharing their stories with invited guests and viewers worldwide via a livestream on CBSBoston.com.
"The thing that keeps me running is the way I feel whenever I complete a run. When I am done I always feel amazing."
Behind every runner is a story. Why did that person start running? What motivates them? What are their running goals?
Let us introduce you to Tanja, the second woman in our interview series talking to runners who began their running journeys with 261 Fearless.
You’re looking for a special and unconventional gift for Valentine’s Day? Then forget roses and chocolates, we have a better idea for you!
Let's be clear about this. Running and breastfeeding are entirely compatible. by Dr. Juliet McGrattan
Welcome to our new interview series where we invite women who have found their running feet with 261 Fearless to tell their stories. There are so many barriers to running but with help from the clubs, coaches and members of 261 these women will tell us how they took their first running steps.
Have you ever thought about how something very important but intangible could be made into something tangible? Or what it could look like? Written by Kathrine Switzer.
It’s been an exciting few months for 261 Fearless in the UK. Clubs are growing, new clubs have started and exciting partnerships formed. Here’s Dr Juliet McGrattan's quick round up of all the highlights.
"I was discouraged from running much by the then much-touted running myths saying it was not 'lady-like', you’d damage your uterus, get saggy breasts, develop unattractive big muscles, ruin your internal organs, etc."
The latest Gift of 261 Women's Running is the Gift of Health. We already know that regular running keeps us healthy, but there are running myths that we'd like to bust with the help of Dr Juliet McGrattan!
It’s that time of year again when we start reflecting on the year that’s passed and setting ourselves challenges for the new year ahead.
Have you ever wondered what's it's like to be a part of a big event with fellow 261 Fearless women? We recently participated in the Humana Rock 'n' Roll marathon series in San Antonio and asked the girls to put pen to paper and share their thoughts and experiences.
On a balmy Thursday night, Deb Mills and Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham, 261 Fearless Staff Members, arrived in beautiful San Antonio, Texas just in time to stroll along the infamous River Walk.
You want to make a very special gift for Christmas to one of your fellow runners this year? We might have the perfect idea for the perfect present: a 261 Friendship.
When I was a 19-year-old university student, I met the 50-year-old mailman of our university. He’d never had an opportunity for higher education, and we had absolutely nothing in common except for the fact that he was a runner and I was a runner.
Christmas is fast approaching and it’s the time of year where many of us are in a very special holiday mood. Some of our clubs already have their very own holiday traditions or are in the process of creating them. We asked some of the 261 Fearless clubs how they are getting themselves in the right holiday spirit.
"There's a whole world out there of acceptance and encouragement, regardless of gender, age, shape, weight, or speed. Running is for everyone."
"Everybody is unique! And together we are powerful, together we are Fearless."
261 Fearless is a global women’s running network with the goal of reaching more women all around the world in order to break down the barriers, connect and empower them through running.
It’s dark when you get up, dark when you come home from work, and it’s freezing cold. It’s no wonder you can’t drag yourself out the door for a run!
“In so many ways my running journey is a metaphor for life and through it I continue to be blessed.”
The third Gift of 261 Women’s Running is the Gift of Freedom. You may have already seen our social clips featuring Jessie Zapo and our 261 Club Director Deborah Mills, in which these Fearless women discuss their own ideas about what freedom means to them, and how running makes them feel free.
With the TCS NYC Marathon just days away, we thought it would be a great idea to introduce you to members of the 261 Fearless charity team!
“I am a determined person. When someone tells me that I can’t do something, it makes me determined enough to prove them wrong.”
I KNOW my focus should be entirely on the TCS New York City Marathon. It’s only a few days away! But lately my heart and plenty of my mind has been on the streets of Boston again. by Kathrine Switzer
As a female runner there are many health issues to contend with. One that causes a lot of anxiety is pregnancy. Suddenly it’s not just yourself you have to look after, it’s another human being too who is rapidly growing inside you and sharing your body. It can be wonderful and exciting but also overwhelming, uncomfortable and a little frightening. Is it really ok to run? Will it cause harm to the baby? How fast and hard should your pace be?
Aside from our favorite time of the year when April in Boston brings about Patriots’ Day and the famed Boston Marathon, this past weekend (October 14-15) was one of the busiest and most enjoyable two days of 2017. Kathrine Switzer was in the greater Boston area for two important and impactful events and the members of the local 261 Club that came out – both Saturday in Boston and Sunday in Hopkinton - witnessed an important element of the “Two-Six-One” mission – a full and wonderful sense of Community!
Have you ever dreamed of being part of a team that raise money for a great charity helping to empower women to pursue their own dreams, while at the same time participating in the Boston Marathon? The dream is real, now you can!
Is your warm up running around the house looking for a lost trainer or just going a bit slow for the first mile? Warming up is actually more important than you may realise, especially when the temperatures start to drop. It’s too important to skimp on. Here’s why...
Almost 50 women, including several members of Kathrine Switzer's 261 Fearless NYC Marathon Team, gathered at the adidas store in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village on October 9 to meet and run as a kick-off celebration for her TCS New York City Marathon run in November.
Can you imagine a life without friends? Like a garden with no flowers it would be empty, boring and quite simply unfulfilling. This is why the second in our series of ‘Gifts of Women’s running’ is the Gift of Friendship.
"What we knew about each other was that we were all part of the 261 community, that we were aspiring to become coaches/master coaches and that we shared a passion for running – and that’s really all we needed to know to form an instant connection."
The 261 Fearless movement is continuously growing, five new clubs in three countries are proof of that. Led by incredible and enthusiastic women, they will hopefully introduce many women in Austria, Germany and the US to the 261 spirit.
“I have a personal goal of running a half marathon in every state and to complete 100 half marathons. I don't have a time limit and I may be 98 years old when I'm done, but I will try as hard as I can to do so.” Read everything about Liz’s motivation to run and her ambitions to inspire other women.
Jessie is a Global Ambassador for adidas Women and a member of the 261 Fearless Charity Team at the NYC Marathon who shares the same passion for running as we do. Jessie's story is an inspirational one too, make sure you visit her website to learn more!
At the adidas RunBase store in Boston last week, Kathrine Switzer passed on the first Gift of 261 Women’s Running to New York-based artist, running coach and 261 Fearless representative, Jessie Zapo.
We're delighted to present our newest 261 club in the stunning Lune Valley in the North West of England.
Star jumps, running downhill, sprint finishes … the thing of nightmares for a woman with a leaky bladder. Many women avoid being active because when they run or jump, they leak urine. It's a MAJOR barrier to exercise and we aren't just talking about women who've been through childbirth, it can affect any woman, of any age. Stress incontinence affects millions of women around the world. So, what exactly is going on and most importantly, what can you do about it?By Dr Juliet McGrattan
This weekend’s Train the Trainer course in London was the perfect demonstration of the global community of 261® Fearless. Women from three different continents met for a weekend packed full of running, education and laughter.
What do you prefer, the reassuring stability of the road under your feet or the unpredictability of the trail? We asked our members whether they head for the tarmac or off road when they head out for their runs. Here's what they had to say:
This story about my last run demonstrates perfectly why I believe running always gives you more than you give it. By Kathrine Switzer
Becoming a 261 Coach is not just about learning how to lead a running club. Our coaches have found that they have gained so much more. Here, in their own words, they tell us what impact becoming a 261 Fearless® Coach has had on their lives.
Setting yourself a running challenge is a great idea but it's hard to do it on your own.By Juliet McGrattan
261 Fearless Clubs offer a unique experience: women a chance to be active and social in a supportive and diverse environment. All abilities and levels of running experience are welcomed together, no matter a participant’s pace. A recent conversation between a club coach and one of her runners proves this point, and makes us realize why what we do matters so much.
Our club is comprised of 8 enthusiastic and welcoming women who are eager to learn, grow and run together! They are particularly special because they represent a microcosm of the global running community. by Christine, 261 Club Director Doylestown
Running Alongside the World’s Oceans By Kathrine Switzer
“Running helped me over come postpartum depression. I want to be a supportive role model in my local community and I believe that being a part of 261 will just be the beginning of that goal.” Meet our 261 San Antonio Charity Team runner Mercedes.
US-citizen Cristin got inspired by 261 and brought the 261 Club idea to Albania, a country where the women's movement and women's empowerment are still very young. by Cristin B.
I’m planning on running the TCS New York City Marathon on November 5, which is all about the experience of doing it through the streets after winning it in 1974, when the race was held entirely in Central Park.
I still have a runner’s high from sharing the 261 Fearless Team Boston experience with 125 women, men and of course, Kathrine Switzer! I continued to ride that high by fundraising for 261 Fearless in the Humana Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K with Kathrine and fellow 261 runners. by Rosy Spraker
Like many of us, Paula wonders why she didn’t start running earlier. Here she reflects on all the benefits it has given her and how 261 Fearless has enriched her life.
The Humana Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Halfmarathon - and 261 Fearless... this happened July 15th in Chicago... a recap by Tracy
Taking on any running event is a big challenge. Even if you’ve run one many times before, you still need to prepare your body and your mind. Like any business or social matter, having a plan will increase your chances of success. by Juliet McGrattan
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