Running has long been associated with speed. PRs and finish times often dominate the conversation, and for many, the idea of being a “real runner” has felt tied to how fast you can cover the miles.
But if you take a closer look at race courses, weekend warriors on the trails, and local running clubs — you’ll see a different story. A story that doesn’t revolve around pace, but about participation, perseverance, and building a welcoming community.
Slow runners are not only part of the sport. They are essential to it.
Here’s why.
Slow Runners Make the Sport Accessible
When running is only about speed, it becomes exclusive. And aren’t we all past the cliques of high school?
Not everyone can, or wants to, run a six-minute mile. Some people are new. Some are coming back after injury or life changes. Others simply run because they enjoy moving their body and being part of something bigger. Some people love the energy of race day and love to soak in every moment.
Slow runners send an important message: running is for everyone.
They remind us that you don’t have to be fast to belong here. You just have to start.
They Help Build and Sustain Communities
Races and running clubs thrive because people show up — not just the fastest, but the steady, consistent, and often slower runners who make up the majority of participants.
Slow runners cheer each other on, form friendships, and keep local events alive. Without them, many races wouldn’t fill up, running groups would shrink, and the sense of camaraderie that defines so much of running culture would fade.
Slow runners are often the glue that holds the community together. Personally, my favorite part about running is doing it with friends at a leisurely pace that allows us to catch up with each other.
Slow Running Encourages Longevity
Running fast all the time can lead to injury and burnout. Slow runners, on the other hand, tend to approach the sport with patience and sustainability in mind.
They take rest days. They listen to their bodies. They stick with it for years, not just for a single season or personal record.
In this way, slow runners help shift the narrative around running from short-term performance to lifelong health and enjoyment.
They Inspire Others to Get Started
When beginners see only elite runners or advanced athletes, running can feel intimidating. Slow runners bridge that gap.
They show up. They smile. They walk when they need to. They make running look approachable and achievable.
Many people take their first step into the sport because they saw someone like them — running at their own pace — and realized they could try, too.
This is a big part of why I decided to start my Instagram account (@jessklinger_) to normalize slow running and encourage others that they don’t have to be fast to be a runner.
They Redefine Success
Slow runners prove that success isn’t just about finish times.
It’s about setting goals that matter to you. It’s about pushing through hard days. It’s about showing up even when no one is watching.
In doing so, they remind all runners — fast and slow alike — that running is deeply personal, and every victory counts.
Final Thoughts: The Sport Needs Every Pace
Slow runners matter.
They keep races vibrant. They welcome newcomers. They challenge the idea that speed is everything. They run for mental health, for community, for joy — and sometimes simply because they love it.
Running is better when it’s inclusive. It’s better when it’s filled with people of every age, background, and pace. Slow runners help make that possible.
So the next time you’re at a race or out on the trails, remember: the sport doesn’t just belong to the fast. It belongs to everyone who laces up and puts one foot in front of the other.
And slow runners? They’re leading the way — just at their own speed.