Run Club Chronicles : Go Fast
The Run Club Chronicles
For this Run Club series, we connected with Go Fast, a vibrant women-powered running community based in Lyon, France. Go Fast combines the benefits of wellness and running, creating a safe and welcoming space for runners of all levels. More than just a running club, Go Fast is a movement with purpose, aiming to inspire and empower more women to embrace running as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Their mission goes beyond physical fitness; it's about fostering confidence, building connections, and promoting mental well-being. We were eager to learn more about their story and, most importantly, their "why."
The questions.
What was your ‘why’ behind starting an all women running club and what was your vision for Go Fast?
Two years ago, when I started running and participated in my first road races and trail runs of over 20 km, I noticed a clear underrepresentation of women at the starting lines. Talking with other women, I realized that many of them, myself included, felt a deep sense of illegitimacy. However, for me, running has been a source of well-being and self-confidence, and it felt unfair that others might feel less legitimate in pursuing this sport.
I also noticed the predominance of running communities and clubs that were often male-dominated and far from gender-balanced. Having experience in team sports, with competitive handball, I know the positive impact that a supportive group can have on individuals. So, why not create our own space in this world?
That’s how Go Fast was born—a community of women runners, a space where we come together, train, and support each other. Our goal: to break through barriers, go further, go faster, but most importantly, to run with greater confidence.
Picture by: Matthias Carpentier
2. Has the club evolved since it began, and what impact has it had on you and its members?
At first, I started out alone, with friends sometimes, organizing occasional social runs, but I was fortunate to be well-advised and supported. I quickly realized that to maintain consistency in organizing events and to make it easier to join races far from Lyon, it was essential to build a team around me. That’s how friends and regular runners from Go Fast joined the team. Together, we set up a weekly open meet-up every Monday night, where anyone can join us for a run. We also participate in certain races, sharing costs and, above all, supporting one another.
For this team, it was crucial to welcome runners of different levels and from various backgrounds. This diversity, far from being a challenge, creates a dynamic that lifts us up and promotes the sharing of experiences with those who join our weekly runs. I’ve also witnessed impressive progress—from new runners who never imagined running beyond 5 km to more experienced runners already familiar with official races. Today, all of them can run well beyond a half-marathon, have tried trail running, and are even talking about improving their performance without feeling any discomfort or sense of illegitimacy.
3. What did you hope to achieve or bring to the community by creating this club?
With Go Fast, I wanted to create a wave of solidarity among women, but also with men, to break down the stereotypes we may hold about ourselves, about others, and about running. Everyone is welcome at our sessions, with the central idea being that these runs are led by a woman, at a pace set by the women present (which can vary depending on the session), and in a safe environment.
This solidarity aims to show every woman that we are just as resilient, if not more so, than men, and that there is no reason for women to shy away from races over 20 km. By connecting with relatable role models—real people we can identify with—we are able to break down certain barriers. For many, elite athletes seem inaccessible or “different,” but real-life examples around us show that this sport is within everyone’s reach.
4. What were some memorable moments of the club that helped shape its identity?
I think I’ll never forget the planning phase when, while brainstorming with friends, we came up with the name Go Fast, inspired by those late-night documentaries where you see smugglers speeding through tollbooths with blurred faces and disguised voices. It was pretty funny, even if some thought the idea of “speed” was too closely tied to performance. For me, it was more about women determined to reach their goals without setting limits, so I stuck with the name—and I don’t regret it! I didn’t want an identity that reflected only femininity, as that concept is unique to each of us.
During our first weekend together with most of the team members, I had the confirmation that this slightly cheeky vibe suited us perfectly. We’re independent women who love to enjoy life, and we want to show that you don’t have to give up your social life or track every detail to take on athletic challenges.
5. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women who are new to running or joining a run club for the first time?
For women just starting out with running, I’d say: forget everything you may have heard about it. Put on an outfit you feel comfortable in, and go walk or run until you’re done, without pushing too hard to avoid injuries. To make progress, it’s ideal to train with friends or join a club, as consistency is key to seeing improvement, and it’s sometimes tough to maintain a routine on your own.
If you’re thinking about joining a club, make sure to ask any questions that might be on your mind. If you don’t get a warm or clear response, take it as a sign—just like with a partner, it simply means they’re not the right fit! Going with a friend can also help you feel more confident, but once you get started, try to connect with others to make meaningful connections and broaden your horizons.
