Running Punks: More than just turning up

This study explored why runners have joined an online running group called the Running Punks that was set up in 2020. Running Punks espouses running for pleasure and repudiates the ‘rules’ of running groups which are mainly concerned with speed and performance. This research aimed to discover, through semi-structured interviews, why people joined a group that differs so significantly from others. In total 44 semi-structured interviews were undertaken, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. The results constructed three broad themes: belonging; connected; and catalyst for change which are discussed by applying two theoretical strands: community of practice (CoP) and self-determination theory (STD). The results discovered that while individuals benefited enormously from being connected and related as part of a community, they identified as ‘Running Punks’ as they valued their autonomy as individuals.