STAC: The Inclusive Run and Sports Club

Joining a Run Club Made Easy: The Steel Town Athletic Club Prioritizes Inclusive Running For All

For many people, running can be an intimidating and challenging activity to take up, especially when joining a run club or group. The pressure to keep up with the pace, distance, and feeling uncomfortable can discourage new runners from joining and participating. However, the Steel Town Athletic Club, STAC, has set out to change that. They believe in inclusive running for all.

STAC: A Club Built on Inclusive Running For All

STAC, which officially launched on social media in December 2019, has already gained a following of approximately 1,100 members within the Hamilton, Burlington, and surrounding areas of Canada. The club’s ethos is built on creating a supportive environment that welcomes everyone, regardless of their level of fitness or experience. While there are many clubs that mention inclusivity, STAC specifically talks about being a group that openly encourages BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ folks to join them. The club has a vision that everyone deserves to be outdoors enjoying nature and feeling welcomed with like minded runners of all levels.

“We encourage new runners to join us to feel safe and confident as a runner, and show that everyone’s an athlete,” says Vincent Kuber, President of STAC.

The Importance of Supportive Environments

STAC’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in how the club’s members support and encourage each other. The club is founded on welcoming new runners, removing the pressures of pace, keeping up, and distances. STAC offers walking, hiking, jogging, and running options, providing positive coaching and a supportive environment.

The club understands that people need support to feel comfortable in the running space, and they strive to provide that support for their members. The commitment to inclusivity for all levels of fitness and distance is a core tenet of the club.

Weekly Schedule and Additional Offerings

The club’s weekly schedule changes with the weather and season. They have runs offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Additionally, STAC offers training and preparation for road and trail races at no charge, led by the club’s run leads. Creating a safe space for inclusivity for all levels of fitness and distance is a core tenet of the club.

STAC also partners with brands and local practitioners to support runners with overall care around running. As an ambassador for Merrell and lululemon, Kuber receives support from these brands in the form of information and products to help members participate all year round.

More Than Running

However, STAC’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the act of running. STAC’s social aspect extends beyond group runs, with members forming small groups and friendships that extend beyond running. Members often go out post runs to hang out, further fostering a sense of community and belonging.

STAC is a run and sports club founded on inclusivity, committed to creating a supportive environment. They welcome everyone, regardless of their level of fitness or experience. The club’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond running. Their goal is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where all members can feel seen, heard, and valued. STAC is a club that encourages new runners to feel safe and confident as athletes, demonstrating that everyone is an athlete, and running can be an enjoyable and fulfilling activity for all.

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