Everyone Wants a Village, But Who is Ready to Be a Villager?

By Catherine Kamere

Building real community in a run community

There’s a phrase that’s been circulating a lot lately “Everyone wants a village, but nobody wants to be a villager.” And if we’re honest, nowhere is that more visible than in community spaces including running communities.

People want the encouragement. They want the vibey cheer squad at races with the smoke bombs, DJs and Mike screaming on the Mic. They want the group photos with Faizel, the cool merch, the ice-cold drinks after runs and the feeling of belonging.

But community isn’t built only on the days when everything feels cool, fun and easy. Community is built in the small, ordinary actions that often go unnoticed.

Being part of a run crew isn’t just about showing up when the route suits you or when you feel strong. It’s about showing up when someone else is struggling, pacing the slower runner without being asked, clapping for the last person to finish the hill, or simply checking in when a regular hasn’t been around for a while. That’s what villagers do.

In a Time of Gatekeeping

We’re also living in a crazy time where running culture is starting to feel strangely policed. People are being told what a “real runner” looks like and how fast they should be, what they should wear (or NOT) Are you a runner if you walk? And if you dare to wear a hydration vest for a 5K you have committed one of the seven deadly sins.

But none of these things define a runner. Effort defines a runner. Courage defines a runner. Showing up consistently especially when it’s hard defines a runner.

When communities begin to quietly accept ridicule or exclusivity, something important gets lost. Beginners hesitate to join. People returning from injury feel embarrassed. Runners who don’t fit the “cool runner” stereotype and aesthetic start to believe they don’t belong. That is how communities slowly weaken. Not because people stop running, but because people stop feeling safe enough to show up!

The Spirit We Must Protect

I joined Must Love Hills almost a year ago, and what I found here showed me what true community looks like. This is a space where people notice when you’re not there. Where someone checks in if you’ve been quiet. Where runners slow down to support someone who’s struggling instead of leaving them behind. Where crew members happily paced me for a massive 10K PB and that became a core memory for me.

We don’t measure belonging by pace. We don’t decide who is “serious enough” to stand with us. We care that you came. We care that you tried. We care that you’re here.

This crew gives back. Whether it’s our karaoke buses, charity drives, or the many ways members show up for each other beyond training runs. There is a generosity of spirit here that goes far beyond kilometers logged or finish times and PBs and that is something so very special, rare and one that we must all celebrate and protect.

Choosing to Be Villagers

A real run community is not defined by how fast its front pack runs. It’s defined by how well it holds its people. The beginners, comeback runners, injured runners, nervous first timers, and seasoned athletes chasing big goals. When everyone feels seen, welcomed, and supported, the crew becomes more than a group of people who run together; it becomes a space where people grow.

Everyone says they want community. Everyone says they want a village.But a village only exists when people decide to be villagers. To contribute, to care, to support, and to take responsibility for the culture they want to experience.

The strongest running communities aren’t built by the coolest runners.They’re built by the people who make sure everyone belongs. So, if you ever wonder whether you’re fast enough, strong enough, or “a runner enough,” let this be your reminder that you belong here. We see your effort. We honor your courage. And we celebrate you every single step of the way.