Health and Fitness / running
How a community is swapping raving for running
To most, raving and running seem opposite ends of the spectrum. But for one community, the two worlds are interconnected.
Founded in Bristol in 2019 by Jo Bryan-Smith, Ravers2Runners is a running community made up of past, present and “considering” ravers.
Where members once found belonging on dance floors, now they find it on 5kms and festival fields.
“Personally, I don’t feel like I belonged in any other running club, or any other running community”, Jo explains.
“It didn’t feel like it was for me or I could be my authentic self there.”
Jo raved “pretty hard” in her 20s until she hit burnout.
Reluctantly, she got into running by signing up to a half marathon which, she says, was a decision that changed her life and her perception of what she was capable of.
What began as informal runs with a few friends quickly grew into an established running community
Today, Ravers2Runners hosts weekly runs in Bristol, Bath and London, runs charity events that raise thousands and brings thousands together at festival runs across the UK.
With music blaring, people chatting and no worries about pace and Strava PBs, a typical Ravers2Runners run is a far cry from a night spent at a rave or a silent solo jog.
Jo says: “You don’t realise you’re running 5K when you’re chatting the whole way through it. We have some tunes playing when we run as well which really keeps you going.
“It’s just really great to have social connection with like-minded people where everybody is quite aligned. You talk about what you’ve got up to at the weekend, or you can talk about what you got up to ten years ago without any judgement.”
Ed Jenkins, who helps with partnerships and has shaped the group’s festival presence, describes Ravers2Runners as an “on-ramp to fitness” for the rave community.
“A lot of our members have partied very hard during their 20s,” he tells Bristol24/7.
“With alcohol and drugs, it’s easy to just lose your inhibitions, be very social and be out there all the time – just being chaotic and crazy and young.
“When you get into your 30s, it becomes harder, especially when you start to think about what’s good for your body and mental health.
“Our group bands together and provides a very accessible and inclusive space for people to find a bit more balance in life with their tribe.”
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The return of festivals post-pandemic cemented the success Ravers2Runners.
With team members already embedded in the music and events industry, Ravers2Runners began organising early-morning festival runs at Glastonbury, Boomtown, Love Saves the Day, Forwards and more.
“Most festivals these days are situated in an incredible countryside so it’s a great way to go out and get into nature, even though you are within a perimeter,” Ed explains.
“So before the music has really started, we’re taking people on a guided run to get their bearings, find their tribe and get grounded.”
The group’s annual Dry Run returned in January for its third iteration, bringing together runners, DJs and local venues to both raise money for Caring in Bristol and promote balance without preaching abstinence.
“It’s a really fun way of celebrating Dry January for people who take part – or don’t!” says Jo.
“We are just trying to help encourage a bit more of a balanced approach.”
Helped by community communications assistant Helen Moreton, 2026’s calendar includes a growing festival run series, international events like Snowbombing in Austria, expanded weekly runs and new retreats and collaborations in the pipeline.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” Jo says.
“We’re just here to bring people together, have a good time and make space for people to be exactly who they are.”
For more information about Ravers2Runners or to get involved, visit www.ravers2runners.com
This article originally appeared in Bristol24/7’s March/ April 2026 magazine
All photos: @IreneHaceFotos
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