Run & Connect: Mid Morning Energy | Women's 5K in Canary Wharf

Let me ask you something. When was the last time you did something in the middle of the week that was just for you?

Not for the inbox. Not for the kids. Not for the client who emails at 11pm. For you.

That's what Wednesday mornings are for.

Run & Connect is a women's running team in Canary Wharf. Every Wednesday at 8AM we meet at Mercato Metropolitano in Wood Wharf for a paced 5K. Whether you live in Canary Wharf, work here, run your own business or have a corporate career, you're welcome. Every woman, every background, every pace. First run ever or first run in years, you'll fit right in.

Here's how it goes. We start with a 5 minute warm up together. Then we head out for the 5K at a pace that works for the group. We finish with a cool down so your legs thank you tomorrow instead of hating you. Nobody gets left behind and nobody is checking your splits.

First time with us? Please arrive few minutes erlier if possible. That's when I get to meet you properly, hear about your running history and any injuries, get you onboarded, and set the right pace so you finish feeling strong, not wrecked.

And honestly? The run is the excuse. The people are the point. You'll leave with more energy, a clearer head, and quite possibly a new friend or your next collaborator.

Who's leading your run

Every run is led by Ilona Drob (@ilonadrob), strength training and running coach, marathoner, and founder of Run & Connect Club. Ilona is just as passionate about strength training as she is about getting outdoors, and she loves helping women discover how strong they really are. She's currently training for her second marathon, so if you've got questions about running, lifting, or fitting both into a busy life, she's your woman.

Follow the club at @runandconnectclub to see what our runs look like.

Join our WhatsApp group

We also have a WhatsApp group for run updates, meetups and a bit of daily motivation. Message Ilona on Instagram at @ilonadrob and she'll add you.

When: Every Wednesday, 8AM
Where: Mercato Metropolitano, Wood Wharf, 3 minutes from Canary Wharf station
Distance: 5K
Who: Women only, all levels welcome

The hardest part is showing up. Book your spot and I'll take care of the rest.

Participation & Personal Responsibility

We want every run to feel safe, enjoyable and supportive for everyone attending. By joining the run, you confirm that you feel physically able to take part and understand that running, like any physical activity, involves some level of personal responsibility.

Please run at a pace that feels comfortable for you, listen to your body, and pause or stop if you feel unwell, dizzy or in pain. If you have any injuries or medical conditions, are pregnant, or are unsure whether running is suitable for you, we recommend seeking medical advice before attending.

All participants join voluntarily and take part at their own pace and discretion, and our team will always do their best to create a welcoming, supportive environment for every runner.