Matt from Pro Drive launches Woking Workrun networking group

In a first for Woking, our Technical Director Matt has just launched Woking Workrun, part of the Workrun movement that is offering a unique approach to business networking.

Here’s some words from Matt on what you can expect from Woking Workrun:

I’ve never particularly enjoyed running so you might think this is a strange thing for me to do, but I’m on my way to become a Leader in Running Fitness through a program managed by UK Athletics. The course consists of a small amount of online training, a virtual classroom session, some practical work that is assessed and once I’ve jumped through a few more hoops I am able to lead a group of people in various running exercises.

If I don’t enjoy running why on earth am I doing this? A few months ago I stumbled across a LinkedIn post about a new event called Workrun that was happening one a month in Winchester and Southampton. The premise is simple – a 5k run where you “network” as you run, followed by a drink in a pub. There’s no cost, it’s super informal and you don’t have be a good runner (which is lucky for me). It’s amazing how quickly a 5k run goes when you’re talking at the same time, and the pace is gentle enough that it’s easier to do that than you might think. During the drinks afterwards there’s plenty of time to speak to the others and make some new contacts and friends while you’re at it.

I turned up at my first event in Winchester a couple of months ago not knowing anyone and enjoyed it so much that I got in touch with the organiser Rich Webley to ask if he’d mind if I set one up in Woking under the same branding. With Rich’s help and guidance I’ve started the journey to becoming a Run Leader and we have our first Woking Workrun scheduled for the 12^th of June 2024 with more scheduled in the months to follow.

Lots of us at Pro Drive are runners, for a small company we punch above our weight in that about 50% of us run regularly and we often take part in local Park Runs. I know firsthand the health benefits running brings, both physical and mental, and I know that I need to do more of it. Being part of something like Workrun means I can now also benefit from meeting lots of new like minded people every month, and you never know what these new contacts can bring you in either your work life or your personal life.

I would love to see as many people as possible signing up for the first Woking Workrun in June to help us make it a roaring success, and I fully intend to keep going to the Winchester Workruns when I can get there.