Recovery Runners Community

Recovery Runners is a community founded in 2021 by Jamie Heselden and Dean Smith, both from Leeds. They used running as part of their recovery from alcohol addiction and wanted to help others do the same.

What is Recovery Runners?

They first began running in 2017, when they took part in the Abbey Dash – a 10km (6.2 mile) charity race in Leeds. Both were attempting Couch to 5K programmes, Jamie with Spacious Places, a drug rehabilitation centre in Leeds, and Dean with Growing Rooms. They decided to do something together, posted it on social media, and went viral overnight.

The community was initially set up to support people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, but now welcomes anyone who wants to socialise or train in a non-judgmental environment. Members include people with eating disorders, gambling issues, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and recovery from long illness.

The club has gone from strength to strength and now welcomes anyone who wants to build physical activity into their recovery, or use its benefits to improve their mental health. There are 1,200 members of the online community worldwide, with up to 40 runners meeting every Sunday morning between 9.30am and 10am at Reynolds Boxing Academy in Halton Moor.

The club is supported by boxer Jack Bateson, former professional footballer Noel Whelan, deputy mayor of West Yorkshire Alison Lowe, and boxer Ebanie Bridges.

Dean Smith

Dean, 54, is originally from Beeston. At his worst he was seven and a half stone, doubly incontinent, homeless, and had malnutrition. He attempted to take his own life three times in 2006. Alcohol ruled his life and came before anything and anyone else. He is now 18 years sober after joining a 12 Step programme, where he continues to go today.

A qualified run leader, run coach, Sight Leader and Mental Health First Aider, he also runs Couch to 5k groups in partnership with Andy’s Man Club, 5 Ways, and Forward Leeds.

“You straight away notice the benefits of positive mental health and physical exercise. I definitely poo-pooed that before starting – I thought it was a load of rubbish. But then I started feeling better by doing something physical.”

Jamie Heselden

Jamie, 47, is from Halton Moor. He would reach for a drink as soon as he woke up and was told he would die if he didn’t stop. He also used cocaine. He lost his family but finally conquered his habit when he engaged with Spacious Places and other rehab services. He is 10 years sober and a qualified PT specialising in boxing.

“I went from being a 24-hour drinker to getting out and doing a run. After that, you feel great. I can’t describe the feeling you get – it’s amazing – and every runner I’ve spoken to says the same. It makes you feel better about yourself, it releases the endorphins in your brain, and you just feel great.”

Our Aspirations

Empowering Through Opportunity

We are committed to empowering individuals on their recovery journey by offering volunteering, mentoring, and leadership opportunities. These experiences help members gain new skills, restore confidence, and re-engage with education, training, or employment, while raising awareness and challenging stigma surrounding addiction and mental health.

Building Inclusive Community

Our vision is to create safe, stigma-free spaces where people in recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, or social isolation can connect, share experiences, and support one another. Through peer networks and shared goals, we foster meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging that helps reduce loneliness and rebuild trust in others.

Promoting Health & Wellbeing

Recovery Runners harness the power of running and physical activity to support mental and physical health, build self-confidence, and encourage positive lifestyle changes. By offering structured running groups, training programmes, and community events, we aim to provide purpose, routine, and the proven wellbeing benefits of an active life.

Case Studies

Dave

“I have some tough days, but I can face them with my Recovery Runners family fighting my corner.” After enduring lifelong...

Colleen

Colleen Jackson is a recovering alcoholic coming up to six years of sobriety. She joined the group in 2019. She says:...

Charlotte

When Charlotte Kemp first discovered Recovery Runners, she was standing at a crossroads. Life had become almost unmanageable: she was battling...

Fundraising

Recovery Runners is still growing, and every bit of support, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. Donate via this JustGiving page to donate and cheer them on as they take on an epic year of challenges.