MERC captains are the backbone of everything we build. You will own your chapter, lead your community’s runs, and carry the MERC identity in your city. This is a leadership role with genuine community impact — and the potential to expand globally.
No professional running background required. Just leadership, passion and commitment.
A MERC captain is more than a run leader. You are the face of MERC in your city — the person who builds the local chapter, organises the sessions, and creates the community that keeps people coming back. It’s a role built on trust, consistency and genuine care for the people you lead.
Organise and lead captain-paced group runs in your city. All abilities, all welcome. You set the pace that works for the whole group.
Recruit members in your city, grow your local community, and build the MERC chapter that your area deserves.
Uphold MERC’s welfare, inclusion and safeguarding standards. Every session is a safe, welcoming environment under your leadership.
Represent MERC in your community — at events, online and in person. You are the ambassador for the movement in your city.
“Being a MERC captain isn’t about being the fastest runner in the room. It’s about being the most consistent, the most present, and the person who makes everyone feel like they belong. That’s what this movement is built on.”— Raihan Uddin, Founder & Director, MERC CIC
We don’t care how fast you run. We care about who you are as a community leader. These are the qualities that define a great MERC captain.
You genuinely care about the people in your community. You show up for them, not for personal recognition or athletic achievement.
You take welfare seriously. You understand the responsibility of leading people outdoors and ensuring every participant feels safe.
You commit to your schedule. Your members need to trust that you will show up, every session, every week.
You actively welcome everyone regardless of pace, background or ability. You run together to ensure no one is left behind.
You reflect the diversity of the community you serve. MERC captains are chosen to represent, not just to lead.
You genuinely believe in the MERC mission and are willing to champion it in your city and beyond.
Contact us via the form below stating your city, why you want to become a MERC captain, and your community background.
The MERC Director will have a direct conversation with you to discuss your suitability, vision for your chapter and how MERC operates.
You complete the MERC captain training programme covering welfare, inclusion, session leadership and safeguarding.
You are formally designated as a MERC captain in your city and begin building your chapter. The movement is yours to lead.
The MERC captain model is designed to scale. Cities don't have a single captain — they have a team. Every UK city comes first, then every major city in the world. You could be one of the people who brings MERC to your city, builds the chapter from the ground up, and becomes part of a global movement.
“The city without MERC captains is a city waiting for its community running movement. You could be the person who starts it. Every captain builds the chapter. Every chapter builds the movement.”— Raihan Uddin, Founder & Director, MERC CIC
Apply to become a MERC captain. Tell us your city, your story and why you want to build a running community. The Director will respond personally to every application.
