MERC is a social running app. It lets anyone start their own running group — for friends, a club or a company — with live leaderboards, barcode check-in and group chat, all in one place. Victory Through Diversity is our motto.

Everyone. Everyday runners can start a group for their friends, and companies and running clubs can run their own private group with full member management. Whatever your pace or background, there’s a place for you.

MERC is available on iOS and Android. Just search MERC on the App Store or Google Play, or sign up on this website.

Each group has its own session barcode in the app. At each session, the Leader shows the barcode and members scan in — instantly logging attendance, awarding points and updating streaks. No paper registers, no disputes.

Each group is run by its own Leader, who sets the sessions, routes and pace. Members scan in with their barcode at each session to log attendance and earn points. It’s about showing up and connecting with people, not hitting a personal best.

Absolutely not. MERC is for the everyday person, not the elite athlete. Whether you haven’t run in years or you’re a complete beginner, you belong here. Every group sets a pace that supports everyone.

A group is run by its Leader, who creates the sessions and invites members. You can join any group you’re invited to, and you can be part of more than one. Each group has its own leaderboard and in-app chat — the structure is community-driven and flexible.

Yes. You can join any group you’re invited to and belong to multiple groups at once — for example your friends’ group and your company’s group. Each keeps its own leaderboard and chat.

MERC accounts are for adults aged 18 or over. Children are welcome on runs as guests of an adult member acting as their parent or guardian, who takes full responsibility for the child’s wellbeing. See our policies for full details.

Yes — anyone aged 18 or over can create an account. We welcome all backgrounds, fitness levels and abilities. Under-18s can run as guests of an adult member.

Starting a group on a personal account is free. For companies and running clubs who want larger groups and extra tools, get in touch and we’ll find the right plan for you.

A personal profile, the ability to start or join groups, live leaderboards, the points & rewards system, in-app group chat and event access — all in one app. When you start a group as a Leader you also get your group’s session barcode for check-in. See the Benefits page for the full list.

MERC is growing fast and some features — like the full rewards store and certain extras — are still being built. The core app, accounts, groups, leaderboards and barcode check-in are fully operational. We’re transparent about what’s live and what’s in development.

A Leader is the person who runs a group. They set up sessions, manage members, scan everyone in and keep the group’s leaderboard and chat going. Anyone who creates a group becomes its Leader.

Just create a group. Sign up for a personal account to start a group for friends, or an organisation account for a club or company. You become the Leader of any group you create — start from the sign-up page.