Dere Akindoju is building a community in motion
Imagine a place where movement, connection and support coexist to create powerful change.
That’s exactly what Halifax’s Dere Akindoju set out to create when she started Run with Dere. Her run club encourages its 150 members to get moving, no matter their age or fitness level.
We chatted with Dere about the importance of movement clubs that promote health, inclusion and community. “Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting out with walks and slow movement, there’s a place and high-fives waiting for you here,” Dere said.
Haligonian Fikayo Kayode joined the club in May 2024. She lives with a chronic health condition called venous insufficiency, which means she experiences moderate to severe swelling and discomfort in her lower limbs. Because of that, she was unsure of her ability to run. “I used to run when I was younger, but going long distances was a new challenge for my body.”
Dere encouraged Fikayo to walk, run or jog at her own pace and not worry about being left behind. She started out by combining brisk walks with slow jogs, and was soon jogging more and walking less. Her experience demonstrates the power of starting slowly with simple movement and building endurance over time.
Run with Dere hosts weekly 5- and 10-kilometre walk-and-runs in downtown Halifax, with checkpoints along the way. Club members gather at the checkpoints to wait for everyone to catch up before continuing.
Fikayo recalled her first session with the club being very reassuring. “I felt I could challenge my body, and it was great to be cheered on by community when I mixed walking, slow runs and jogging. Completing the 5-kilometre run was a big achievement, and it was quite emotional. I’m so happy to know that whenever I feel like building my endurance, Run with Dere is there for me.”
Reflecting on building the run club and seeing participants improve, Dere said, “I have found it profound to see our members transform physically, mentally and emotionally.” She pointed out that people are drawn to join the club for different reasons. “One of our members joined for the social aspect. He didn’t consider himself a runner at all,” she said. “But he kept coming back and soon enough, he ran his first 5K and beat his own personal best. That was a big moment.”
Whether you’re nervous about starting a movement routine or keeping up with others, her advice is simple. “Just go for it. You never know what you’re capable of until you try. And if you’ve tried before? Try again.” This rings true for many members, just as it did for Fikayo.
If you’ve been thinking about starting, consider this your sign! Lace up your shoes, start with a walk and see where it takes you. To join the Run with Dere community, follow on Instagram and reach out to find out when the next run is.
