WE RUN
We are excited to launch WE RUN, a transnational initiative co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sport – Capacity Building programme. WE RUN – Women’s Empowerment through Running Unites Nations – is all about empowering women and supporting women’s health through running and leadership programmes. In the Western Balkans, building safe, women-led communities is more important than ever – spaces where women can grow, connect, and feel confident in themselves.
This project is especially important in the context of the European Union, as accession negotiations with Albania and Kosovo have recently begun. WE RUN contributes to the European integration of all involved nations, promoting social cohesion, inclusion, and empowerment through the unifying activity of running.
With over 12 years of experience creating inclusive running communities for women of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels, Club 261 Austria is bringing its tried-and-tested model to the Western Balkans – adapted to fit the local culture and context.
We defined the following goals:
- Establish a strong non-profit organisation in Albania through leadership education and support. The 261 Club Albania can thus offer safe, women-led running groups.
- Based on this experience, the aim is to create a transfer model which can be used to set up 261 Clubs in other areas of the Western Balkans and beyond.
- The ground stone for a 261 Club in Kosovo is laid by training a leadership team to then implement the transfer handbook in their area.
We ensure the process is carefully monitored and supported by our academic partner, the University of Pristina, while our local partner Opportunity Balance Overcoming (OBO) brings invaluable knowledge and strong connections to the communities we’re working with. With this mix of practical experience and local insight, we’ll refine the model to reach even more women in Albania and Kosovo, creating a multiplying effect across the region.
WE RUN is about more than just running – it’s about building confidence, leadership skills, and lasting community connections for women.
Co-funded by the European Union
WE RUN is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sports grant for Capacity Building. Learn more about Erasmus+ here!
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expresses are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.