A simple public route
Barony Park has a repeatable loop and a clear meeting point. Your location needs its own route check, access review and permissions.
The working example · Barony Park
Nantwich Dabbers Dash.
A free monthly run, walk or wheel that shows how a simple format can create space for movement, conversation and local support.
The format
- Meet at 8:45 am at the corner of Barony Park opposite the tractor garage; start at 9:00 am.
- Choose one, two or three laps, up to approximately 5 km.
- No official stopwatch. People take part at their own pace.
- Finish near the gravel car park, with an opportunity to stay for coffee and conversation.
- Volunteers give a welcome, guide the gathering and provide a tail walking presence.
Dates and themes vary. Check the Dabbers Dash Facebook group before visiting.
Choose your Dash
The names make distance feel like a choice, not a ranking.
Find Your Feet
One lap is enough. Walk, run or wheel and enjoy being part of the morning.
Use the pattern, adapt the details
A practical pro forma
The welcome and route choices are simple enough to explain on a whiteboard. Each community can make the format its own.
A small welcome team
Set out who welcomes newcomers, explains the route, keeps an eye on the back and makes decisions when conditions change.
A local conversation
Partners can bring useful health or community information. The theme should serve people, with respectful signposting and no pressure to disclose personal experiences.
What to copy
- Free entry and an easy welcome
- Clear distance choices and an inclusive pace
- Local volunteers and practical partner roles
- Time and space to talk afterwards
What to decide locally
- Venue, route access and permissions
- Insurance, safeguarding and risk arrangements
- Weather and cancellation decisions
- Community need, partners and long-term custodian
See the Mother Dash
What it looks like in real life
A welcome, a route that people can choose for themselves, and space for a conversation afterwards. These photographs show parts of the gathering and some of the community themes.
See more community updates in the Dabbers Dash Facebook group ↗.
Pathway Stories
From local need to connection
These examples show what a community theme can make possible. They describe an opportunity to connect, not a measured health outcome.
Talking about continence
Need: Bladder and bowel problems can be difficult to discuss.
Connection: NHS specialists joined the Dash.
Action: People could move together, ask general questions and take away information discreetly.
Pathway: Awareness → conversation → support.
Supporting young people
Need: Exam results and next steps can bring uncertainty.
Connection: The Dash chose young people's wellbeing as its theme.
Action: People moved together and had space for informal conversations about young people's wellbeing.
Pathway: Movement → conversation → trusted information.
Making room for difference
Need: People with limb differences may face barriers to activity and belonging.
Connection: Limb Loss and Limb Difference Month shaped the invitation.
Action: A choice of distance and pace made the gathering open to different ways of participating.
Pathway: Welcome → participation → connection.
Community Connections
Partners bring the purpose to life
NHS bladder & bowel team
Joined the Continence Awareness Dash to answer general questions and share information about local support.
Young people’s wellbeing
The exam results Dash opened up conversations about uncertainty and next steps. For current, confidential support for young people, see The Mix ↗.
Sands Ribbon Run
Baby Loss Awareness has had a place within the familiar Dash format, offering a shared way to remember and connect.
Unmasked Together
A neurodiversity-themed Dash created space to talk about different experiences of community and movement.
LimbPower and local NHS links
Limb Loss and Limb Difference Month provided an invitation to think more carefully about access and inclusion.
Right at Home South Cheshire
Provided a CPR and defibrillator awareness demonstration as part of a heart health Dash.
Stories & Press
Independent reporting
Free monthly Dabbers Dash brings Nantwich community together
Coverage of the Continence Awareness event and its NHS involvement.
Dabbers Dash brings Nantwich community together
A report on participation and the young people's wellbeing theme.
Heart health in focus at Barony Park
How a local care provider brought practical CPR information into the event.
Recognition & Impact
Evidence that the approach travels beyond a run
Dabbers Dash began in 2022 and continues as a free monthly gathering. England Athletics has recognised the project for its community contribution; these links explain why.
Community Project of the Year
England Athletics National Volunteer Award for Paul McIntyre and Dabbers Dash.
Regional Community Project
Recognised for a free, inclusive format that connects residents with local groups.
Unsung Project runner-up
England Athletics named Chester Triathlon Club – Dabbers Dash as runner-up.
