Community Guidelines
PaceMates is a community built on trust, respect, and a shared love of running. These guidelines help us keep it that way.
Our Values
Everything on PaceMates flows from these five principles.
Respect Every Runner
Treat everyone with courtesy regardless of pace, level, age, gender, or background. PaceMates exists so that every runner can find their people.
Be Inclusive
We welcome women, men, non‑binary, and trans runners. We support single‑gender groups as a matter of comfort and safety — never exclusion. Misgendering, discriminatory language, or gatekeeping is not tolerated.
Build Community
Encourage new runners, share local knowledge, and lift each other up. A simple “well done” after someone’s first 5K goes a long way.
Communicate Honestly
Use accurate profile information — real name, genuine pace, honest goals. Trust is the foundation of every good running partnership.
Keep People Safe
Suggest public, well‑lit meeting points. Never pressure someone to share their exact location. If something feels wrong, report it — don’t ignore it.
Do
- ✓Use your real name and an accurate profile photo.
- ✓Be honest about your pace, level, and goals.
- ✓Respect group rules, especially single‑gender group policies.
- ✓Arrive on time for runs you’ve RSVP’d to, or cancel in advance.
- ✓Welcome beginners and slower runners — everyone starts somewhere.
- ✓Report behaviour that makes you or others uncomfortable.
- ✓Ask before sharing someone’s personal details outside the platform.
- ✓PaceMates hosts pages for community events like parkrun, but is not an official parkrun website. Always check the official event page for rules, start times, and cancellations.
- ✓“Runners near you on this plan” visibility is opt‑in and limited to your first name, approximate location, and pace. You can hide yourself from plan‑mates at any time in your plan settings.
Don't
- ✗Harass, bully, or intimidate any user — online or in person.
- ✗Create fake or misleading profiles.
- ✗Send unsolicited commercial messages or spam.
- ✗Share another user’s personal information without consent.
- ✗Use discriminatory, racist, sexist, or homophobic language.
- ✗Post content that is violent, sexual, or illegal.
- ✗Undermine single‑gender groups by misrepresenting your identity to join.
- ✗Pressure other runners to exceed their limits or ignore safety advice.
Enforcement
We review every report. Actions depend on severity and context.
- 1Informal reminder— A message from the moderation team explaining the issue.
- 2Formal warning— Logged on your account. Repeated warnings may lead to further action.
- 3Temporary suspension— Your account is paused for a set period while the issue is reviewed.
- 4Permanent ban— Reserved for serious or repeated violations. Harassment, threats, and discriminatory abuse are grounds for immediate permanent removal.