In September 2021, an idea began to take shape. Tahir Shams was laying the foundations for a new, community run running club, one built around accessibility, inclusion and a love of running. He called it Tooting Run Club.

During this time, Tahir was introduced to Keith Newton, then President of Herne Hill Harriers. What began as an exploratory conversation quickly revealed a shared ambition. Keith had recently led a successful campaign to secure funding for the refurbishment of Tooting Athletics Track and, with encouragement from Wandsworth Council, was looking to expand Herne Hill Harriers’ community outreach. The timing was perfect.

Together, Tahir and Keith agreed to collaborate on what became known as the Community Activity Programme. This partnership blended grassroots energy with established club experience to deliver a new community focused running initiative.

Momentum quickly followed. In February 2022, the project secured grant funding from Wandsworth Council. By spring, the programme officially adopted the name originally envisioned by Tahir, Tooting Run Club. The club formally launched on 28 March 2022, operating under the auspices of Herne Hill Harriers. Tahir chaired the Steering Group and led programme delivery, guiding the club through its formative years.

By summer 2024, Tooting Run Club had grown in both scale and ambition. The Steering Group was dissolved as the club took decisive steps towards securing long-term sustainability. The next phase was clear, to establish Tooting Run Club as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, governed by a new Board and regulated by the Charity Commission.

This transition marked a major milestone. Charitable status provided official recognition as an independent organisation, unlocked wider access to grants and funding, offered eligibility for tax reliefs and created a strong, stable foundation for the future. In summer 2025, Tooting Run Club achieved this goal, becoming a UK registered charity and cementing its place as a lasting, community led institution.