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• PHOTOGRAPHY: SABRY ADAMS

From a spark of creativity during lockdown to a rapidly growing activewear brand six years later, Red Run has built its identity on instinct, originality and a strong point of view. Sitting at the intersection of activewear and streetwear, the brand is carving out a unique space for women (and more recently men) who want performance and personality in equal measure.

Walk through the doors of Red Run’s offices and there’s an immediate warmth. Located in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, amongst former warehouses and art galleries, it’s a home fitting for a brand that’s as down-to-earth as it is ambitious. Moodboards and materials fill the walls, rails of next season’s future bestsellers are scattered around and a blazing, red-lit sign spells out the brand’s name. It’s a space that reflects its co-founder and creative director, Megan Kimmance, and the close-knit team behind the creations.

Founded in 2020, the brand emerged at a time when the world had slowed down. After a degree in design and seven years working in fashion in London, including a role in Vivienne Westwood’s wholesale department, Megan had developed a deep understanding of both design and the realities of retail. It’s this dual perspective – creative and commercial – that have proved to be the brand’s secret sauce.

When the pandemic hit, Megan returned home to her native Liverpool – as many of us did. What could have been a pause became a catalyst. With time to think and space to create, Red Run quickly took shape.

“Crazy time to start a brand,” laughs Megan. “But I think it gave people some joy as well as the brand is so colourful… Clothing always makes people feel good.” And she’s right. Rather than rejecting fashion in our new normals, people were turning to different aesthetics. Comfort became king: looser shapes, softer fabrics, and activewear that would brighten up our daily walks.

“Bold colour was straight away our identity - it’s what set us apart,” she explains. That clarity from day one has become Red Run’s signature today. Every piece is designed in-house, with no shortcuts or off-the-shelf solutions - an approach that has allowed the brand to build – and maintain - a recognisable aesthetic from day one.

“Every pattern, design and garment is ours. That’s why people can recognise Red Run without even seeing the logo,” she explains. “Quality and [the] visual aesthetic of the brand have always been key and has helped us drive that success.”

What began as a side project quickly outgrew expectations. Balancing a full-time role while building a brand proved unsustainable, and Megan made the decision to step away and commit fully. “I didn’t anticipate it taking off as quickly as it did,” she admits. “I thought it was going to be an organic slow burner, so it was a tough time.”

“I loved Vivienne Westwood, it was my favourite job to date, and I knew that I was doing them an injustice by not giving them my full attention,” she says. “They were super supportive; it was a challenge but a good one.”

The name itself tells a story. “Red” symbolises strength, confidence, independence. “Run” nods to the brand’s activewear roots. Together, they capture the essence of the Red Run woman – as the brand first began.

At its core, Red Run is driven by design. Each piece begins with inspiration that can come from anywhere - interiors, fabrics, or even a fleeting moment. Colour remains central, but the process is layered with research, trend forecasting and an understanding of what sells and what consumers want.

“It’s essential that everything is designed in-house,” Megan says. “It keeps the brand authentic.” And by in-house they mean everything: cutting, patterns, fits, colours.

The aesthetic itself draws heavily from ’80s and ’90s influences, something Megan traces back to both her personal taste and love of sport, and her time working on a Reebok collaboration in the United States in a former role. Archival pieces, strong palettes and retro silhouettes all feed into the DNA of the brand but are reimagined for a modern audience.

And in 2026, Red Run is growing up. While early collections leaned heavily into bold, statement colour, newer drops are beginning to explore a more refined direction. “We started very bold and bright; we are slightly changing as we evolve and mature as a brand,” she explains. “Now we’re going to be toning our collections down while staying true to who we are, we are maturing with the consumer.”

That evolution reflects a broader shift in how we dress today. The lines between activewear, streetwear and everyday fashion continue to blur, and Red Run sits comfortably in that intersection. So successful is this blend, that the brand has also evolved to add menswear to its roster, with a collection dropping in FLANNELS in autumn ’26, alongside more active collections, including what Megan dubs “quiet luxury ranges”.

From the beginning, Megan has prioritised connection with the Red Run community; listening, responding and adapting based on customer feedback. “Our community is everything,” she says. “We’ve always wanted customers to feel part of the brand, and they really do.”

That dialogue goes beyond marketing; it actively shapes the product. From requests for new colours to specific design tweaks, the Red Run customer plays a key role in the brand’s development. It’s a relationship built on trust, and one that has resulted in a fiercely loyal following.

Liverpool, too, plays a defining role. More than just a base, it’s a source of identity. “It’s a city full of heart and loyalty,” Megan says. “That energy shows up in everything we do.” From early retail success to ongoing brand storytelling, the city remains at the core of Red Run’s narrative.

But as the business scales, the challenges have shifted. What once operated with agility and instinct now requires structure and long-term planning. “We can’t wing it anymore,” Megan admits. “We’ve had to get serious.”

The next phase is clear: dominate the UK market, expand internationally and continue building a team that can support that growth. But even as the brand grows, Megan is focused on staying true to its origins.

“Sticking to who we are is the hardest part,” she says. “But it’s also the most important.”

Looking ahead, the vision for Red Run is both ambitious and grounded. More categories, more refined collections, and a broader global presence, but always anchored in the DNA that has made them loved so far.

And while the pace has been relentless, Megan is beginning to recognise the importance of reflection. “You’re always focused on what’s next,” she says. “But when I do look back, there’s so much to be proud of.”

“It’s been a fast journey,” she says. “But an incredibly rewarding one.”

And if Red Run proves anything, it’s that confidence - much like the brand itself - is something you build. Boldly, deliberately, and entirely on your own terms. We can’t wait to watch its next chapter unfold.