Once you have become a ‘regular’ runner – running two or three times a week, either on your own or with a companion, you may wish to join a running club. However, independent or self-confident you may be, there are many benefits to being a member of a club, not least the fact that your race entry fee will be less as an attached runner.
Finding a Running Club
Your first port of call may be the local phone book or the internet. It makes sense to join a local club to cut down on the journey time to training sessions. Most running clubs now have a website which will give you a flavour of the club, its age profile, activities and focus. Some clubs concentrate mainly on track and field athletics, others road and cross-country running, while a number cater mainly for fell, hill or even ultra event runners. Most clubs will have members who compete in most, if not all, of these categories. A third, and probably the most effective, way of finding a running club that suits your needs is by word of mouth. If you have already taken part in some local races you will have an idea of your local running clubs and will have met some of their members. Talk to them to gain an impression of whether their club would meet your needs. You might find that someone will invite you along to a training session, under no obligation to take up membership.
Clubs will usually charge a joining fee or annual subscription that will be advertised on their website and on their application form. The subscription fee covers the administration costs, along with the costs of maintaining the club’s facilities and equipment, and will vary according to the level of facilities available. Most clubs will hold regular training sessions, typically one or two evenings during the week and, perhaps, a regular weekend session. There will also be ‘ad hoc’ groups of runners who will organise their own informal runs and/or training sessions, according to their needs and interests. You will soon ‘find your level’ and join with members who have similar running interests and are of a similar ability.
In most clubs the official training sessions will be structured so that you can join in with a group of a similar age and/or ability to your own. The sessions will often be organised around the particular interests of the members, although the winter evening sessions of mainly ‘off road’ clubs will usually take place on the road or track. The coaches and members of the running club will be a source of much support, advice and information about a whole range of topics. For instance, the coach should be able to advise you about how to structure your training and which events you ought to be considering an entry for. Coaches and members will have a fund of practical knowledge about how to deal with setbacks and problems, especially injuries, and will support you through them. They will also have contacts with sports physiotherapists and other specialists who can prevent and treat running-related injuries.
Clubs will advertise and organise entries to local and national events – individual, team and relay. They will probably organise club races, championships and other ‘fun’ events which encourage participation and enjoyment, as well as improving you as a runner. Clubs are about participation and belonging and do not suit every runner, but they do offer you the chance to share the highs and lows of being a runner. With the support and encouragement of your fellow members you should find that there are more highs than lows.
Links to Running Club Directories:
UK Athletics Club Website Directory
Clubfinder
