So you’re thinking about joining our running club but still aren’t sure? Maybe some of these commonly asked questions will help you out…

Is membership free? YES! You can sign up here! We are a totally free running club to join. Once a month we do run a track session where there is a cost for this at £3 but it is totally up to you to attend this - all other sessions and membership are free, free, free!!! Click here too for our new members information page which gives some more guidance on first joining the club and where we meet.

Do I have to be a member to run with you? No.  All are welcome to come to our group runs. Locations and info can be found here. It’s a great way to try it out and see if you like it.

Do I have to attend every session/event the club put on? No.  You can attend as many or as little sessions as you like or are fit enough to run and participate in. We have lots of different events over the year we put on, such as Parkrun take over, where we ask for volunteers and would always love to see as many people attend these as possible but we understand if not.

Do I have to be fast? Nope. While most of us dream of being fast, the reality is not all of us are. There are runners in our club who get last place at local races, and some that might get first and others who are in between. No one gets left behind in a session either, we encourage a looping ethos to keep everyone close together, safe and never alone.

Okay, so I may not be fast, but what if I show up at a group run, how fast will we go? For some of our evening sessions, when doing speed endurance, the larger team splits into 5 different paced groups and this is determined by your 5k time, speed groupings can be found here.

So you’re telling me, even if I run a 12 min mile, I can show up and run with you? Yes!

I have just started running and looking to complete my first 5k, is this a good group to join? Yes. Twice a year we run a 0-5k programme. You will be in a group with similar runners to start with and have a supportive team on hand to guide you through each week and help build your fitness and confidence up. Also, if you’re looking for motivation and to get different perspectives on running, we might be just the thing you need!

Are there any age restrictions for running with the club? As per our constitution the club may accept applications from those who are between the ages of 14 and 18 (classed as junior members) as long as they are accompanied at training sessions with a parent/guardian.

I am interested in joining but a little nervous at the same time, do you have buddy system in place who I can partner up with for a couple of sessions? Yes, this is definitely something we can arrange for you! Email us at club@stevenagestridersrc.org.uk, we can find out more about you and partner you up with someone who has similar running form.

What training gear do I need? Nothing too fancy is needed at all! A comfortable pair of trainers, light/bright clothing for visibility when out along the cycle paths and head/body lights for darker evenings.

Who runs/leads the sessions? We have a fantastic bunch of run leaders, all DBS checked, most have basic first aid training, some are LiRF (leadership in running fitness) qualified too, the team can be found here. All we ask in the sessions is that runners pay attention the run leader, listen to their instruction and alert them if any problems/issues arise during the session.

When and where do you meet for the different sessions? We predominately meet Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7:15, however the meeting point differs depending on the session, the schedule can be found here. Once a month we do a track session at Ridlins Track with a small cost to cover the hire, we meet up before Parkrun at Fairlands Park in Stevenage and there is also a Sunday run held in different spots with different distances.

Do you have your own kit shop and do you have to wear a club training top at sessions? Yes, we do have our own kit shop which can be found here. There are many different items on there in all sorts of sizes and colours. You do not have to purchase anything from the club shop to wear at sessions. All we ask for our team events such as the MidWeek League and Cross Country events that a Striders diamond vest is worn when representing the club.

How can I be kept up to date with all events, socials, team updates and all goings on within the club? We have a private facebook group for members only to share photos, update and general club/running chit chat and we also have a weekly newsletter with regular updates, any promos and all Strider news you could possibly need.

With the emphasis on mental health these days and well-being and fitness being related, do you have anything in place to help me? Yes! We have a well-being page with some support help lines and website on this - click here to have a look. On this page we have a team of people you can talk to either face to face or email/messenger and can speak to them in confidence.

Can I sponsor the club or make a donation? You can indeed! If you would like to sponsor the club for an event or to get your business logo on the tops its best to contact the club directly via email: club@stevenagestridersrc.org.uk and arrangements can be discussed. If you would like to make a donation at any point we have PayPal account you make a payment to or email the club and we can share the clubs account details.

Can I run with my dog? Yes! We have a few of our team bring their 4 legged friends along to some evening sessions and our long runs on Sunday, all we ask is if they are kept on a short lead (as you would at Parkrun), you run to the side of the team just in case your dog makes a quick ‘pit stop’ and to be considerate of other runners.