From parkrun to extraordinary adventures
Striders take part in an extraordinary variety of races and events. Some race regularly; others enter an occasional event for the challenge, the company or the chance to try something new.
From 5K to more than 400K, our members tackle just about every distance imaginable. There are plenty of 10Ks, half marathons and marathons along the way, with members who have completed the marathon majors and others who have joined the 100 Marathons Club.
Near and far
You’ll often find Striders at Rutland Water parkrun. Further afield, our members have taken on the Hardmores series, the Lakeland 50 and 100, Coast to Coast challenges and races stretching from Sydney to Patagonia.
At the extreme end, one member completed the Summer Spine: 268 miles - the whole Pennine Way in around four and a half days, moving through day and night with only a few brief catnaps on the trail.
And big adventures aren’t reserved for the young. A former chairman celebrated his 70th birthday by running 70 miles in 22½ hours. A year before that a team of five did the whole circuit of the Isle or Wight costal path - 69 miles in less than 24 hours.
Not all Striders limit themselves to running - some members take part in triathlons, duathlons, ironman and others, you name it, a Strider has probably done it.
Experience across the ages
Our oldest active member is in her eighties, and we’ve had members represent England at masters level (3 podium finishes !!) over the half marathon distance. Across the club, you’ll find runners with a wealth of experience, ambitions and stories to share.
That variety is one of the great strengths of Striders. Whether you’re considering your first race, moving up a distance or planning something more adventurous, there’s usually someone whose brains you can pick for advice, ideas and encouragement.
Whatever your next step
You don’t need an epic challenge in mind to benefit from that experience. Your goal might be to feel more comfortable at parkrun, improve your 10K time or simply enjoy your running more.
Our coach-led Thursday sessions are designed for runners of any ability who want to improve. Whatever improvement means to you, there’s a place to start—and plenty of encouragement along the way.