Lancashire
Newsdesk
26 Aug 2020
Rise to the challenge at charity 10K Mast Blast
17 Aug 2020
Preston Road Races pull out all the stops
31 Jul 2020
Preston Road Races are primed & ready
29 Jul 2020
Run the Lights event ready to shine again
Race Listing for Lancashire
Date | Event | Location | Results |
---|---|---|---|
25 May 2018 | Burnley Lions 10K Road Race | Colne Cricket Club, Byron Rd, Colne | Results |
28 Jul 2019 | Caldervale Summer 10 | Village Hall, Caldervale | Results |
18 Aug 2019 | Scorton Feast Memorial 10K | Scorton Lake, Wyre | |
10 Sep 2019 | inov-8 Pennine Trails September Series Switchback Valley | Hurstwood, Worsthorne | Results |
29 Sep 2019 | Mawdesley 10K Trail Run | Red Lion Mawdesley, Ormskirk | Results |
05 Oct 2019 | Chorley 6 Hours Road Race | Astley Park, Chorley, Lancashire | |
09 Nov 2019 | Mad Bull Torch Run 1 | The Little Tea Rooms, Rivington | Results |
30 Nov 2019 | Wesham 10K | St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Wesham | Results |
01 Dec 2019 | Lancaster University Santa Dash | University Sports Centre, Lancaster | |
06 Dec 2019 | Power of 5K December | Salt Ayre Sports Centre, Morecambe | Results |
21 Dec 2019 | Christmas Cracker 10K | George & Dragon Pub, Lancaster | Results |
29 Dec 2019 | Astley Park Festive 4 Miler | Astley Park, Chorley | Results |
01 Jan 2020 | John Schofield New Year's Day Awakener Multi Terrain Race | Red Lion Inn, Whitworth | Results |
11 Jan 2020 | Petzl Nightrunner Rivington | Rivington & Blackrod High School, Bolton | Results |
17 Jan 2020 | Power of 5K January | Salt Ayre Sports Centre, Morecambe | Results |
19 Jan 2020 | Inskip Half Marathon | Inskip, Preston | Results |
19 Jan 2020 | East Lancashire Hospice 10K | Great Harwood, Blackburn | Results |
15 Feb 2020 | Parbold Hill Race | Richard Durnings School, Bispham | Results |
15 Feb 2020 | Dunsop Bridge Trail Race | Dunsop Bridge, Ribble Valley | Results |
16 Feb 2020 | Valentines 10K | George & Dragon Public House, Lancaster | Results |
23 Feb 2020 | Winter Hill 10K & 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run | Walker Fold Car Park, Smithills, Bolton | Results |
23 Feb 2020 | Lostock 6 Mile | Lostock, Bolton | Results |
28 Feb 2020 | Power Of 5K February | Salt Ayre Sports Centre, Morecambe | Results |
01 Mar 2020 | Ron Hill Accrington 10K & Fun Run | Market Hall, Accrington | Results |
07 Mar 2020 | Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round | Barley Village Hall, Barley, Burnley | Results |
08 Mar 2020 | The Jackals Run Half Marathon & 10K | Olde English Kiosk, Sunny Hurst Woods, Darwen | |
08 Mar 2020 | New Longton 10K | New Longton All Saints Primary School, Hugh Barn Lane,, Preston | Results |
22 Mar 2020 | To The Pike & Back Half Marathon | Moss BankPark, Bolton | |
29 Mar 2020 | Darwen Heritage Half Marathon | Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, Sudell Road, Darwen | |
29 Mar 2020 | Resolution Run 5K, 10K & 15K Blackpool | Stanley Park, Blackpool | |
13 Apr 2020 | Welly Run | Lancaster Priory, Lancaster | |
14 Apr 2020 | Pendle Fell Race | Village Hall, Barley | |
18 Apr 2020 | Worden Park 5K & Fun Run | Worden Park, Leyland | |
26 Apr 2020 | Bolton 10K | Leverhulme Park, Bolton | |
03 May 2020 | Great Hameldon Hill Race | Peel Park Hotel, Accrington | |
03 May 2020 | Yarrow River Bluebell 10K | Flaming Grill Pub, Bolton Road, Chorley | |
10 May 2020 | The Foam Run Burnley | Towneley Park, Burnley | |
10 May 2020 | Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10K | The Promenade, Blackpool | |
16 May 2020 | Pilling 10K Series Race 1 | The Golden Ball Hotel, Pilling | |
20 May 2020 | Wesham Summer 10K | The Smiths Arms, Lea Lane, Lea Town, Preston | |
24 May 2020 | Blackpool 10K Beach Run | South Promenade, Blackpool | |
24 May 2020 | Hangman's Noose 10K | Royal Kings Arms Hotel, Lancaster | |
27 May 2020 | Harrock Hill Race Series 1 | Farmers Arms, Parbold, Ormskirk | |
30 May 2020 | Catforth Canter 5K May | Village Hall, Catforth, Preston | |
31 May 2020 | Crazy Cow 10K | Walton-le-Dale Park & Ride Site, Preston | |
03 Jun 2020 | Ice Cream 5K & 10K Series Race 1 | Walker Fold Car Park, Smithills, Bolton | |
07 Jun 2020 | Morecambe 10K Series Race 1 | DW Sports Fitness, Morecambe | |
10 Jun 2020 | Ice Cream 5K & 10K Series Race 2 | Walker Fold Car Park, Smithills, Bolton | |
13 Jun 2020 | Pretty Muddy Preston 5K & Kids Race | Moor Park, Preston | |
13 Jun 2020 | Pilling 10K Series Race 2 | The Golden Ball Hotel, Pilling | |
14 Jun 2020 | Race for Life Preston 5K & 10K | Moor Park, Preston | |
17 Jun 2020 | Ice Cream 5K & 10K Series Race 3 | Walker Fold, Bolton | |
21 Jun 2020 | Race the Train Bury To Rawtenstall | Bury Bolton Street Railway Station, Bury | |
21 Jun 2020 | Father's Day 10K | George & Dragon Pub, Lancaster | |
21 Jun 2020 | Freckleton Half Marathon | Bush Lane Playing Fields, Freckleton, Preston | |
23 Jun 2020 | Sabden Trail Race | St Nicholas Church, Sabden, Clitheroe | |
24 Jun 2020 | Ice Cream 5K & 10K Series Race 4 | Walker Fold, Bolton | |
24 Jun 2020 | Race for Life Blackburn 5K | Witton Park, Blackburn | |
24 Jun 2020 | Harrock Hill Race Series 2 | Farmers Arms, Parbold, Ormskirk | |
28 Jun 2020 | Asda Foundation Burnley 10K | Turf Moor, Burnley | |
28 Jun 2020 | Lancaster Crazy Cow 10K | 3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster | |
03 Jul 2020 | Scorcher 10in10 Day 1 | The Show Field, Salwick | |
04 Jul 2020 | Scorcher 10in10 Day 2 | The Show Field, Salwick | |
04 Jul 2020 | Catforth Canter 5K July | Village Hall, Catforth, Preston | |
05 Jul 2020 | Scorcher 10in10 Day 3 | The Show Field, Salwick | |
05 Jul 2020 | Morecambe 10K Series Race 2 | DW Sports Fitness, Morecambe | |
06 Jul 2020 | Scorcher 10in10 Day 4 | The Show Field, Salwick | |
07 Jul 2020 | Scorcher 10in10 Day 5 | The Show Field, Salwick | |
08 Jul 2020 | Scorcher 10in10 Day 6 | The Show Field, Salwick | |
08 Jul 2020 | Race for Life Blackpool 5K & 10K | The Prom, Blackpool | |
09 Jul 2020 | Scorcher 10in10 Day 7 | The Show Field, Salwick | |
10 Jul 2020 | Scorcher 10in10 Day 8 | The Show Field, Salwick | |
10 Jul 2020 | Trailblaster 6, 12, 24 & 36 Hour Races | Towneley Park, Burnley | |
11 Jul 2020 | Scorcher 10in10 Day 9 | The Show Field, Salwick | |
11 Jul 2020 | Blackpool Colour Run | Starr Gate Beach, Blackpool | |
11 Jul 2020 | Pilling 10K Series Race 3 | The Golden Ball Hotel, Pilling | |
12 Jul 2020 | Scorcher 10in10 Day 10 | The Show Field, Salwick | |
12 Jul 2020 | Blackpool Summer 10K | North Promenade, Blackpool | |
12 Jul 2020 | Towneley Park 10K Road Race | Towneley Park, Burnley | |
15 Jul 2020 | Lancaster 10K | Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Lancaster | |
22 Jul 2020 | Greenway 5K | Padiham Greenway, Burnley | |
22 Jul 2020 | Harrock Hill Race Series 3 | Farmers Arms, Parbold, Ormskirk | |
26 Jul 2020 | Lancaster 5K Summer Series June | 3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster | |
02 Aug 2020 | Worsthorne Moor Fell Race | Gorple Road, Worsthorne | |
08 Aug 2020 | Catforth Canter 5K August | Village Hall, Catforth, Preston | |
09 Aug 2020 | Windmill Half Marathon | Fairhaven Lake, Lytham St Annes | |
09 Aug 2020 | City of Preston 5 & 10 Mile Road Races | Walmer Bridge Village Hall, Preston | Results |
09 Aug 2020 | Boulsworth Fell Race | Trawden Recreation Ground, Colne | |
15 Aug 2020 | Blackpool Bubble Rush | Lawson's Showground, Blackpool | |
15 Aug 2020 | Run The Lights 5K & 10K | North Promenade, Blackpool | Results |
22 Aug 2020 | Pilling 10K Series Race 4 | The Golden Ball Hotel, Pilling | |
23 Aug 2020 | Fleetwood Half Marathon & 10K | Beach Road Car Park, Rossall Point, Fleetwood | |
26 Aug 2020 | Harrock Hill Race Series 4 | Farmers Arms, Parbold, Ormskirk | |
02 Sep 2020 | Blackpool Night Run | Tower Festival Headland, Blackpool | |
06 Sep 2020 | Wigan Half Marathon | Town Centre, Wigan | |
13 Sep 2020 | Ribble Way Run Half Marathon & 10K | The Dolphin Inn, Longton | |
13 Sep 2020 | Yarrow River Splash 10K Trail Run | Flaming Grill Pub, Chorley | |
20 Sep 2020 | Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon | City Hall, Belfast | |
20 Sep 2020 | Fairhaven Flyer 10K | Fairhaven Lake, Lytham St Annes | |
20 Sep 2020 | Padiham 10K | Padiham Leisure Centre, Burnley | |
26 Sep 2020 | Blackpool Festival of Running 10K, 5K & Fun Run | North Promenade, Blackpool | |
26 Sep 2020 | Pilling 10K Series Race 5 | The Golden Ball Hotel, Pilling | |
27 Sep 2020 | Blackpool Festival of Running Marathon & Half Marathon | North Promenade, Blackpool | |
27 Sep 2020 | Winter Hill Mast Blast 10K | Smithills School, Bolton | |
04 Oct 2020 | Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon & 10K | Town Hall, Rochdale | |
15 Oct 2020 | Autumn Handicap 10K | National Sports Centre, Douglas, Isle of Man | |
18 Oct 2020 | Lytham Green Drive Five | Green Drive, Lytham, St Annes | |
26 Oct 2020 | Fairclough 5 | Stanah Country Park, Thornton | |
01 Nov 2020 | Through the Villages Race | Wheelton, Chorley | |
07 Nov 2020 | Blackpool Promenade 10 Miler | Middle Walkway, North Promenade, Blackpool | |
08 Nov 2020 | Windmill Rememberance 10K | Lytham Windmill, Lytham St Annes | |
11 Nov 2020 | Hell Of A Hill Marathon Day 1 | Bibbys Farm Activity Centre, Chorley | |
12 Nov 2020 | Hell Of A Hill Marathon Day 2 | Bibbys Farm Activity Centre, Chorley | |
13 Nov 2020 | Hell Of A Hill Marathon Day 3 | Bibbys Farm Activity Centre, Chorley | |
14 Nov 2020 | Hell Of A Hill Marathon Day 4 | Bibbys Farm Activity Centre, Chorley | |
15 Nov 2020 | Hell Of A Hill Marathon Day 5 | Bibbys Farm Activity Centre, Chorley | |
15 Nov 2020 | Preston 10 Mile Road Race | Hutton Grammar School, Preston | |
22 Nov 2020 | Haldene Fisher Syd Quirk Half Marathon | Melew, Isle of Man | |
29 Nov 2020 | Lee Mill Relays | Stubbylee Hall, Rossendale | |
29 Nov 2020 | Festive Flash Five | Pennington Flash Country Park, Leigh | |
29 Nov 2020 | Lancashire Mind Mental Elf | Witton Park, Blackburn | |
29 Nov 2020 | The Best 5K | Preston North End, Preston | |
06 Dec 2020 | Myerscough 10 | Myerscough College, Preston | |
13 Dec 2020 | Longridge Xmas Pudding 7 | Civic Hall, Preston | |
19 Dec 2020 | Hurst Green Turkey Trot | Bayley Arms, Hurst Green | |
19 Dec 2020 | Rudolf Red Nose 5 Mile | Fire Station, Blackpool | |
20 Dec 2020 | Bolton Bauble 5K, 10K & Fun Run | Walker Fold Car Park, Smithills, Bolton | |
26 Dec 2020 | Leyland Boxing Day 10K | Worden Park, Leyland | |
27 Dec 2020 | Ribble Valley 10K | Roefield Leisure Centre, Clitheroe | |
27 Dec 2020 | Festive 4K Fun Run | Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Lancaster | |
03 Jan 2021 | Lancaster Winter Series 5K | 3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster | |
03 Jan 2021 | Central Lancashire New Year Half Marathon | St Marys Catholic School, Preston | |
03 Jan 2021 | 3-1-5 New Year 5K | 3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster | |
10 Jan 2021 | Garstang 10K January | Garstang High School, Garstang | |
16 Jan 2021 | Run Aintree 5K, 10K & Half Marathon January | Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool | |
24 Jan 2021 | St Anne's 10 Miler | YMCA Swimming Pool, Lytham St Annes | |
24 Jan 2021 | Park & Run 10K | Walton-le-Dale Park & Ride Site, Preston | |
07 Feb 2021 | Mad Dog 10K | Stanley High School, Southport | |
07 Feb 2021 | Blackburn Winter Warmer 10K & Fun Run | Witton Park, Blackburn | |
21 Feb 2021 | Great North West Half Marathon | North Promenade, Blackpool | |
27 Feb 2021 | Stanley Park 10K Saturday | Stanley Park Running Track, Blackpool | |
28 Feb 2021 | Stanley Park 10K Sunday | Stanley Park Running Track, Blackpool | |
07 Mar 2021 | Roddlesworth Roller | Abbey Village CP School, Bolton Road, Chorley | |
07 Mar 2021 | Daffodil Doddle | Abbey Village CP School, Bolton Road, Chorley | |
27 Mar 2021 | Leighton Hall & AONB 10K Trail Race | Leighton Hall, Carnforth | |
28 Mar 2021 | Muddy Bottoms 9M & 17M | Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre, Preston | |
28 Mar 2021 | Spar City of Preston 10K | City Centre, Preston | |
02 Apr 2021 | Good Friday 10 Mile Caldervale | Caldervale Village Hall, Preston | |
02 Apr 2021 | Isle of Man Easter Festival 10K | Shore Road, Port Erin | |
03 Apr 2021 | Pendle Way In A Day | Pendle Heritage Centre Barn, Barrowford | |
03 Apr 2021 | Isle of Man Easter Festival Hill Race | Peel Hill, Peel | |
04 Apr 2021 | Isle of Man Easter Festival 5K Races | Douglas Promenade, Isle of Man | |
11 Apr 2021 | Brun Valley Trail 10K | Thompson Park, Burnley | |
18 Apr 2021 | 3 Bridges 10K | Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Lancaster | |
02 May 2021 | Sherriff 10K | Scorton, Preston | |
16 May 2021 | Worden Park 10K | Worden Park, Leyland | |
29 May 2021 | Manx Mountain Marathon | Ramsey, Isle of Man | |
10 Jun 2021 | X-Trail 10K | Oldham Rugby Union Football Club, Oldham | |
13 Jun 2021 | Garstang Gallop 7M | Garstang Sports & Social Club, Preston | |
17 Jul 2021 | Lancaster Celebration of Running Saturday | 3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster | |
17 Jul 2021 | Rat Race Man vs Lakes | Morecambe Bay, Morecambe | |
18 Jul 2021 | Lancaster Celebration of Running Sunday | 3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster | |
18 Jul 2021 | Mossley 10K | Mossley AFC's Seel Park, Ashton-under-Lyne | |
18 Jul 2021 | Pendle Running Festival Trail Race | Barley, Pendle | |
24 Jul 2021 | Tolkien Trail 10K | Village Hall, Hurst Green | |
01 Aug 2021 | Riverside 10M | George & Dragon Public House, Lancaster | |
15 Aug 2021 | Riverside Half Marathon - Incorporating Northern Veteran Half Marathon Championship | George & Dragon Public House, Lancaster | |
22 Aug 2021 | Golden Ball 10 Miles | 3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster | |
22 Aug 2021 | Trimpell 20 Miles | 3-1-5 Health Club, Mannin Way, Lancaster | |
05 Sep 2021 | Garstang Half Marathon | Garstang Sports & Social Club, Preston | |
12 Sep 2021 | Lancaster Castle Jail Break 10K | Royal Kings Arms Hotel, Lancaster | |
03 Oct 2021 | West Coast Half Marathon | Navigation Way, Preston | |
10 Oct 2021 | Blackburn 10K | Ewood Park, Blackburn | |
10 Oct 2021 | Autumn Breaker 10K | Stanley Park Arena, Blackpool | |
10 Oct 2021 | Morecambe 10K Series Race 3 | TBC, Morecambe | |
30 Oct 2021 | Gisburn Forest 10K Trail Race | Gisburn Forest Hub, Stephen Park, Clitheroe | |
31 Oct 2021 | Accrington 10K | Walton Arms, Accrington | |
31 Oct 2021 | Pendle Witches 10K | Royal Kings Arms Hotel, Lancaster | |
31 Oct 2021 | Halloween 5K | Heron's Reach, Blackpool | |
07 Nov 2021 | Lancaster Half Marathon | TBC, Lancaster | |
21 Nov 2021 | Morecambe Festival of Running November | The Promenade, Morecambe | |
05 Dec 2021 | 3-1-5 Lancaster Half Marathon & 5K Fun Run | 3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster | |
11 Dec 2021 | Lancaster Christmas 10K | Royal King's Arms Hotel, Lancaster | |
19 Dec 2021 | Run Aintree 5K, 10K & Half Marathon December | The Racecourse, Aintree | |
30 Jan 2022 | Morecambe Festival of Running January | The Promenade, Morecambe | |
16 Mar 2022 | Mother's Day 10K | George & Dragon Pub, The Quay, Lancaster | |
03 Apr 2022 | Race to the Castle 10K | Holiday Inn, Caton Road, Lancaster |
About the area
Lancashire beyond the great metropolitan centres of Manchester and Liverpool moves at a slower pace. Sure there are the traditional centres of Blackpool, Preston, Blackburn and Burnley, names resonant with sporting association, but there are beautiful natural places too like the Fylde peninsula, the Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland. It might be stretching things to suggest a rustic feel but it is less congested and features some terrific running spots, amid that abundance of great scenery.
The club scene is vibrant while Run England groups help introduce many beginners to the sport. Established names like Wesham Road Runners and Lancaster and Morecambe AC are well represented in the region's events.
Many clubs and groups also arrange their own events - we loved the imagination shown by Darwen Dashers. Who can resist entering their events - Aggies Staircase and Mr Sparkle's Dark Un. This time in In Your Area we speak to Jonathan Stubbs from the Dashers, who tells about these races and some of the more unorthodox events they're involved in.
We also catch up with Angus Murray from Lancaster and Morecambe AC, who reveals that the media interest around their recent 3K tribute to late comedian Eric Morecambe could lead to it becoming a regular occurrence.
Other notable events in the area include the Pennine Lancashire 10K which has grown considerably in the last three years, Blackpool Half Marathon and the Great North West Half Marathon. And it would be remiss when mentioning running events in the county not to include the Lancaster Race Series which features Morecambe Half Marathon, Elletson Arms Pilling 10K Series, and Trimpell 20M.
There is a strong network of retailers too making sure all runners are kitted out with the latest shoes and apparel, as well as providing valuable advice. National chain Sweatshop has stores in Chorley and Wrea Green (near Blackpool) and there is also The Runners Centre in Lancaster and Foot Traffic in Preston.
Check out some of what Lancashire has to offer to runners below.
Clubs in Lancashire
As Lancaster and Morecambe AC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we caught up with club accreditation officer, Angus Murray. He tells us about the club’s development and its plans for the future.
“We haven’t organised anything for our anniversary yet,” Angus warns me. “But don’t worry, we’ll definitely have a celebration to mark the occasion,” he says reassuringly. Angus is clearly a busy man, with around 450 members of the club. Half of those, he explains, are younger members.
“We received a bit of an Olympic bounce after the 2012 Games in London, with a lot of younger members joining the club. The club focuses quite strongly on the junior side of things so it’s great to see so many young athletes joining our ranks!”
Angus explains that the club have a team of coaches focussed on junior athletes. “We want to develop their skills and pick up good habits. We are also now coaching our adult road runners to improve their running form and steer them away from some old habits and existing mindsets.”
Despite the ‘athletics’ tag, the club is very welcoming to all types of runners: “We’re a friendly club and are open to members of all ages and abilities. We have members who can do 33-minute 10ks and others who are more recreational runners.”
The club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Salt Ayre Sports Complex located midway between Lancaster and Morecambe. The sessions vary according to the abilities of the members taking part.
As well as the annual the annual Three Bridges 10K and Lancaster 10K race, a new event was introduced to the club’s calendar this year. And it could be set to become a regular feature.
Angus explains: “We held the Leg It With Eric 3K this year and it was a great success. The statue of Eric Morecambe was vandalised last year, with the leg being sawn off. It was replaced in January and the council wanted to do something to celebrate, so we organised a run along the prom. It was great fun as everyone was wearing Eric-style spectacles. Due to the novel nature of the event, it got a lot of press attention. It may become a regular event to replace our Keep it Ticking race, which we used to hold. Watch this space.”
On the subject of notable members from the past and present, one name springs to Angus’s mind. “Mark Croasdale was a former member who was very fast. He took part in the Man vs. Horse Marathon in Wales a few times and whilst he didn’t beat the horse, he came pretty close!”
A quick search online confirms this, with times of 2:08 in 2000, compared to his equestrian chum’s 2:10, and 2:19 in 2003 to the horse’s 2:02.
On the social side of things, the club organises several nights out and hold an awards ceremony at Christmas for senior members, and one for junior members in January. There is also an event that pits the younger members against the old guard…
Angus explains: “One of the events we arrange to get juniors and seniors together is the Candle Lit Run. It’s held at Christmas time and sees an adult drawn against a junior member. The adults usually specialise in road running and the kids in track and field. It’s run over 1.5k. Sometimes you can get a bit unlucky and race against a particularly fast kid. Though, it’s all in good fun of course. The event is held along an unlit cycle track so there are candles along the way since it’s Christmas.”
For more information, visit their website.
Have we missed something? If you know of, or operate a club in Lancashire and would like to add it to our list, please get in touch with us here.
Running groups in Lancashire
Focus on Darwen Dashers
Billing themselves as ‘the finest running club in Darwen. Beyond doubt.’ It’s clear Darwen Dashers aren’t lacking in confidence, or a sense of humour. Chairman, Jonathan Stubbs, tells us more…
When did the club form?
In 1990 – a group of six guys with a passion for running decided to form a club and it’s grown from there.
How many members?
The numbers go up and down but right now we have about 140 members.
What ages and abilities?
40 and falling. We don’t have a junior section but family members are welcome. One of the founding member’s grandsons is a member as it happens. Though he’s 20 years old so definitely not a junior.
We’re a very social club so everyone’s welcome. We have a beginners group run by six qualified Run England leaders. They take a ten-week course and at the end of the course the members all take part in a parkrun. Being able to complete a 5k is a great way to demonstrate the real improvement shown from people, some of whom have never run before. Most of those runners progress to becoming full members of the club.
Where and when do you meet?
At the Sunnyhurst pub on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm. Our beginners group meets on a Wednesday at 6:30pm at Darwen Leisure Centre. Our sessions vary in distance according to ability and we train in various places including Winter Hill, Pendle Hill and the Darwen Moors. Most members also participate in our club championships across the country, but primarily in the North West. Fell running in Rossendale is popular too.
What big events do you organise?
We have Aggies Staircase on 18 June and David Staff Memorial on 29 November, run in memory of a member who died from an undiagnosed heart defect The clubs also hosts Tockholes Evening on 2 July. Finally, this one’s a bit special - Mr Sparkle’s Dark Un. It’s a head torch race so is held at night and includes a free chip butty afterwards.
What other events are you involved with?
There are several fell races in the area we organise. Our members also take part in various parkruns. We have about 80 people doing parkruns regularly, which is a fantastic turnout. We hold a monthly event where we measure members’ improvement along a route. The person who’s improved the most - not necessarily the fastest - wins a prize. You find that those new to the club improve the most, whereas more experienced runners find it tougher to win that particular prize.
We also host something called Guessathon which is good fun. We choose a destination and route, with each member having to guess how long it will take them to run it. The person who’s closest to their guess is the winner. We also take part in cross-country events such as the Red Rose Championships.
Tell me about the club’s magazine
We produce a monthly magazine called the Dash. It’s available through our website but you can also get a hard copy. It’s got lots of great details about our races and also features race reports. We’re always keen to have new runners write reports about our events!
For more information on Darwen Dashers, go to www.dashers.org.uk
Have we missed something? If you know of or operate a running group in the Lancashire area and would like to add it to our list, then get in touch with us here
Services for runners in Lancashire
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