Leicestershire

Newsdesk

Race Listing for Leicestershire

About the area

Running in Leicestershire has been high profile over the last few years with a number of ambitious development projects supported by local agencies like Leicestershire & Rutland Sport. RunEngland is at the heart of these programmes to introduce new people to running and there is now a network of 30 plus groups across the county. RunFit 24 typify enthusiastic groups organised by Leadership In Running Fitness course graduates.

The club scene is also thriving. Fleckney & Kibworth Running Club, is a relatively new club based just outside Leicester who have gone from strength to strength since they formed in 2007. The county covers a wide geographic area so many of the clubs are small serving a local area but names like Charnwood AC and Leicester Coritanian are well-known with some very high class athletes running in their colours. The popular Leicestershire Road Running League (summer and winter) gives the clubs a chance to test themselves against each other.

At the participatory level - parkrun is represented in Leicestershire by Braunstone and Conkers. Both regularly attract 300 plus runners and the inclusive parkrun ethos is well to the fore at both locations.

The county is well-served by two specialist running stores - Leicester Running Shop and the Running Fox Loughborough.

We are compiling a list of running groups, clubs, stores and facilities in Leicestershire. If you would like to add information to our listing please get in touch with us.

AT A GLANCE - FLECKNEY & KIBWORTH RC

There is an active club scene in Leicestershire and we a closer look at Fleckney & Kibworth Running Club to find out what was happening there ...

ONE FEATURE of Fleckney & Kibworth Running Club really struck a chord with us.  It’s something that happens in different guises at other clubs but we thought the F&K guys were doing it particularly well.  Club stalwart Lorna Muskett has devised a format that provides members with an incentive to improve their performances.  Basically the club awards a certificate at a set standard (from pewter - via bronze, silver, gold and diamond - to platinum and beyond) based on time and age.  To get an ‘end of year’ certificate a member has to reach the set standard at three different distances from 5k to marathon.

I reckoned it was a simple system that would motivate members to extend themselves and reach for the next level.  Apparently the Fleckney & Kibworth approach is based on a scheme that is being rolled out across Leicestershire in the near future.

With F&C members aiming for those ‘end of year’ acknowledgements, the club will be looking to improve its position in the Leicestershire Road Running League and the Derby Runner Cross Country League.  Club captain Andy Kemp told us: “Taking part in the leagues is a nice focal point for members’ training.  As a young club, we still get a buzz out of running alongside some of the more established names.  These are good opportunities for some of the more competitive members to test their progress.

“Although to be honest racing and big events is only a small part of what Fleckney & Kibworth RC is about.  We’re a friendly bunch and very committed to the idea that there is a place for everyone at the club.

“Our twice-weekly training sessions are about keeping everyone involved.  If a steady run is on the programme we might go out in three groups, one for an easy 3 or 4 miles, one for 5/6 miles and the third for a more demanding 7/8 miles.  We stagger the starts and generally arrive back at our Beauchamp College HQ at Oadby (on the outskirts of south-east Leicester) close together for some post-session chat.

“We’re also committed to providing opportunities for people in the wider community to try running for fun and fitness.  We run regular beginners and improvers nights which John Redfearn coordinates.  John is one of a small group who have completed Running England’s Leadership in Running Fitness course so we’re well-placed to welcome and develop beginners.

“We’ve attracted a few new members via the beginners’ courses.  Another new face who’s taken to running like a duck to water is Sam ‘Taddy’ Pole.  Sam’s a real enthusiast and a regular racer who has been recording a string of PBs.

“But as I say, for most of us it’s about enjoying ourselves as we stay fit.  Although some of our feature summer runs (we de-camp from our winter base at  Beauchamp College to the rural villages around Fleckney and Kibworth) like our session out of the Cow and Plough mean the emphasis is more on post-run fun.  Those summer runs give us a chance to explore the canals and footpaths of a scenic part of the county and to sample the refreshments at some nice country pubs!

“The social side of Fleckney & Kibworth RC is important and it comes to the fore on our expeditions further afield.  A dozen of us headed up the M1 for the Great North Run in September and we took a party to Snowdonia for a weekend of walking and running.  And eating!  The Awards night is also a big highlight of the year.”

Yes, we bet the Fleckney & Kibworth Awards night is a belter!  All those happy guys and gals collecting their gold and silver certificates.  With their clever incentives, friendly approach and stand-out green and yellow vests, Fleckney & Kibworth Running Club has made a big impression in their short but eventful history.  And the prospects are excellent for them to continue to progress and become one of the county’s top clubs.

Running groups in Leicestershire

• RunFit 24

Something missing? If you'd like to add something our list of groups in Leicestershire then please get in touch with us here

Focus on RunFit 24

RunEngland has made a big impact in Leicestershire and one group that is flourishing is Shepshed’s RunFit 24

Leictershire is a real Run England hotspot. 30 odd active groups, a strong leadership development programme and various other locally-based initiatives.  One group which illustrates the progress in the county is RunFit 24. 

Myles Gibson is the leader at the Shepshed-based group and he is delighted with the way things have shaped up since the April launch:  “It’s been a brilliant journey, one I’ve enjoyed being part of.”

Myles continued:  “I was really encouraged when 25 people turned up for our first night.  It was billed as a 10 weeks beginners programme but even so there was a varied level of fitness among the new recruits.  However that’s what the RunEngland Leadership in Running Fitness course if all about - giving you the skills to make that kind of situation work.

“The first few weeks saw slow progress while I assessed where everyone was and encouraged people from ‘walk-jog’ to more to sustained periods of running.  I was impressed by the level of commitment,  even in those early stages. 

“Soon group members were using our structured Wednesday session as a basis for other runs through the week.  As fitness built and friendships grew, those other sessions became more regular and more members got involved.

“As the programme progressed the distances we covered were extended but good organisation and consideration from the fitter runners meant that everyone stayed involved and was able to develop at their own pace.  By July those members who had turned up consistently were able to run 5k straight-off - no-stops, with the exception of a quick drinks break!   

“At this point I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next but the RunFit 24 crew left me in no doubt.  They had caught the running bug and weren’t going to stop now.  So we continued our regular Wednesday slots through August and into autumn.

“The lady who had come along because she wanted to look good for a big wedding was continuing as was her friend who worked for a charity and had decided to run London Marathon on their behalf.  RunFit 24 set up its own Facebook page and members posted feedback about sessions, plans for weekend runs and possible races to enter.”

When Myles took a holiday break in September the group just met as normal, decided a route and kept the show on the road.  A sure sign of a bright future for RunFit 24.

Myles is upbeat:  “Our weekly session is now an hour long and includes 3 to 5 mile runs with hillwork (Shepshed is rural but not flat!), and intervals added for variety.  The April beginners have now morphed into an enthusiastic intermediate group with aspirations to go further.  But to go forward at their own pace and in their own way - I think the RunFit 24 crew has flourished because we have created a mutually supportive environment where people have felt comfortable and had fun as they’ve improved their fitness.

“The group is now planning a big turnout at the Santa Fun Run in Loughborough and looking forward to welcoming a new bunch of beginners in spring 2015.  The future is looking bright for RunFit 24.”

If you would like to know more RunFit 24 call Myles Gibson on 07547335403.

Services in Leicestershire

Nutrition Advice

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Personal Training

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Physiotherapy

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Podiatry

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Sports Massage

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Do you operate a service for runners in the Leicestershire area? If you'd like to be added to our list please get in touch with us!

Focus on: Leicester Running Shop

Leicester’s running community is well-served by Rob Pullen and the team at Leicester Running Shop.  Rob tells us how his own experience means he’s well-placed to offer customers advice and guidance ...

Leicester Running Shop is located in a pleasant neighbourhood close to the city’s university.  And in the Running Shop, you’ll find a pleasant gentleman called Rob Pullen, who has been looking after the requirements of local runners for over seven years.

Rob came into the retail business bringing with him a decade or more’s experience as a club runner with Birstall RC, Owls AC and, currently, Wigston Phoenix.  Rob said  “I was quite immersed in the local scene so knew what runners were looking for.  I’ve tried to maintain that customer-perspective at Leicester Running Shop.”

Rob explained his philosophy:  “Despite the recent economic downturn, we’re fortunate that running as a hobby has continued to expand.  I think Mo Farah and the Olympics helped and the growing interest in general health and fitness has brought more women to running.  When I started we were about 2:1 male to female customers, now that’s more like 50-50.  Initiatives like ‘Couch 2 5K’ have made a difference.

“It is always a challenge when you are dealing with people who are new to the sport - you want to make sure you are giving them the best advice and offering the product choices that will work for them.  So it’s encouraging when people come back and tell us that they’ve made great progress in the Saucony Omni or the Brooks Ghost.

“And it’s shoes that are at the heart of our service.  We provide full gait analysis from trained staff backed up by ‘easy to understand’ advice about the shoe options that will work for you.”

I noticed a good range of models from Asics, Mizuno, Nike, Adidas and New Balance as well as Brooks and Saucony who feature prominently.  Rob also stocks a number of trail shoes - Salomon are well-represented - and he confirmed that off-road running was popular locally:

“There is an extensive network of footpaths around the city and they are a real magnet for runners.  Bradgate Park is right on our doorstep and has over 800 acres.  You’ll find a big proportion of Leicester’s runners there on a Saturday or Sunday morning.  To enhance our shoe service we can fit Superfeet insoles and we also have a good selection of socks including 1,000Mile and Feetures.”

Clothing is well-catered for too - we spotted the latest offerings from Nike, Adidas, Brooks and Saucony - plus compression clothing from 2xU and sports bras from Sportsjock.  A good selection of energy products is available - SIS and High5 included.

We asked Rob Pullen what products he would be recommending in the coming weeks:  “I’m struck by the new Tom Tom GPS watches - the Runner Cardio in particular with built-in heart rate monitor already has a big following.  I expect these to fly off the shelves.”

We asked about the local running scene:  “Flourishing!  A number of active clubs, great races and exciting competitions like the Leicestershire Road Running League.  The league races attract great fields - everything from top club runners to first-timers.  Gemma Steel was the female champion a few year’s back so that’s an example of the quality involved.”

We left Rob discussing spring marathons with a customer - good races, the right shoes for training, interesting long run routes, energy plans.  Just one more local runner benefitting from the experience and expertise of our friendly Leicester retailer.

Leicester Running Shop
146a Clarendon Pk Rd,
Leicester,
LE2 3AE

0116 2708447