Nottinghamshire

Newsdesk

Race Listing for Nottinghamshire

About the area

Nottinghamshire has a vibrant running scene. Nottinghamshire is a county with a population of around 800,000, over half living within the Nottingham conurbation. The county is sheltered by the Pennines to the west, so receives relatively low rainfall and the centre and south west of the county, around Sherwood Forest, features undulating hills with ancient oak woodland. These favourable conditions are the backdrop to a flourishing running scene ' a great network of clubs and groups, top events like the Robin Hood Marathon and Half Marathon, a flourishing parkrun scene and a physical environment which encourages you to lace up your trainers. Choose from parkland trails, riverside runs along the Trent and lakeland routes while there's easy access to the Peak District and the fell running opportunities on offer there.

parkrun, the free Saturday morning timed 5k, is now firmly routed in Nottinghamshire with events at Worksop (Clumber Park), Mansfield and Newark and the Nottingham cluster of Forest Rec, Colwick, Beeston and Rushcliffe.

There is a thriving club scene with summer and winter competitions ' check out our profile of Kimberley and District Striders to see how a relatively small club fares in these contests.

June sees the Race for Life series come to Nottingham (Victoria Embankment) for a 5k/10k double header; and to Clumber Park (5k/10k). Clumber Park also sees two dates (19/20 June) for the new Pretty Muddy event but the highlight of the county's running season comes in September at the 'Robin Hood' ' 10,000 plus entrants for a great race programme of marathon, half marathon and junior race.

Make sure you are well-kitted out for this and other top events by visiting Up & Running or Sweatshop (both have Nottingham stores). Expect great advice from Rob at Up and Running.

Kimberley & District Striders

Kimberley & District Striders (KADS) is a small Nottinghamshire club which recently celebrated its 30th birthday. Friendly and inclusive KADS still enjoy their moments in the competitive limelight. Chair Paul Nicholls tells us more …

Sum up the Striders’ philosophy.  We’re a pretty relaxed outfit of varied ability.  For most of us the emphasis is on fitness and having fun. However we do enjoy our forays into the county’s competitive scene although it’s a bit David and Goliath!

David and Goliath - How So?  Clubs like Notts AC, Long Eaton RC and Heanor RC have big memberships and good facilities and are usually well-represented at the league events. KADS participates in the Notts AAA road race series and the Booth Decorators League in summer and the Booth’s XC League in the winter and it’s a great experience.  Great value too – entry fees (for 15 events) are covered via the club membership of £15.

Star Striders?  Glen Weston in the ultra-competitive V45 category and Barry Jeffery (V65) are usually among the top finishers while Carl Wright is always in there mixing it with the best Senior Men.

So how does a Strider get in shape for the competitive world?  Training night is Wednesday, one week we go for a steady run – anything from 3 to 10 miles (I did say varied ability!), the next for a quality session – hills, intervals or fartlek.  And we’ve recently introduced track!

Track – sounds serious!  Yes, quite a few of us are discovering our inner Usain Bolt. We’ve been booking the Rutland Sports Park track at Ilkeston and relishing the experience. There’s nothing quite like battling against those interval targets to bring out the best in a runner.

What about friendly and fun!?  That comes in the shape of a varied social dimension to the club’s activities – brewery tours, meals out and a golf day. We had a great night to celebrate our 30th with a number of the original members in attendance, including the man who started it all, Bob Terry. One of the other 12 originals, 70something Paul Turville, is still with us and his enthusiasm is undiminished; in fact he recently took up triathlon!

Looking forward  Despite our proud heritage Kimberley & District Striders is a club that is eagerly looking towards the future.  One of our most hard-working members is 29-year-old Daniel Gooch, a conscientious ‘handicap’ manager, mens captain  and general stalwart.  So much so that he recently picked up the prestigious KAD of the Year award. The future’s bright with people like Daniel.

You used the word ‘stalwart’ any other name-checks?  Kevin Rogers has been a driving force for many years and has been instrumental behind the success of the Goose Fair Gallop, the club’s annual event.  Now installed as club president Kevin, like the rest of the members, wants to see the Gallop develop into a top county event.  With that in mind we have been exploring a new scenic trail route around Felly.  Watch this space!  Paul Thompson is a long serving member, holding many roles within the club. He is currently the Treasurer. Micky Doyle is another character – winner of the ‘Endeavour’ trophy and that nicely sums up Micky’s approach.

Highlights of the season?  We’re always pleased to see the lighter nights and with them the opportunity to get off-road for training. We usually head towards scenic  DH Lawrence country between Kimberley and Ilkeston. And the Striders always field three or four teams at the Derwent River Relays and the Hairy Helmet Relays, both in June. It’s a great way for members to bond over a run and a few beers. Sometimes quite a few beers!

Final word …  Come along to the regular Colliers Wood Canter, a free timed 5k and 3k run around Colliers Wood near Eastwood. You’ll meet a few Striders there and you might just decide to join us.

Find out more about Kimberley & District Striders at kadsrunning.co.uk

Running groups in Nottinghamshire

• Mums on the Run - Southwell
• Newark Striders
• Notfast RC
• Woodthorpe Huffers and Puffers

If you would like your club to be added to this page, get in touch with us!

Mums on the Run Southwell

For many new mums, exercise is often the last thing on their minds.  But Mums on the Run in Southwell, Nottinghamshire is looking to change this.  The group, run by personal trainer Annabel Webb, looks to encourage mums to get active by learning to jog with their buggies.  At its heart is a postnatal (new or  years down the line) specific exercise class focussing on weight loss and fitness through circuit type sessions.  The classes incorporate both cardiovascular and strength exercises and are held outside to ensure mum and baby get fresh air.

The classes are a chance to meet other mums, have fun and a chat and get a little bit of ‘me time’.  Exercise helps you get back in shape after having a baby; boosts energy levels and confidence and because of the nature of these classes you don’t need to worry about childcare as baby comes along for the ride too.

Annabel told us: “The sessions include strength and cardio work, kettlebells and weights and gives you goals to attain.  The hour is designed just for you, addressing issues such as weak core and pelvic floor, post natal postural issues, weight loss and lack of confidence.  It’s not just a fitness class, it’s a lifestyle change and confidence booster.”

She continues: “Running is a big part of what we do and gives the ladies some real goals to work towards.  In 2012 we had a team of 15 who completed the Race for Life, both 5k and 10k and we have members who have completed longer distances such as half marathons since joining.”

Mums on the Run devotee Liz says: “I have been attending MOTR classes in Southwell for around 18 months since my son was about 5 months old.  He still comes with me now even though he’s nearly 2.  In that time I have lost over 4 stone and run two half marathons!  I am fitter and slimmer now than I think I have ever been and certainly look better than I did before having my two babies!  I honestly don’t think it would be overdoing it to say that joining Mums On The Run has changed my life.  My boys and I have all made friends for life and I am (nearly) fit enough to keep up with the kids.  Exercising outside in all weathers with your friends is fantastic and the things we have achieved together are even better.”

Mums on the Run classes are held in the War Memorial Park, Southwell on Monday (7pm), Wednesday (9.30am and 7.30pm) and Saturday (9am) with children welcome to both morning sessions.

Services in Nottinghamshire

From time to time runners require help to keep them on the road or to get them back into shape after a set-back.  Occasionally they have to address a more serious injury problem.  In addition there are a growing number of personal trainers and alternative exercise providers (yoga, pilates etc) who offer services that develop and enhance the running experience.

One well-established name is Impact Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinics.  Impact has clinics at Long Eaton and West Bridgford specialising in the treatment and prevention of sporting injuries, back and neck pain and orthopaedic problems. They also run Yoga and Pilates classes for all abilities.

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

Nutrition Advice

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Personal Training

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Physiotherapy

• Impact Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinics
  West Bridgford: Gresham Sports Pavilion, Gresham Park Road Off Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7YF
  Long Eaton: 128 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 4ER
• Sano Physiotherapy
  The Portland Centre, Muskham St, Nottingham, NG2 2HE

Podiatry

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Sports Massage

• Impact Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinics
  West Bridgford: Gresham Sports Pavilion, Gresham Park Road Off Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7YF
  Long Eaton: 128 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 4ER

Guided running

• Mud and Miles