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03
Apr
Guide to local groups that can help you start running this spring
The arrival of lighter nights and warmer days has turned many people's thoughts to getting fit in the great outdoors.
Running is one of the cheapest and most popular forms of exercise but getting started can be daunting.
Fortunately there are several groups in the Harrogate district that can help.
So the Stray Ferret, which has a few runners in the team, contacted local clubs to help put together the list below on who can help, what they offer and when they do it.
The groups cater for all levels, ranging from seasoned runners to complete novices who might currently only be able to walk, but want to get into jogging or maybe go from couch to 5k.
Here's what's available on our patch.
Harrogate
Harrogate Fitmums and Friends
Harrogate Fitmums and Friends is an inclusive running club for men and women aged 16+.
We offer distances from 1 mile and welcome all abilities and offer unique systems of support, you will never be left behind!
Meeting at St John Fisher High School, HG2 8PT Mondays at 7.15pm.
Website: https://fitmums.org.uk/group/north-yorkshire/harrogate
Nidd Valley Road Runners
Nidd Valley Road Runners is a UK Athletics-affiliated, friendly running club, suitable for all abilities and backgrounds.
Based at Harrogate Hockey Club, off Claro Road, we meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
We offer many social events and compete in road, cross-country and fell races.
Website: www.niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk
Harrogate Social Run Group
SRG is an inclusive group offering a fun, free and friendly 5k for all abilities, we run each Monday at 6.30pm from Up & Running on Station Parade, Harrogate.
SRG was started in 2015 for customers to meet other local runners. Our groups foster community spirit and encourage activity amongst people of all ages and abilities. Pop into 16 Station Parade for more info.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/upandrunningharrogatesrg/?locale=en_GB
Number: 01423 562324
Stray Runners
We are Stray Runners and we are a fun, free social run group.
We meet at 6pm on a Tuesday and Thursday outside the Coach & Horses pub in Harrogate.
Each week the leaders organise routes for a 5k run, there is usually a jeffing option too (where you run and walk). We offer a free couch-to-5k programme every few months which ends with a graduation ceremony, usually at Fountains Abbey Parkrun.
We are a very friendly, supportive and talkative group. Our motto is 'Finish Line, Not Finish Time'. It's all about the journey.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2222012384656753/
Contact: stray-runners@outlook.com
Harrogate Harriers
If you can complete a parkrun, you can run with us! Harrogate Harriers is your local club for road, trail, and racing—locally and nationally.
We train from Harrogate Squash & Fitness Club. Main session Tuesday 7pm, plus others weekly.
Let’s run together, compete with spirit, and thrive as a community.
Website: www.harrogate-harriers.co.uk
Harrogate Harriers on the Run Harrogate 10k course through the Crimple Valley in 2019. Photo: Dan Oxtoby Photography
Knaresborough
Knaresborough Striders
Knaresborough Striders run from Knaresborough Cricket Club on Aspin Lane, with club nights on a Tuesday and Thursday each week.
We aim to put on a structured training session every Tuesday as well as walk, jog and run groups to suit all abilities.
Our members range from 18-80 and regularly participate in 5ks to marathon distance, and international park-run tourism to fell races.
James Ireland (front) and the Knaresborough Striders team at the Knaresborough bed race 2023.
Ripon
Ripon Runners
Ripon Runners is an inclusive running club for all abilities based at Ripon Rugby Club.
We have various ability groups at our Tuesday and Thursday training sessions to make sure that all runners enjoy and see progress.
We hold three races each year including the upcoming Ripon 10 mile and have regular social Sunday runs.
Malcolm Render (President): 01765 607638
Website: https://www.riponrunners.org.uk/about/welcome-to-ripon-runners
Ripon Triathlon Club
Ripon Triathlon Club is a relaxed and friendly club who provide open water swimming at Ripon Racecourse lake Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and coached pool sessions Friday evenings at the Jack Laugher leisure centre.
We host relaxed duathlon events April – June and various social events through the year.
Website: www.ripontriathlonclub.co.uk
Ripon Runners members taking part in February's Torremolinos Half Marathon.
Pateley Bridge
Nidderdale Fell and Trail
Nidderdale Fell & Trail is an offroad running club in Pateley Bridge.
We meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with details posted weekly on our Facebook page.
We believe running in the open countryside promotes wellbeing and we work to encourage safe and respectful access and enjoyment of the outdoors.
Website: https://nidderdalefellandtrail.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/588676599522375/ (apply to join)
Nidderdale Fell and Trail
Other
Early Bird Run Crew
EBRC offers regular opportunities for non-competitive group running.
We run 5k routes on weekdays at 6am and 6:30am, with starting places in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Chapel Allerton, and Scarborough.
If you want to establish a crew in your community, contact us!
Website: www.earlybird.run
Contact: emma@earlybird.run
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