Training Groups

Under-11 : from age 8

We introduce and develop the fundamental skills involved in running (sprints, endurance and hurdles), throwing and jumping using age-appropriate activities and equipment in a fun, safe and engaging environment. Our aim is to develop “all-rounders”, not specialists at this age.

Whilst the whole group does the same session it is differentiated by ability. During the winter we try to train outdoors as much as possible although we will use the indoor facilities if required. Our focus at this time is on building stamina alongside the other fundamental skills. In the summer we focus more on speed/speed endurance.

Athletes usually stay in the group until we feel they have reached a level to cope with training in a more advanced group.

Training is led by Simon Leonard assisted by Liz Page.

Sprints (100m, 200m, 300m & 400m) & hurdles: from age 11

Winter (Oct-Mar) training takes place indoors at Kepier School and involves drills, strength and conditioning, sprint starts, speedwork and hurdling in preparation for summer competition.

Summer (Apr-Sep) training is at Silksworth track or Kepier School field and covers sprint starts, speedwork and hurdling plus track rules for competition. There are also opportunities to do long jump, javelin, discus, shot and hammer.

Training is led by Linda Welch & Lisa Clennell, assisted by Peter Dodsworth for hurdles coaching.
Weather permitting, Linda and Maureen take a small group at Silksworth track on Sunday mornings to focus on longer sprints plus field events for those who train to compete.

Middle Distance (800m, 1500m & cross country) Starting Group: from age 11

This group is the next step for athletes who progress from the Under-11’s with a preference for middle distance and/or cross country. Any teenage middle-distance runners joining the Club would normally start here. Training is outdoors (except in extreme weather), based at Kepier School in winter (Oct-Mar) and split between Kepier School and Silksworth track in summer (Apr-Sep), when athletes can also try long jump, javelin, discus shot and hammer.

Training is led by Maureen Dodsworth, assisted by Janet Scott. Weather permitting, Maureen and Linda take a small group at Silksworth track on Sunday mornings for longer sprints and field events.

Middle to Long Distance Competition (all-terrain): from age 11

Athletes in this group race distances from 800m to marathon (and beyond) on road, track, cross country and multi-terrain and share a desire to get the best out of themselves as athletes and enjoyment from training as a group.

Athletes are expected to be committed to regular training, supportive of others in the group and capable of running 5k in under 25 minutes.

Athletes can expect regular, supervised training on Monday and Wednesday evenings and on Saturday mornings when there are no races.

Monthly training plans are issued in advance – tailored to individuals on request – and guidance and support is available from qualified coaches and experienced athletes. Winter training is at Kepier School (Mondays on grass/Wednesdays road); Summer is at Silksworth track on Mondays and various off-road locations on Wednesdays.

Training is led by Lynn Cooper & Kevin Daglish with assistance from Lee Dover, Steve Johnson and Luke Pickering.

Competitive and Social Running: from age 15 years

This group includes people who are not affiliated to England Athletics and for them their main priority is to enjoy the training. Coaches are qualified Leaders in Running who can support anyone wanting to go from couch to 5k or to improve Park Run times. We adopt a four-week cycle of three weeks of intense training and one week of easy running throughout the year. Training is biased towards 5k and 10k although, during the summer, sprinting and field events are encouraged on Monday nights at Silksworth track.

The group is led by Mick Dickinson, assisted by Stephen Pearson and occasionally Gillian Tomlinson and Amy Welch.