Taking up running can seem like a scary prospect. Many people don’t know where to start and joining a new running club can seem daunting even for those who already run.

To try and encourage more beginners and to create a safe and inclusive environment for those of all running abilities we are running a Couch to 5k (C25K) series alongside our usual 630pm Thursday club runs starting 3rd November 2022.

Couch to 5K is a free running plan for absolute beginners. The plan involves 3 runs a week (a mix of running and walking to gradually build up your fitness and stamina) with a day of rest in between and a different schedule for each of the 9 weeks. Week 1 involves running for just a minute at a time, creating realistic expectations and making the challenge feel achievable right from the start.

Each week, one of your runs will be on Thursday with a beginners run leader from our club. You then complete the other two sessions in your own time – we encourage you to link up with others from the group who are doing the same training runs, especially if you need to run in the evenings now the nights are drawing in.

To ‘graduate’ to the full 5k at the end of the series we will find a local parkrun (ideally with a cafe for some celebratory cake!). We hope you will then join our running club to continue your fitness journey – we have shorter options on all of our regular routes and our members include a variety of runners with mixed abilities. All are welcome.

To sign up for the C25K series just drop us a message on facebook so we know to expect you. Please also spread the word, the more the merrier!

We meet in the Killamarsh Active car park (formerly Killamarsh Leisure Centre, Stanley St, S21 1EL) on Thursday’s at 615 for a 630 departure. Your run leader will be Steve Crownshaw.

Narrated by our very own Les Crownshaw we have put together a video from the 2022 Three Lakes Classic – see if you can spot yourself!

http://youtu.be/4MHWG5Gh3w8

The 2022 RRR will take place on Saturday 1st October, with a mass start at 8am for the first leg setting out from Manvers Waterfront Boat Club (also the end point, its a circular route).

What is it?

It’s an eight stage relay taking in 80km of the South Yorkshire Forest (its mostly rural land rather than woodland). The basic rules of the relay are:

(a) runners change-over at each of the seven intermediate checkpoints

(b) runners can be accompanied by “minders” rather than run alone

(c) runners cannot run consecutive legs (except as a minder)

(d) it is the team’s responsibility to get the fresh runner to the check point, and to collect the runner from the previous stage

In a Mixed team, ladies must cover a third of the distance. For example, a team would need 4 ladies if they intend to run the shortest stages, but would only need 2 or 3 ladies if they take on some of the longer stages.

You can read more about the event and see the stages and maps on the website here.

NOTE: The course is not marked and there are only marshals at the start/end points of each stage. Part of the fun is having to navigate and as such it’s highly recommended you reccie your leg before the event itself to avoid getting lost. GPX watches are allowed if you have one with maps on.

Do I need to be “fast”?

Short answer: NO!

Last year we put together a mixed team for the Round Rotherham Relay (we came 2nd!) and we would love to put more teams forward this year.

We are about 5 people short of forming THREE Kestrels teams. We can enter as many teams as we can find runners for! We want to encourage each and every one of our members to consider taking part.

This is a really friendly event, with runners of ALL abilities taking part. It’s not just for running clubs, anyone can enter a team. In parallel to the relay there are people running the entire thing solo and others who walk it. All are not only welcome, but highly encouraged to take part.

What’s the plan?

We plan on putting together at least 3 mixed teams.

Teams will be roughly grouped according to pace, predominately to ensure no one feels under pressure by being in a team with someone who is significantly faster than them.

The intention is to make sure everyone feels welcome no matter your ability or preferred distance. The shortest leg is 6.3km, the longest is 15.6km with most stages around 10km so there is something for everyone.

How can I get involved?

We’ve set up a dedicated RRR WhatsApp group for those who have already come forward, please get in touch with any of the committee members to get added to the group and get your name down for a team!

Chat to us on facebook or in person at club.

#teamkestrels