“It’s virtually cost-free, keeps me fit and we have fun.” one of the members of Sudbury Court Running Club told me recently, when I visited their Tuesday evening social running club. Even as someone who hadn’t been out for even a jog for probably twenty years, I felt straight at home, with no sense that I would be shown up for being a rather unfit novice.
The background
The club was established in the late 1990s by several members of the Serpentine Running Club in Hyde Park, who all lived in the Brent area. However, there had been a local running club since the mid-1980s, organising regular competitions.
The covid-19 pandemic inevitably called a temporary halt to SCRC’s activities, with all outdoor gatherings and sports being stopped. However, since opening up again, the club has seen many members returning.
Get involved
SCRC is though far from an “elite” running club, although several members are very experienced and talented runners. They are keen to welcome anyone into the running family. Sessions are currently held every Tuesday, starting from Wembley Cricket Club at Vale Farm. Runners tend to split into two groups – one taking a longer, more challenging run and the other going for a shorter, gentler run/walk around the local area. The aim is for everyone to enjoy the occasion and there is no judgement of ability or experience. And the evening always ends with a social get-together, an important part of any club’s activities.
With experience, there is the opportunity to get involved more deeply, for those who want to. A number of club members were shortly off to Eastbourne, for what is now a traditional annual visit, to take part in the popular Beachy Head 10k (with a few, I think, opting for the half-marathon !)
And finally…………..
………….and yes, I surprised myself, completing the run without mishap, and was able to walk back to the tube station afterwards !
The club is always looking for new members, who want to run socially but without any pressure to become a competitive athlete.
For more information, see www.sudburycourt.org.uk
