Foundation Groups
Couch to 5K
Coaches: Ian Farmer, Niall Salmon
Age Range: 18+
Training Frequency: 2 sessions per week
Group Numbers: 10-20 (limited cohort for a 10 week period).
Activities & Events: Preparing novice runners to run their first 5K event. More details can be found on the dedicated Couch to 5K page.
Transition Group
Coaches: Matt Gwilym, Paul Ginsberg
Age Range: 18+
Training Frequency: 2 sessions per week
Group Numbers: 10-30
Activities & Events: This group helps Couch to 5K graduates to increase their endurance and enjoyment of running after their first 5K event. It also provides more experienced athletes with an enjoyable training experience at a lower intensity than Senior Endurance Group sessions.
Development & Performance Groups
As athletes mature and develop their coach will discuss next steps with them and determine to what degree and in what events they might want to specialise, to determine which development/performance group would be most appropriate to their needs. There is some flexibility for athletes to balance their time training with different groups within this tier, however there will be one lead coach overseeing their progression.
These groups are more focused than the younger groups on preparing athletes for specific competitions, and according to preferences there may be a focus on delivering the best performances for the club in a league over a season, maximising the individual’s personal best performance, or achieving qualification and high performance in championship events, or some combination of the above.
Middle Distance & XC Group
Coaches Cian Rynne, Pete Grimoldby, John Nash
Age Range: 13-35 (generally under 25).
Training Frequency: 2 sessions per week
Group Numbers: Variable depending on term time – up to 80
Activities & Events: This group prepares athletes for participation in races of 800m-5000m plus cross-county and road race competitions.
Multi-Event Group
Coaches
Age Range: 13-80 (mainly 18+)
Training Frequency: 4 sessions per week (with some gaps)
Group Numbers: <10
Activities & Events: This is the multiple speciality route for more mature athletes who want to focus on specific events or pursue multi-eventing through to adulthood. It also offers a group for younger athletes who particularly want to try events not covered by any of the other groups (hammer and pole-vault). The Multi-Event Group covers track (up to 1500m), ALL jumps and vaulting, ALL throws and multi-events. The balance of the work of this group across different events will be determined by the level of interest within the club for the specific events involved.
Senior Endurance Group
Coaches & Leaders: Robert Hewitson & Leaders in Running Fitness
Age Range: 18+
Training Frequency: 2 sessions per week
Group Numbers: Approximately 80 members with 10-30 attending each session.
Activities & Events: This group prepares athletes to perform to their best ability in cross-country, road, and track races with a focus on 5K to marathon distances. Some members of the multi-event groups also join this group occasionally for run fitness and overall conditioning.
Strength & Conditioning Sessions (S&C)
The Club has an established strength and conditioning programme, in association with the University, that seeks to support athletes’ development at all levels.
Progression to these sessions is subject to strict criteria set out by the Club. Athletes interested in taking part should speak with their coach in the first instance. Final judgement of athlete suitability lies in all cases with the S&C coach.
Please wear appropriate sports clothing for mixed age and gender group work. Clean training shoes are required in the gym.