Where do you meet?
Details of where we meet can be found in the Club Runs section Here.
What should I wear?
Wear breathable layers (not cotton) to stay warm, consider a waterproof if it's likely to rain/snow/hail! Gloves and a hat will help you keep warm and are easy to remove if you get too warm. Try not to overdress. Please wear a hi-vis top for winter evening club runs and other road based sessions. Dark colours should be avoided. It is preferable that you wear reflective wear and lighting e.g. armbands, if running after dusk. Be seen, be safe!
Do we run in all weather?
The simple answer is yes, we generally do. However, adverse conditions may result in the cancellation of a run session if it looks too wet, windy, snowy or icy. So please look on the Facebook pages first or contact us in adverse weather or if unsure.
Is the club affiliated?
The Coastal Striders Club is affiliated to England Athletics. Individual members may choose to affiliate with EA if they wish but it is not a requirement of your club membership. There are benefits to becoming personally affiliated including race discounts but there is a modest annual membership cost to EA. Please speak to the club secretary in person or by email to [email protected]. Further benefit details may be seen here: http://www.englandathletics.org
What does ‘All abilities’ mean?
All abilities means that the relevant club event is suited to a wide variety of runner experience and capability including beginners. The club run and route will accommodate people who wish to run as best they can, even if it means a relatively large proportion of time is spent walking at a reasonable pace. At the same time, faster runners can achieve reasonable ‘milage’ by following the same route and circling back to the rear of the group on a regular basis. ‘Regroup!’ is a common call on many such runs and occurs under the guidance of the run leader if and when the group has spread too far. This circulation means that you will get to run alongside a wider number of fellow runners, often for a chat or words of encouragement. You will never get left behind or feel isolated. Our motto is ‘We run together and finish together’.
What does ‘Advanced runners’ mean?
This is a term applied to these club runs to differentiate from an ‘all abilities’ run. Runners choosing to join a session described for advanced runners should be aware that walking is not accommodated. Runners should be able to run continuously for an hour, covering a distance of at least five miles. Having said that some runners will find this easier than others so faster runners can achieve higher ‘milage’ by following the same route and circling back to the rear of the group on a regular basis. ‘Regroup!’ is a common call on many such runs and occurs under the guidance of the run leader if and when the group has spread too far. This circulation means that you will get to run alongside a wider number of fellow runners, often for a chat or words of encouragement. You will never get left behind or feel isolated. Our motto is ‘We run together and finish together’.
What does ‘Intermediate’ mean?
Intermediate means that the run session is suited to those that can run consistently, albeit at a slow pace, for approximately 50 – 60 minutes or so with little or no stopping to walk. Distance covered in that period is typically 4 miles or so. Some minor regrouping does still occur.
How much does it cost?
Being a basic club member will cost you nothing. Our club is free to join and run with. If you choose to become an affiliated athlete with England Athletics this can be organised through the club and EA do make a modest charge for that. Club vests and Tee shirts are available to order and these must be purchased, although we do try to make the cost affordable. In any case, these are not compulsory so you don’t have to buy if you don’t wish to.
Do I have to race?
Simple answer – no, if you just want to run on club runs that is enough. However, even if you joined just to get off the sofa and improve your fitness, you may soon decide that if others can do it, so can I. There are many beginner events that are not particularly competitive such as fun runs and Parkrun. These events are often discussed on the Facebook members club group and may be included in the calendar section of this site. If you do want to race then again there are many competitive events for you. Many of our members have regularly ran 5km, 10km, 10mile, half marathons and full marathons, often for the first time. Many thought they could never do such a thing but with mutual encouragement from other members and the right level of training almost anything is possible. Go for it!
How is the club funded?
Unlike the majority of clubs Coastal Striders is not funded by regular membership subscription. However, the club does require funds if it is to provide quality services to its members including, incidentally, the hosting cost of this website. Coastal Striders would therefore like to offer additional events in due course including the running of race events in our own name etc.
If you feel that you are able to help by offering sponsorship in any way, please feel free to bring up the subject with a committee member. If you simply wish to contribute anything, however small, in return for your enjoyment of the club then that would of course be very welcome. There is, however, no obligation to do so.
Can I bring my child?
Children between the ages of 12 to 16 are allowed to attend any of the all abilities groups, subject to the following; you must ensure that the child behaves in a manner that is neither disruptive nor obstructive to other members. (Please remember that an all abilities group will be attended by faster runners rejoining and passing through the main group). The ability, maturity and behaviour of your child should be considered when deciding if he or she should walk/run close to you. Please remember that your child is your sole responsibility at all times.
Can I bring a buggy or scooter?
Sorry but for reason of safety skates, scooters, bicycles and buggies are not permitted.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry but no. It’s possible that your dog is the most obedient and well behaved dog around, both on and off a lead, but because the groups accommodate faster runners, there is real potential for an accident.