There was a time when running clubs were solely for whippet-thin, competitive types who had never quit running since their school days, and were happy to spend every weekend racing. Thankfully, those days are gone and 21st century running clubs are far more diverse - not only in terms of their members’ ability but also in their attitude to running. It’s perfectly possible to join a club without ever racing, without needing to find it fascinating to discuss the relative merits of motion control vs stability shoes and, perhaps most importantly, without being able to make it round the athletics track in under 90 seconds.

So what is there to be gained from becoming a club member other than reduced fees for race entry? Well I would say the psychological shift that allows you to call yourself ‘a runner’, rather than someone who runs is well worth the cost of the membership card. But here are some of the more practical benefits:

Camaraderie
Even if you enjoy the solitude of running and the time out it gives you, it is great to hook up with others once a week or so for a group run. You may also find running partners who you can meet up with outside of club sessions. The support of others is particularly valuable on long runs, when boredom sets in, or during tough sessions that you might find difficult to complete alone. Safety is another factor to consider, particularly for female runners.

Competition
Even the least victory-hungry among us can find a latent competitive streak aroused by running in the company of others – particularly as you get to know the other runners and decide who to set your sights on beating! A little competitiveness can really drive you further, and improve your running no end.

Local knowledge
Running clubs are a great source of information – from who is the best physio or sports masseur in the area, to where can you get a great off-road run or what’s the best beginner-friendly local race to enter. Asking questions is a good way to get the conversation going when you’re a newbie, too.

Coaching advice
Nope, you don’t need to be a budding Paula to deserve coaching advice! Not all clubs have coaches on hand, so if this is important to you, check out whether it is available before joining. Little tips on your technique, such as ‘lift your head’ or ‘unclench your fists’ are invaluable – and without someone knowledgeable watching, are things that would most likely go unnoticed and uncorrected. And if you are planning on entering a race, a coach or trainer can advise you on the types of sessions that need to be included in your weekly regime to maximise your performance.

Finding the right club
It’s possible that there is more than one running club in and around your area, or at least, one close to your workplace and one near home – so be choosy. It is definitely worth phoning up to find out when the club meets and showing up for a session before committing. Then you get an idea of who goes along, how busy it is, how friendly and whether your own personal level of experience and your needs are catered for. Some clubs have a very track-based focus, for example, while others are more road-running friendly. Some are obsessed about their position in the county league tables and would rather recruit new members who are willing to race regularly while others end every week’s training session in the pub.

We have investigated the most beginner-friendly running clubs that will welcome you with open arms. So please click here to view the clubs in our directory.