Roadhoggs Leicester AC
We are simply a group of friendly people who love to run. Some of us are quick.... and some of us are not! It doesn't matter. Whether you’re a serious runner, a social runner or just starting out, we’d love to welcome you to our club. Whatever you want out of your running; be it competition, fitness, weight loss or that first 10K, half or even full Marathon, our more experienced runners are happy to offer advice and above all, encouragement. If we had anything as grand as a 'club philosophy' it would be that running should be fun and that it is about achieving personal goals, not necessarily breaking records.
During the winter months (mid September to March) we meet every Wednesday at Manor Road (meeting on the road outside the entrance to the University Sports Hall). We meet at 6.55pm for a 7.00pm start. During the summer months and lighter evenings (April to early September) we often visit the Leicestershire countryside basing our run in one of the County villages. The program (complete with route maps and directions) will appear on the Wednesday training page in the Spring. We also have a smaller session on Monday nights from St Andrew's FC in Aylestone.
Our training runs are usually between 6 and 7 miles, but a shorter, 4 mile option, led by one of our experienced members will be available each week. We have a 10-minute mile group and the fastest runners (<6.30-minute/mile) train together but, unlike some larger clubs, we don't have a series of regimented pace groups in between. Everyone starts together and after a bit of a chat the faster runners up the pace and we settle into smaller groups. Who you run with depends on how much you want to push yourself (or where the most interesting conversation is going on)! For some runners training is an opportunity to have a good workout, whereas for others it is mostly a social thing. Whilst we like to keep things informal, we will always make sure that beginners have someone to run with.
Don't worry! If you like to run then the chances are, you'll be fine. We are not all elite athletes (far from it in some cases!). To get the most out of our training runs it would be best if you can manage to run about 4 miles (whatever the speed) but if in doubt, turn up and have a go anyway - we'll look after you. Everyone has to start somewhere - none of us were born runners - and we're very happy to help you. We have 3 qualified run leaders (trained to work with beginners) to help you on your way. Most people find that running with others is the quickest and easiest way to improve. If you make a regular commitment to your running whether it is with a club or on your own, you'll be surprised to find how quickly you improve.
No. We all run for different reasons and we welcome the social, the competitive and the in between (which probably applies to most of us). Many of our members take part in the Leicestershire Road Running League, the Derby Runner Cross Country League and most local races. Two of our members are former winners of the road running league, so we can offer something to the ambitious runner as well. Some runners join us as experienced racers, some know they want to give it a try but others, who now find they enjoy it, hadn't even considered it when they joined. We're delighted when members want to represent the club by entering races, but we will never push.
If you've never tried one, races can be a lot of fun, and they're a great way improve your fitness. Don't worry if you're not very quick - you're almost guaranteed not to be last and nobody minds if you are, anyway! Runners are friendly and supportive people, so you'll get plenty of encouragement along the way.
If you are interested in running with us, just turn up to one of the training nights. The main club night is on a Wednesday evening at approx. 6:55 for a 7pm start. Check the training pages for details. You are welcome to come and run with us anytime you like, without obligation. You don't need to sign up straight away. If you'd like more information you can email us or phone Dave Swan on 0116 2919745.
The Leicestershire Road Running League recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. There are currently 25 affiliated clubs. The League is decided over the course of 11 races running from January to August or September each year. Individual prizes (over all, age group and handicap) are awarded after the first 5 races (The Winter League) and at the end of the season (The Summer League). Winter League races are classified as 'closed'. That means only members of clubs affiliated to the league may enter. Runners are registered by their clubs and each is issued with a running number which they use for all 5 races. If necessary, new members can be registered on the morning of the race but it makes administration easier if this is done in advance.
League positions are decided on the basis of the aggregate scores of the first 8 men (men), first 4 men over 40 (veteran men), first 4 ladies (ladies) or first 3 ladies over 40 (veteran ladies) to finish, from each team. There is no team selection - everyone who wants to run, can do - and anyone finishing high enough will count for the team.
Races designated as part of the Summer League are open to anyone. LRRL club members must enter for each individual race, either through the normal race entry or through a 'block entry' made by their club. League points and individual rankings are calculated once the unaffiliated runners have been removed from the results.
As well as promoting competition a key aim of the LRRL is to encourage more people to take part in races. All runners who complete the full 11 races receive a special award at the end of season presentation evening, so even the slowest runner has something to aim for.
