Derbyshire

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Race Listing for Derbyshire

About the area

Never a truer word spoken, than by Shakespeare, about this diverse county with its perfect blend of town and country, rich in cultural, historical and sporting activities. Bordered by neighbouring Staffordshire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, Derbyshire's main attraction is the magnificent Peak District National Park, popular with runners, cyclists and walkers.

This and other attractions make Derbyshire the ideal location for running with a whole host of projects and events, designed to encourage the population to lace up its trainers and hit the roads, trails or fells. There is a healthy mix of established clubs (read about Derwent Runners in our Club Profile section, and read our Group Focus on Eastwood Park Jog Group) with something to offer everyone, from the first-timer to the experienced athlete. Young and old, male and female, fit and not so fit, this county has it all and what's more, it is accessible.

The running bounty includes the Peak District, riverside and walkways with a special mention for the public parks that are used on a regular basis by running clubs and groups as well as the local population; all enjoying the benefits of fresh air and exercise in sociable surroundings. Long Eaton, Markeaton, Glossop and Rosliston are part of the parkrun family with free, 5k runs for adults and juniors every Saturday morning. These parks along with Darley are equally popular with the Race for Life 5K series.

Our tour of Derbyshire would not be complete without a mention of fell running as the county is home to some of the leading clubs in this version of our sport. Buxton AC, Goyt Valley Striders, Glossopdale Harriers, Dark Peak Fell Runners and Hope Valley Hurricanes are fine examples.

For those new to the sport there is a scheme designed for that very purpose. The Jog Derbyshire project, organised by Derbyshire Sport is a countywide initiative to increase participation in sport and physical activity. It has established a large number of community-based jogging groups where people can learn to run in a safe and friendly environment. There are options to walk as well as jog and many groups have beginner, intermediate and advanced sessions with 'bring your buggy' groups for busy mums (and dads!).

Our tour heads south towards Derby, the home of Derby County FC aka 'The Rams' and a switch of surface, from fell to road. RunDerby plays a major role with its competitive series of nine events, held by running clubs affiliated to this organisation. Specialist retailer The Derby Runner provides support to them and to major events Derby 10K and the Derby Ramathon, a popular half marathon that attracts runners from within the county and further afield.

Our whirlwind tour of Derbyshire shows a healthy running scene that is thriving and inclusive. The jog groups are a great way for newcomers to access the sport with athletics clubs for the seasoned competitor.

Running clubs in Derbyshire

• Amber Valley and Erewash Athletic Club
• Ashbourne Running Club
• Belper Harriers
• Chesapeake Road Runners
• Derby Athletic Club
• Derwent Runners
• Erewash Valley RC
• Heanor Running Club
• Ilkeston Running Club
• Little Eaton Hornets
• Matlock AC
• Mickleover Running Club
• North Derbyshire Running Club
• Repton Hash House Harriers
• Ripley Running Club
• Rolls Royce Harriers
• Ronhill Sports AC
• Shelton Striders
• Sinfin Running Club
• Smalley Road Runners
• South Derbyshire Running Club
• Team Derby Runner
• Thunder Running Club
• Tideswell Running Club
• Wilne Runners

Something missing? If you'd like to add something our list of clubs in Derbyshire then please get in touch with us here

Who are Derwent Runners?

We’re known as ‘The Hoops’ because of our eye-catching green and white striped kit. The club was formed in 1985 as a response to the running boom in the UK at that time. This explosion and the first London Marathon influenced a group of running fans who talked about setting up a club over a few drinks. The result: Derwent Runners was born.

Where is the club located?

We started life at West End Community Centre in Derby but after a temporary stay at Chester Green, we are now located at Derby Rugby Club. We are close to the River Derwent and Darley Park.

Tell us about the club training sessions?

There are four training runs each week plus a core strength and flexibility session.

*  Monday is Yoga/Pilates/Core strength work.

*  Tuesday is club night with three different groups and a nice mix of abilities – 4 mile (10 min mile average), 6 mile (9 min mile average) and a fast 6 mile (7.5 min mile average). This is an average guide as we operate a mustering policy so no one is left behind on a run.

*  Wednesday is a coached speedwork session in conjunction with Derby

Tri Club.

Thursday is hill night at Darley and Allestree parks and is a particular favourite!

Sunday is long run day at several distances that members use for their marathon training.

Why should people join?

We have a friendly, supportive atmosphere irrespective of how fast or slow someone is but above all we want people to enjoy their running. We also have a ‘Couch to 5K’ programme for anyone wanting a gentle introduction to the sport.

There are regular nights out and an inter-club event called ‘The Grand Prix’. This consists of a series of races for members who have to complete a minimum of eight with points awarded for their finishing positions.

Do you ever get to the pub?

Funny you should ask! We have once a month pub runs held in the summer which we all enjoy. The format is simple. We find a nice local country pub that is happy to take 40-60 smelly, muddy runners on a Tuesday night and will provide sandwiches and chips for around £4-£5 per head. Obviously there needs to be suitable footpaths and trails round about so that we can have 4 mile and 6 mile routes to make it look respectable!

Are you active in the community?

The club was part of a mammoth charity run from London to Edinburgh to raise funds for Emilie’s Relay which supports underprivileged children.

We also take part in the Derby Runner cross-country league and host the ‘Hairy Helmet’ Real Ale relay, part of the RunDerby series of races.

Running groups in Derbyshire

• Alfreton Jog Club
• Aston Joggers
• Baslow Tryumphs
• Buxton Joggers
• Chatsworth Tryumphs
• Darley Emus
• Derby Jogfit
• Derbyshire Dynamos
• Draycott Joggers
• Eastwood Park Jog Group
• Forest Gump
• Gentle Joggers
• Grassmoor Jogging Group
• Hatton Beginners' Running Club
• High Peak Beginners' Jogging Group
• Hilton Ladies Jogging Group
• Horsley Bring Your Buggy
• Horsley Woodhouse Joggers
• Jog Belper
• Jog Creswell
• Jog Chester Green
• Jog Dronfield Intermediates
• Jog Duffield
• Jog Eckington
• Jog Elvaston Castle
• Jog Middleton
• Jog Oakwood
• Jog On! Heanor
• Jog Youlgrave Absolute Beginners
• Jog4All Swadlincote
• Jogalicious
• Kedleston Trails
• Little Eaton Jog Derbyshire Group Mixed Ability
• Littleover Ladies Mixed Ability
• Longshaw Trails
• Longshaw Tryumphs
• Loscoe Running Club
• Melbourne Joggers
• Mickleover Joggers
• Morning R.I.O.T.
• New2Running
• Overseal Running Club
• Peak Fitness Walk/Jog/Run
• Spireites Running Club
• Start2Jog

Check JOG Derbyshire website for more affiliated groups.

Something missing? If you'd like to add something our list of groups in Derbyshire then please get in touch with us here

Eastwood Park Jog Group is part of the Jog Derbyshire initiative, designed to encourage people to take up running and become fitter and healthier. These sessions are relaxed, friendly and fun and a great way to meet people.

John Robinson and Craig Jenkinson originally set up the group, but sadly, John was killed in June 2015 whilst out on his bike, making it a difficult time for Craig and the group. However, everyone pulled together, providing support to each other that has ensured not only the group’s survival but its continued progress.

It is the friendliness that most attracts people to these weekly sessions, held every Thursday at Eastland Park Hasland. Craig’s wife Carla told runABC Midlands: “Craig began the group to help people start from the beginning and I am very proud of him for doing this. Watching people grow from joggers to runners is wonderful, and knowing he has helped them to do this is brilliant.”

One member who has come a long way is Joanne Yates. She always liked the thought of running, the freedom and escapism, but not having a ‘runner’s physique’ had put her off as she was worried about her appearance and being made fun of.  Then she heard about Eastwood Park Jog Group, for beginners!

Joanne was apprehensive at the thought of joining a group and kept putting it off. She told us: “If I am being brutally honest it took weeks for me to pluck up the courage to go. I’ll wait until after Christmas, etc.”

However, she finally took the plunge and attended her first run and put the group’s friendly and fun ethos to the test. The first time is the hardest and Joanne confirmed this, saying: “I felt like I’d been hit by a bus”. However, she was eager to go back for more.

She found the group leaders to be very enthusiastic and friendly, making her feel comfortable and a part of the group. They reassured her by saying that everyone has been a beginner at some point and that no one is left on their own during the run. The encouragement, friendliness and banter helped her to improve and she has progressed from running less than 3 miles to entering her first 10K in September.

Joanne enjoys the sessions and has been a member for 18 months, taking an active role in encouraging newcomers to stay and persevere, reassuring them that they will get better over time. Her summing up of the group includes a saying from one of the Jog Leaders: “we start out as joggers, we finish as friends.”

This camaraderie is evident in not only running but on the social side; for example, the group had a great night out last Christmas including drinks followed by a curry. They also like to give something back to their community and recently took part in a fundraising evening for Ashgate Hospice and Chesterfield Swimming Club.

Services in Derbyshire

Do you operate a service for runners in the Derbyshire area? If you'd like to be added to our list please get in touch with us!

Nutrition Advice

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Personal Training

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Physiotherapy

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Podiatry

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Sports Massage

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