Shropshire

Newsdesk

Race Listing for Shropshire

About the area

Shropshire is something of a runner's paradise. The highlights of a stunning natural environment include: the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which covers about a quarter of the county, the riverside paths along the Severn plus notable landmarks like the Wrekin, Wenlock Edge and the Clee Hills.

The club scene is lively particularly in the Telford area where Telford Harriers and Telford AAC are popular and those established names have been joined in recent times by the likes of Bridgnorth RC (our profile club) and Lawley RC, based at the new community. Other prominent names include Shropshire Shufflers, Market Drayton RC and Shrewsbury AC.

A number of groups (including those under the RunEngland banner) are active. We look at one who are fortunate to be based at a very stylish home - Attingham Park, again providing evidence of Shropshire's unrivalled natural resources.

There are only two parkruns - but both are special. Telford and Shrewsbury launched in 2013 and, at spring/summer 2015, had settled into an impressive 300+ attendance every Saturday morning. Dedicated volunteer teams, well supported by local clubs, have created a significant addition to the local scene - a great route into running for beginners and a well-organised fixture for club runners.

On the subject of beginners they are really well catered for within the context of established clubs like Shropshire Shufflers, Shrewsbury Road Runners, Market Drayton RC and Whitchurch Whippets. This 21st century egalitarian approach is strongly represented throughout the county.

That said there's still room for healthy club competition that comes to the fore at race series like Four-midable, a chance to discover the footpaths and byways of northeast Shropshire and west Staffordshire, the Wednesday evening summer Sexarathon and the Mercia Summer Series.

Top events are the springtime Market Drayton 10K and the autumn Telford Dark Run and Bridgnorth 10K. More group bonding can be found at the popular Attingham and Wrekin relays.

We are compiling a list of running groups, clubs, stores and facilities in Shropshire. If you would like to add information to our listing please get in touch with us.

Running clubs in Shropshire

• Bridgnorth RC
• Ludlow Runners
• Newport and District RC
• Oswestry Olympians
• Shrewsbury AC
• Shrewsbury Road Runners Club
• Shrewsbury Shufflers
• Telford AC
• Telford Harriers
• Wrekin Road Runners

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

It’s getting better in Bridgnorth

Bridgnorth RC is one of Shropshire’s newer clubs but what they lack in experience they more than make up for in enthusiasm. runABC Midlands finds out more …

New To The Club Scene?

Bridgnorth Running Club is just 3 years old, one of the new breed of clubs with an emphasis on fun and participation.

Nice Place To Run?

Bridgnorth is a small but beautiful town, the Severn dissects us into the High Town (good views down) and the Low Town (good views up). Now connected by the steepest inland funicular railway in Britain.

Sounds Like Long Flat Routes Might Be At A Premium!

And short flat stretches too! The local terrain does make our Couch to 5K programme a challenge to manage but we improvise and it seems to work.

Happy To Sign Beginners?

Absolutely. It’s brilliant to help people at the start of their running journey. And the beginner’s programme really helps recruitment. From two recent groups of 40 participants we signed 20 new members.

Success Stories?

Simon Mapp has come from nowhere to 10k regular in double quick time. Running has changed his life and he’s now happy to encourage and advise the  newbies.

Big Stars?

Not sure who those might be but we’re all proud of Matt Kirby, who ran all 69 miles of The Wall last year, and Scott Mathers who has just completed his first ultra – the Wychavon Way.

Has Brignorth RC Caught The Competitive Bug?

The Mercia Summer Series has seen some of us discover our inner fell runner but we’ve got a bit to go before we’re challenging Telford AC for the big prizes.

A Top Day At The Great Birmingham Run?

20 of us took part, a quarter of the club membership, so lots of mutual support. Will Laye led the group home on 1:31:52.

What About Your Own Club Event?

The inaugural running of the Bridgnorth 10K in November was a huge success. We had 200 entries and strong contingents from Shropshire Shufflers, Wrekin Road Runners and Lawley RC. We’ll be back bigger and better on Sunday, 1 November 2015.

Any Narcissists At The Club?

Well, Natalie Carr (right) did take about 30 selfies when she ran London Marathon in April. We told her to enjoy the experience and the photographs show that’s exactly what she did.

Special Mentions For …

Lucy Davies, an ever-welcoming chair and Dave Prescott, whose warmth and friendliness has made him a Bridgnorth legend. And for everyone associated with Telford parkrun, our Couch to 5K guys graduate there so thanks to all the volunteers – you do a great job.

Running groups in Shropshire

• Attingham Park

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

Running Downton Style

The dramatic surroundings of a great country house estate is the ideal location for running beginners as runABC Midlands found out at Attingham Park ...

Shropshire is one of England’s most scenic counties and there are numerous beautiful locations to tempt new runners. One of the most attractive is Attingham Park, the National Trust’s property near Shrewsbury.

The country house and estate plays host to Attingham Park run group – who meet two evenings a week, Tuesdays (mixed) and Friday (female only) and have the perfect playground for beginners and occasional runners. The park offers a safe and tranquil environment, and popular training routes are the Deer Park and the riverside paths.

One challenge for leaders Diane (Tuesday group) and Fiona (Friday) is to find a slope to add interest to the sessions as the grounds are flat and forgiving – so good for those new to running and wanting to build their stamina and confidence.

Fiona, who doubles as a RunMummyRun ambassador, has built up a loyal local group who have been inspired by the ‘This Girl Can’ ethos to make progress to running longer distances and taking part in events. The Attingham Park groups are distinct from other beginner’s groups in that they are happy to work with limited numbers and give attention to each member.

Attingham Park also boasts a Run England 3-2-1 course which the group uses but is also available to the general public. 3-2-1 courses (differently coloured signposted routes of 1.5, 2.5 and 4k) are a brilliant resource for introducing beginners to running/jogging in a relaxed way.

Steady progress meant good group turnouts at the events organised within the park. The prestigious Mad Jacks 5 in November is a testing cross country event so it was encouraging to see Attingham Parkers taking part while the Night Run in March – part of the countrywide series at National Trust locations – provided another opportunity for event action.

Jess Foster, sports development coordinator at Attingham Park, told runABC Midlands: “We’re hoping to expand the programme by introducing a daytime group for people who find it difficult to attend in the evening. There’s no better place to develop running skills and meet up with friends than at this outstanding National Trust property – jogging along the Mile Walk in the Pleasure Grounds estate will inspire you.”

Services in Shropshire

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

Nutrition Advice

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Personal Training

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Physiotherapy

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Podiatry

Please contact us and we will include details of your service

Sports Massage

7therapy Telford

7therapy offer soft tissue therapy and sport and remedial massage.