FAQ
You'll find all the answers to this, that and the other, below. For more info about our regular running sessions and how to sign up, just click this button.
Where is edwinstowe running club based?
We meet at the top entrance of Sherwood Forest visitor centre on the edge of Sherwood Forest. Most of our runs begin from there.
i'll have to drive. Where can i park?
You can normally park for free in the cricket club car park at Forest Corner, or the craft centre car park if there’s a cricket event on and their car park is full.
do i need fancy running shoes?
Not at all, but it can be worthwhile investing in a pair of trail shoes on the forest tracks, even more so in winter. We like to run in the forest where at all possible!
what if the weather's terrible?
Ah, a little rain never hurt anyone! We run in most weather, but sessions may occasionally be cancelled due to extreme heat or high winds.
DO YOU ENter any running events?
Lots of our runners do local Parkruns and we often have members entering a variety of distance races in small groups. We have an events calendar to list upcoming events.
will i get left behind if i'm a slower runner?
No one gets left behind. There are always people running at varying speeds but the faster ones will try to double back. We also utilise multiple Run Leaders per session.
do you run at the weekend at all?
We often organise unofficial longer Sunday runs around the forest and beyond. We also head off to the Peaks several times throughout the year.
can i become a run leader?
Do you fancy taking the Run Leader course, joining the regular rota to plan and lead some running sessions? Just speak to Julia, who can fill you in on what’s involved.
will there be polar bears?
We can confirm you will be safe from polar bears, but you may spot the odd deer, squirrel, longhorn cow... or the occasional naturist!
ON WHICH DAYS of the week DO YOU RUN?
Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year, starting at 6:30pm, with a finish time of 7:30pm at the latest. A lot of us also run local parkruns on a Saturday morning.
how much does it cost to join?
Pop along for two free sessions, then it’s a bargain £24* for an entire year after that. *Varies depending on when you join. See the FEES section for more details.
what type of runs do you do?
One of the weekly sessions will be a social run (5k or thereabouts), with the other being a technical session, such as hill repeats, meet & retreat or fartlek.
where do your runs take place?
Along the trails of Sherwood Forest and the roads around Edwinstowe, with occasional trips out to local venues such as Sherwood Pines or Ollerton Pit Woods.
is the running club affiliated?
We’re not currently affiliated to England Athletics and don’t have plans to do so at present. We have lots of fully trained Run Leaders to lead our sessions.
what if i've never run before?
No problem at all. We know starting from scratch can be a scary thing. Every year we stage a 9-week Couch to 5K programme to help you every step of the way.
do you run in any other locations?
Every summer all the Run Leaders organise ‘Road Trips’, involving socials at local venues, and we also do occasional outings to the Peak District on Sundays.
do you have any kit i can buy?
We have short- and long-sleeved breathable technical t-shirts, vests, and hoodies which we bulk order periodically. For more info, see the KIT section.
HOW DO I find out about run sessions?
Our regular club runs are posted on Run Together. See the RUNS section for more details of how to register and sign up for Tuesday and Thursday runs.
what's the money used for?
We use club fees to help pay for things like Run Leader courses, first aid kits, equipment like cones and bibs, and social events.
what the heck is a fartlek?
It’s a session where you run in sections, varying your speed. All runs and routes will be explained after the warm-up. For more info on Technicals, see the RUNS section.
what's at ollerton pit woods?
A few, ahem, ‘gentle’ hills. Ah, it’ll be fine. Hills are our friends. Once you get used to them they’ll make you a stronger, faster and healthier runner.
what if i'm a slower runner?
We welcome all abilities to our friendly club but ideally you should be able to comfortably run a 5K, at a 12/min-ish mile pace, to get the most out of the sessions.
do you do any local parkruns?
We’re regulars at the excellent Sherwood Pines, but also crop up at Clumber Park. Events Secretary, Lucy also organises Parkrun On Tour events.
can i get involved with running the club?
Every October we hold an annual AGM during which the committee roles are established for the year. Everyone is welcome to come along. There will be cake.
Can I bring my KIDS OR MY DOG ALONG?
We're unable to accommodate U16s due to safeguarding. Well behaved dogs on a lead (and who can preferably run in a straight line!) are welcome.
