I am new to running, do you accept beginners?
Chase Harriers is a very sociable and beginner-friendly running club. We have various groups based on pace and ability and a lot of friendly support and advice on hand to help you get going and improve.
Can I run with you to see if the club suits me, before I commit to membership?
Yes – come and run with us two or three times to see how it suits you. Please contact us at [email protected] to make arrangements .
How much does it cost to join?
For 2024 there are two levels of membership:
- England Athletics Affiliated Membership – £35. This will entitle you to race discounts and access to England Athletics online resources.
- Non-England Athletics Affiliated – £20
Both levels of membership are an annual payment, and include all club training sessions, insurance the costs of running the club, plus both subsidised and free social events.
Do I have to pay for individual training sessions?
No, all club sessions are included in the above membership fees (both levels).
I’m already a member of a different club, affiliated to UK Athletics. Can I join the Chase Harriers?
Yes but please let a member of the committee know. (Not sure of the rules on this?)
How old to you need to be to be a member of Cjase Harriers?
We are a club for over 18s only. But it doesn’t matter how far over 18 you are – we have active members of all ages, right up to in their 70s.
When and where do you run?
The club meet twice a week on a Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start. Most runs last up to an hour.
During the winter (October to April) we run on the roads and meet at Cannock Chase Leisure Centre, Cannock, WS11 4AL inside by the dry side changing rooms (look for the Chase Harriers board). We alternate between muster runs with a tail runner, offering two different set route distances, and an out and back run.
During the summer (April to October), we meet at the White House Car Park, Penkridge Bank, WS12 4PR and run on the trails through Cannock Chase.
Additionally, we join in with local Park Runs, meet with other clubs for training sessions and encourage members to run together when they have race goals.
Do I have to be fast?
Nope. While most of us dream of being fast, the reality is not all of us are. There are runners of all abilities and speeds in the club ranging between 6 minute milers, to 14 minute milers! Everyone is welcome.
How many people are in the club and how many people show up to group runs? In 2023 there were just under 100 people in the club. On a beautiful summer night on Cannock Chase we may see about 20 -30 people for a group run; on a particularly miserable night in the winter there may be only a handful of brave souls.
Do I have to attend every session and/or run races?
There is no obligation to attend a set number of sessions per month or to feel any pressure to race. Once you have decided you would like to join us then you have access to all of the Club’s social events and training sessions. You are welcome to come to as many or few club nights as you wish.
Is there a social side to the club?
We have an active social side to the club and this is something we are always keen to promote. Our social events for 2023 included family walks, beer and skittles night, annual awards evening and the Christmas buffet in the pub.
We also have a list of races that we encourage members to attend, either as runners or spectators, that have an associated social element too (usually in a pub, café and / or restaurant).
What equipment do I need?
The great thing about running is it is a really cheap form of keeping fit, all you really need is some suitable clothing i.e Shorts T-Shirt and some running trainers. For those dark nights reflective clothing and / or a body light is also recommended.
There is no obligation to buy Chase Harriers club kit – although we have a great range of club branded clothing. Please ask a committee member for more details on available items and pricing.
How do I contact you if I have any other questions?
Please email us at [email protected]
I don’t need any more information… I just want to crack on and join! Where can I find the membership form?
Come along to a training session and we will provide you with a membership form to complete.