Training runs are on Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7pm, from either the Glossop Leisure Centre or as detailed in the calendar below. The distance and terrain covered varies according to the time of year and weather. Glossop's proximity to Kinder and Bleaklow puts us in an enviable position in relation to many other running clubs and summer runs are normally on the fells. During the winter we split into road and fell groups. Safety of the group is a paramount factor. A turnback system is always used during the sessions to make sure the faster runners don't get too far ahead and we return as one group. It is generally accepted that some background of running is an advantage to get full enjoyment out of the organised runs. A fitness level, which includes running at an easy pace for five miles, is a realistic level. Participation is free to members and occasional guests.

We are now in our winter training schedule. We generally have a fell group and a road group. On most weeks in one of the club road sessions there will be a structured road training session: a 10k handicap race, speed session, hill reps or a longer run. The remaining sessions are the normal road runs.

For the night fell runs you should bring a good torch (preferably a headtorch), a compass and whistle, and full body cover. If you are unsure about equipment, there are experienced club members who will be happy to give you advice. 

Below is a calendar detailing the club training runs, as well as local races, club Main Championship races, Fell Championship races and cross country races. At the bottom of the page can be found descriptions of the special training sessions.

The special training sessions are designed so that runners can go at their own pace, but everyone is still training together. They are as hard as you make them, and benefit runners of all abilities.

Last updated 23/2/2010

Click here for a Google calendar version, together with other local races.

10K handicap: Each person is given a time handicap which determines their start time. If everybody runs their predicted time, then they should all finish at the same time. Handicaps will initially be based on previous times, and a bit of guess-work. These sessions are being organised by Matt Kieras, but it is expected that the job of time-keeping will be shared to allow everyone to run.

The route: From Leisure Centre - up Victoria Street - Right at Drovers down Charlestown Road - Left at roundabouts down A57 - Right at Woolley Bridge - Right at the pub up Hadfield Road - past Bankswood - Right down North Road - Left past the school - right onto Norfolk Street - Left Past Police Station - Finish Leisure Centre.

I've run the course with a GPS. Here's a file which should open in Google Earth.

Here are the results so far.

Hill reps: Usually held on North Road. Meet at the leisure center.

Speed sessions: These are 5 or 6 reps of 1km, each at 5km race pace, with recovery time 1/2 of the 1km target time. The aim is to run each rep as close to the target pace as possible (i.e., without slowing down). The 1km course starts on Shirebrook Drive, opposite Carr Bank. Meet at the leisure center.

Long runs: These will be slightly longer runs at a moderate pace, with a doubling back system so that all abilities are catered for. Meet at the leisure center.