Reflections on 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026

As we step into 2026, I wanted to share a short reflection on 2025 from my perspective as Chair of Sherfield Park Runners, and to look ahead to what is coming next.

Last year captured everything our club stands for. Runners of all ages and abilities took on a huge range of challenges, from local events to major endurance efforts. Highlights included a third place finish in the Mixed Duo category at Endure24 Reading, where our runners covered an incredible 130 miles, alongside strong turnouts at the Hook Fun Run, Green Park 10K, the Dummer Brewery 10K and the Reading Half Marathon. We even saw flashes of Sherfield Park pink as far afield as the Cotswolds for a demanding triathlon and Lanzarote for a half marathon.

Not every run was about distance or speed. Festive events like the Basingstoke Reindeer Run at Festival Place brought plenty of smiles, while our food bank runs showed how running can be a simple way to give something back to the local community. These moments matter just as much as medals and finish times.

One of the highlights of the year came as 2025 drew to a close, when we held our annual club awards. They were a great way to celebrate effort, progress, consistency and support for others. They also reflected what makes Sherfield Park Runners a genuinely friendly and social club where everyone is encouraged and no one is left behind.

Looking ahead to 2026, one of the most important parts of our calendar is already underway. Our Couch to 5K course marks the start of many people’s running journey and remains one of the best ways to join the club. This nine week Couch to 5K running programme is designed for beginners and those returning to running, offering structured training in small, supportive groups led by qualified run leaders.

Sessions take place on Tuesday evenings at 6.50pm from Sherfield Park Community and last around 45 minutes. Runners are given time to build stamina, strength and confidence, and the course finishes with an optional graduation run at Basingstoke Parkrun. The cost is £20 for the full nine weeks, and many of our current members began their running journey this way.

Sherfield Park Runners is a welcoming, inclusive and social running club. Whether someone wants to run their first 5K, train for an event, or simply enjoy running with others, they will find encouragement and friendship here.

If you are thinking about starting running or joining a local running club in 2026, we would love to hear from you. To find out more about Couch to 5K or about joining Sherfield Park Runners, please email us at sherfieldparkrunners23@gmail.com

I am excited about what lies ahead and look forward to welcoming new runners into the club this year.