Why I joined Sherfield Park Running Club

My running journey started with the Basingstoke Parkrun once a week. I used to listen to other runners at the start chatting about how they were hoping for a PB this week, or discussing the time they were aiming for, and felt a bit overwhelmed by this, I was just hoping to finish!

A friend suggested I join SPR to help me gain confidence and improve my running. I can remember my first session very clearly. Everyone was friendly and although I was not an experienced runner, I was given so much encouragement that I ran further than I had run before. I was so pleased, and have been part of the Club now for over 10 years.

In that time, I have made friends for life, and yes I did start to get faster at Parkrun! In fact the motivation and sense of community has made running more enjoyable. I cannot imagine my life without running or SPR.

The support of fellow members has encouraged me to enter events from a 10K to a Half Marathon. I was even part of the Team for Endure 24, a relay event over 24 hours! I now have quite a collection of medals from events and I have completed my 250th Parkrun. There is nothing more satisfying than finishing an event, collecting a medal or supporting fellow club members and celebrating their achievement.

SPR is a supportive and inclusive Club and come rain or shine there is always someone to run with, whatever your speed. Our motto no one runs alone was evident recently, at Hook Fun Run. Newer members and Couch 2 5K graduates were supported and encouraged and there were lots of smiling faces.