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Running

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Running

Running is a form of exercise that can be done at anytime and anywhere.

See Also:
Athletics
Get Involved

An Overview of Running

Running is a great way to get fit, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. It can be competitive, or just for fun. The distance varies, and can take place in parks, on road, or trails.

Benefits

  • Meet new people
  • Improve mental wellbeing
  • Improve stamina

Involvement

If you are a blind or partially sighted and would like to find a guide runner near you, you can use the 'Find A Guide' database.

If you are interested in becoming a guide runner and supporting blind and partially sighted people to get active, you can find out more by visiting the 'Find a Guide' page.

If you want the experience of an organised event, but without the pressure of achieving a certain time, Parkrun is a great place to start. Parkrun is a free, weekly, community events where you can run or walk and be timed over 5km. Everyone is welcome, whether you want to walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. You can learn more by visiting the Parkrun website.

There are runs across the country that take place throughout the year and are a great way to begin running competitively. Bristol holds a 10k specifically for runners with a visual impairment every year.

British Athletics also has a Paralympic talent pathway programme.

Sight classifications are important to ensure fair and equal competition. Success at competitions should be defined by an athlete's skill and ability, not their impairment. The sight classifications should give all athletes the confidence that they are competing against others equally.

Useful Links

Adaptations and Equipment

Depending on your level of vision, you will run with a guide runner, or in a location where you feel safe to run alone. Those running with a guide generally choose to hold a tether. This is a strap with a loop on each end which the guide and blind runner hold in their hands or loop around their wrist or elbow.

BBS sell guide tethers and a range of high-visibility sportswear so that runners and guide runners can be easily seen and identified. You can purchase these items by visiting the BBS shop.

Find Running Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

British Athletics

Contact Name
General Information
Contact Telephone
0121 713 8400

England Athletics

Contact Name
General Information
Contact Telephone
0121 347 6543
Contact Email
enquiries@englandathletics.org
South Charnwood Map Runners

South Charnwood Map Runners

Provides orienteering training On Tuesday evenings at South Charnwood High School and during the summer are various woodland areas.
Training Centre for Leicestershire Orienteering Club members and beginners.

Long Eaton junior parkrun

Long Eaton junior parkrun

Long Eaton junior parkrun is a series of 2k runs for children aged between 4 and 14. It is held in West Park, Long Eaton. It is open to all, free, and is safe and easy to take part in.

Running

Roadhoggs Leicester AC

We are a running club catering for people from 16 upwards. We currently have one VI member and four experienced guides. Our ethos is a relaxed one and our members range from social runners to competitive athletes, taking part in local leagues.

Running

Roadhoggs Leicester AC

Running

Stilton Striders Running Club

Croft Church of England Primary School

Croft Church of England Primary School

Croft Church Of England Primary School is a small, family feel school who believe in a holistic approach to education so health and well being feature highly in our curriculum offer.

GoodGym Derby

GoodGym Derby

GoodGym helps you get fit by doing good. We’re a group of runners that combines regular exercise with helping our communities.

Running

Hinckley Running Club

Rosliston parkrun

Rosliston parkrun

We are a free 5km timed event based at Rosliston Forestry Centre. We welcome runners and walkers of all abilities.

Market Harborough parkrun

Market Harborough parkrun

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

Mansfield Runners

Mansfield Runners

run group with close links to Mansfield Harriers athletics club. All abilities welcomed from 5k to competitive athletics

Cycling

Peak Performance Events

Triathlon, Duathlon and Running events organiser

Archery

Sherwood Pines

Sherwood Pines Forest Park is a fantastic and inspiring place to experience the outdoors. There is something for everyone all year round, from walking, running and family cycling to mountain biking, Go Ape and adventure play and a range of sporting event

Running

Desborough & Rothwell Running Club

Registered Charity in England and Wales (1168093). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 10009918. Registered office: 19 Coventry Road, Cubbington, Leamington Spa, CV32 7JN