At Sleaford Striders, we love helping people begin — or rediscover — their running journey. And unlike the reputation some running clubs can have, we’re proud to be inclusive and welcoming to runners of all abilities.
Whether you’re running a 4-minute mile, a 15-minute mile, or you’re currently more comfortable walking, you’ll fit right in. We even have a small walking group for those who prefer a gentler pace.
If you’ve been thinking about getting into running but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will help.
Start with Couch to 5K (C25K)
One of the best ways to begin running is through a Couch to 5K programme — and at Sleaford Striders, we run a successful C25K course twice a year. These usually take place in spring and early summer.
While there are plenty of apps and online plans available, joining our course gives you some key advantages:
- Full support from an England Athletics trained coach
- The motivation of running alongside a friendly group of like-minded people
- Built-in accountability, which makes it easier to stay consistent
For many people, that structure and encouragement makes all the difference.
Give Parkrun a Go
A lot of new runners take their next step by trying Parkrun. With thousands of events across the UK — including several in Lincolnshire — it’s one of the easiest and most welcoming ways to get involved in running.
Our local Parkrun is at Belton House. It’s a two-lap course and 5K (3.1 miles) in distance. The best part is that you’ll find people of every ability there — from speedy runners to complete beginners, and plenty of walkers too.
Many runners new to 5K will “Jeff” it (run/walk), and that’s absolutely fine. A helpful tip is this:
If you need to stop and walk, remember where you stopped. Next week, aim to run just a little further past that point.
Week by week, you’ll be surprised how quickly your running improves.
Join Sleaford Striders
If you’d like to run with others and feel supported, why not come along and join us on a Thursday evening?
We offer two free taster sessions to anyone interested in getting into running, so you can try it out with no pressure. And don’t worry about not being “good enough” — we have a range of groups heading out each week, and we’ll help match you with the right one.
Running Can Be Life Changing
Running really can change your life in so many ways — physically, mentally, and socially. For many of us at Striders, the only regret is that we didn’t start sooner.
If you’re thinking about giving it a go, come and join us. You’ll be welcomed, supported, and encouraged every step of the way.
