MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
What our amazing members have to say.
I’ve always enjoyed running, but it was never something I pursued competitively or through a club. To be honest, joining a running club wasn’t something I ever felt drawn to. That changed when my wife and our two boys became members of Blyth Running Club. After a little persuasion, I decided to give it a try and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.
From day one, the club has been incredibly welcoming and inclusive. No matter your experience or ability level, you’re fully supported and encouraged. There’s a genuine sense that everyone belongs.
Since joining in 2020, I’ve taken part in races across all distances, something I never imagined I’d do. With personalised training plans and the guidance of dedicated coaches, I’ve been able to set goals and achieve them. Along the way, I’ve built great friendships and even progressed into a coaching roles myself, which has been a hugely rewarding experience.
It’s been equally inspiring to watch my sons develop through the club. They’ve grown in confidence and ability, competing to a high standard , although I have to admit, I’m equally proud and gutted when I can’t keep up with them anymore .
Being part of Blyth Running Club has been an incredible journey for our whole family. It’s brought us closer together through sport, and I’m incredibly proud to dress in green and call myself a member.
I was one of the people who attended the meeting at Blyth Rugby Club to establish the running club back in 1960s and have been an active member ever since apart from periods of long term injury ( hip replacement and serious fractured skull).
For a short, chubby 20 odd year old the club inspired me to stick with my “jogging” and over the next 50 years I have had great travel, enjoyment, competition, company and achievements with the club from 5k runs to marathons.
The club has been a great part of my life in establishing a “keep going” attitude to many things I do.
Coming up to 80 I can’t do the long runs any more but still do the weekly park runs and the occasional 10k and still enjoy the competitive element of the good for your age challenge.
It’s good to see the club thriving and hope it does for many more years, not just for the faster runners but also for those just starting their “ jogging” experience.
Before joining Blyth officially in 2024 I was in a bad way both health wise and mentally and had been doing my own thing for about 4 months. I remember rocking up at a winter series race in November around the industrial estate to see if the club was right for me after Dayle Strafford encouraged me and invited me along.
I was nervous as hell parking up not knowing anyone and was about to run a race against people who would be way quicker. My nerves however were quickly eased as I was welcomed by all and got talking to loads of friendly people.
The support throughout the race and following it was amazing lots of support encouragement and people saying well done. The following week I did the Monday night session and straight away signed up for my first year.
In my short time with Blyth I have progressed so much from only doing 5ks to trying the Grand Prix series, track, XC and training with the support of great coaches and team mates for my first marathon. the sessions are amazing and suitable for all abilities. One of the best days is the MMM event we do each year for mental health.
I have many amazing pics and memories from running the green of Blyth but the most memorable has to be my PB at Gateshead HM with the support of Katie in the background helping me through that final mile I dont think I would of finished the race. The image shows just how great the support is from everyone.
Best thing I did in 2024 was join Blyth Running Club and have remained with them ever since.
Your goals were your goals and everyone, coaches and club members, were there to support you toward them, whatever time you want to take to try to get there.
Over the 6+ years I have been with the club I now have a massive amount of friends who I only met through joining this club, yes running was our common link to start with but the friendships easily develop within this community at BRC.
To say we are a welcoming and inclusive club is an understatement and I consider myself very fortunate to live here and to have chosen my local running club to join.
Much more of a family than a group of runners would be my honest opinion of the club and its members.