In May 2011, good friends Gay Fletcher and Andrea Barber launched Strideout, a Sheffield-based running group for women. Backed with the support of Run England and the team at Wisewood Sports Centre, this small group has grown to over 300+ women running the streets of Sheffield.
Back when the group was initially set-up, Gay constantly overheard comments like 'oh I wish I could run' or 'I wish I had the energy and motivation' and even 'I wish I had the time' along with barriers of how work and childcare commitments restricted women from running.
She wanted to offer them the opportunity to see that with a little dedication and planning they could run too. So she started asking mums to join her for a run for the one hour whilst their children had their Gymnastics class with GymWise and Strideout was launched!
Initially Strideout had 5 women running for an hour each Monday, however after completing the necessary courses and gaining interest from links with local community groups, GP surgeries, schools and children's centres, the group has grown in numbers and success.
Back when the group was initially set-up, Gay constantly overheard comments like 'oh I wish I could run' or 'I wish I had the energy and motivation' and even 'I wish I had the time' along with barriers of how work and childcare commitments restricted women from running.
She wanted to offer them the opportunity to see that with a little dedication and planning they could run too. So she started asking mums to join her for a run for the one hour whilst their children had their Gymnastics class with GymWise and Strideout was launched!
Initially Strideout had 5 women running for an hour each Monday, however after completing the necessary courses and gaining interest from links with local community groups, GP surgeries, schools and children's centres, the group has grown in numbers and success.
Fast forward to today, and Strideout offers women 6 run sessions per week in S6, S10 and S35 and includes Strollers to 5K courses, beginners (5k) developing them onto intermediate standard and encourages more advanced runners to go that bit further. They have introduced a body conditioning class to work on running strength and have also set up Strideout Kidz aimed at children 8-12 years.
They now have 8 Run Leaders supporting groups and have given women the confidence and support to go out there, enjoy the beautiful local countryside and reap the health and wellbeing benefits of running.
Strideout organise monthly running challenges, like 'Beat the Hill' and 'Dam Flask Challenge' which encourages the whole group to set themselves a goal and increase their running commitment. They provide alternative run challenges so that both beginner and advanced members can take part and offer end of month prizes.
Strideout has encouraged women to complete their first 5k and 10k runs, some have thrown themselves over assault courses and waded through mud all in the name of fitness and fun.
So come and see the benefits for yourself. See the attached timetable.
You will always be welcomed by a smile and friendly and supportive group!
Strideout have been granted affiliation by England Athletics in October 2015!
See the press below for more details:
They now have 8 Run Leaders supporting groups and have given women the confidence and support to go out there, enjoy the beautiful local countryside and reap the health and wellbeing benefits of running.
Strideout organise monthly running challenges, like 'Beat the Hill' and 'Dam Flask Challenge' which encourages the whole group to set themselves a goal and increase their running commitment. They provide alternative run challenges so that both beginner and advanced members can take part and offer end of month prizes.
Strideout has encouraged women to complete their first 5k and 10k runs, some have thrown themselves over assault courses and waded through mud all in the name of fitness and fun.
So come and see the benefits for yourself. See the attached timetable.
You will always be welcomed by a smile and friendly and supportive group!
Strideout have been granted affiliation by England Athletics in October 2015!
See the press below for more details: