Allen Valley Striders is a running club in the North East of England, located in Hexham. The club was founded in 2005 and has since grown to become an inclusive and welcoming community for runners of all abilities. They believe in the principles of “fun, fitness, friendship” and encourage people from all walks of life to join them in their running journey.
The club is open to anyone over the age of 16, including people with disabilities and those from ethnic minorities. They have a non-discriminatory membership policy and welcome applications from all interested individuals. They have members from various communities, including Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Allendale, and Allenheads.
Many people have misconceptions about joining a running club, thinking they need to be elite runners or run a certain number of times per week. However, Allen Valley Striders believes that everyone, regardless of ability or experience, can benefit from being part of their club. They encourage novices and beginners to join, and even offer improvement programmes to help them progress in their running journey.
The club organises various events and races throughout the year, including the Allendale Fair Multi Terrain Race and the Hexhamshire Hobble. They also participate in external races such as the Hadrians Wall Half Marathon and the Tynedale Jelly Tea Glendue. The club members not only come together for running events but also for non-running social activities.
Allen Valley Striders operates on a membership basis and requires interested individuals to complete and return an application form. They do not have any pre-entry requirements and welcome runners of all abilities. The membership year runs from April to March the following year, and pro rata fees are available for members joining during the year.
The club is run by unpaid volunteers and is always in need of more volunteers to assist with various tasks, including coaching. They offer training opportunities for those willing to contribute their time and expertise. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the club and are greatly appreciated.
Overall, Allen Valley Striders is a running club dedicated to promoting a friendly and inclusive environment for runners in Hexham and the surrounding areas. They strive to create a supportive community where members can enjoy the benefits of running, regardless of their ability or experience level.