Starting a series on Norfolk's running clubs, NEIL FEATHERBY profiles Reepham Runners

Reepham Runners may not be one of the bigger clubs in the county but they are certainly one of the friendliest, catering for all abilities and standards.

The club was formed in 2001 from a group of friends and runners who wanted to keep fit and take part in local events.

The club has been going for the last 16 years and has over 100 members, whilst also organising two excellent events annually. In January they host the very popular and muddy cross country race and in August they put on a 10k race (August 27, this year).

They also now boast a total of eight coaches and run leaders who organise Tuesday night sessions with further group runs on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings.

With regards to taking part in races, it is more than likely that you will see Reepham vests at all local road running events along with cross country races just about every weekend throughout the year.

However, this is not just confined to races within the county as club members regularly travel up and down the UK to take part in races from 10k's to marathons and even fell races in the north of England.

Most recently several members travelled up to Liverpool to take part in the city's Half Marathon, lining up with 8,000 other runners where Dominic Blake led the club home finishing in a superb third place.

It is fair to say that the club is very proud of his efforts in Liverpool – he ranks amongst Norfolk's best runners and has a PB of 15:30 for the 5k and 2-36:02 for the marathon.

With many beginners worrying that they aren't good enough to join a running club, Reepham Runners decided to dispel this myth by starting a Couch to 5k Beginners programme earlier this year.

After 25 people initially signed up for the eight-week programme, 18 of the group last weekend completed their first 5k run. Needless to say each one of them now has the confidence and belief to carry on with their running and have very much become part of the Reepham Runners club scene.

For anyone who may be interested in joining this fantastic club or would like more information, check out www.reephamrunners.co.uk