Races

Last updated on : 06/12/10

On the first Wednesday of each month we have our club race. This is over a course of around 3.35 miles and takes in the lane at the back of the cricket pitch, the football field by the community centre, Christchurch harbour and the seafront.

The monthly race has taken place (almost) every month since September 1982. The current course is based on the route which was inaugurated in December 1984 to replace a slightly shorter one (although over the years the building of new roads and houses has necessitated slight amendments to the course). The main prize on offer is for what is known as the Best Improver. That goes to the person who makes the biggest improvement on their best time in the previous 11 months.

In the third race of each quarter (March, June, October and December) there are additional prizes. These races feature a handicapped start and the first three across the line receive trophies. Typically we get around twenty people at each of our races. For variety, on the second race of each quarter the course is run in the reverse direction.

On one Friday each quarter we hold a 10k race. The first three finishers in the 10k receive shields as does the 10k "best improver".

For those who wish to venture a little further, twice a year we hold a longer race - a half marathon in the spring and a 10 mile run in the autumn. These are ideal preparation for anyone who wants to try to run longer distances, but who is unsure of entering a 'real' race. They are run as a time trial - you are given a target time based on your performances in other club distances - and, although the slowest runner will be last to finish, they should not be too far behind the fastest runner. The prize for this event is based on your performance against nationally set age related handicaps.

These longer races take place "after work" on a Friday with the first runners setting off at around 2:15.