Weekly Club Training Runs

When we run

We meet regularly throughout the year on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Throughout the winter, we hold special coached sessions on Saturday mornings to prepare for the winter XC season and for the spring road season. Specific details of the club sessions are listed in the HRR event diary. A list of approaching sessions, races and other events is visible on the homepage. A list of route descriptions and maps for popular shepherding runs and long runs (and the club 5k and timetrial races) can be viewed in the routes database.

Important: If you are new to HRR we suggest that you attend our Thursday evening session (held at OXSRAD) to discuss how suitable the various sessions are for your level of fitness. Please don't be put off coming along, you will soon find your feet! If you are completely new to running, try our Beginners Programme.

Brief summary of weekly sessions

Tuesday

Track

Sessions are held at Iffley Road Track, Oxford on Tuesday evenings. Training will start at 7-30pm in order to accommodate the University Athletic Club sessions. Track cost is £2.50 per session (payable at the sports centre) or buy an annual track pass. For more details, you are recommended to take a look at the following links:

• Introduction to the HRR track sessions (PDF) - information on how the sessions are structured and how to participate
• Track etiquette & winter advice (HTML) - some reminders about track etiquette, and tips for winter sessions

Track running is not recommended for beginning runners, who should seek advice from Club Coaches with regard to more suitable forms of speed work.

Winter run from Brookes

Meeting at the main entrance on Gypsy lane for a 6:15pm start.

Off-Road

During the summer, we switch to Shotover Country Park for various sessions on wooded paths and trails. From the carpets of spring bluebells to the dust of high summer, these runs are a great treat. Meet at car park at 6.10 for prompt 6.15 start. The group will then circle back at 6.30 to pick up those who arrive later. The run is suitable for all abilities, and does often split into two groups later. To get to Shotover from Brookes, follow Old Road over the lights, and carry on straight for 2 miles over the ring road and up the hill to the end. See Helen or Francis for further details. There are no changing facilities available, so come ready to run.

Thursday

OXSRAD club night

This runs all year round, with warming up and stretching from 7pm and leaving around 7-15pm for various runs of all levels and abilities. These will be mostly on the road but in summer months will often be on trails and footpaths.

Additionally, from April to September, every second Thursday in the month is the Club Timetrial, a handicapped 4 mile club race.

Saturday

Hill sessions in South Parks

These coached sessions are run during the XC season. South Parks is within easy reach of central Headington. Warm up from 9:45 (or run to South Park) to start session at 10 am prompt. Please see HRR event diary for dates of sessions. The sessions are supervised by our club coaches and will involve structured hill, speed and strength sessions.

Club 5km races

Starting from OXSRAD these take place on several Saturdays throughout the year. Please check the HRR event diary, or newsletter for dates/times.

Sunday

Most Sundays throughout the year, we run from the OXSRAD centre at 10am. These runs tend to be 8-12 miles in distance and as London marathon season approaches, other groups will be going further. Bear in mind that the first Sundays in November, December, January, February and March are Oxford Mail Cross Country Race days.

Other Sessions

The club organises additional training sessions throughout the year, including fitness tests, stretching and running technique classes and strength and speed sessions to prepare for the cross country season. For details of post-run stretching routines, click here.

Details will be posted to the HRR event diary, and in the training and coaching sections.