East Durham Running Club - at the heart of the community in the north east
As a sport, running brings people together - whether it is to enjoy a jog around your local park or to take part in a race, you are never truly alone as you nod to another runner passing by. Running unites people and East Durham Running Club (EDRC) symbolise the power of running in creating a community.
At the recent North East Regional Volunteer Awards, East Durham Running Club were awarded Club of the Year. We recently visited the club's training session to meet their members and find out what makes the club and its community so special.
Putting the people first
Only in its infancy, EDRC was founded just three years ago, and has gone from strength to strength achieving all seven Club Standards. The club now welcomes members of all abilities - from walkers to those undertaking ultramarathons. Through funding opportunities, they have been able to train members to become qualified Run Leaders through the LiRF course - with new groups for juniors and those new to running.
Club Chair, Jill Bridges, has been at the centre of the club's incredible growth and her passion and dedication along with all the club's volunteers has helped it become the success story it is today:
"I have three tattoos to represent my children and when the club turned two and became 'toddler sized', I got a tattoo for our commitment to the club on my leg! The club means so much to me, I don't get paid a penny for the club but I see all these people here having such a good time and we are helping them achieve. I see people who have lost weight, got rid of their anxiety or have made a friend and that is what makes me tick."
Helping members to thrive
"When I started running I was doing 5ks aimlessly in an industrial estate just trying to get better," explained member, Grant. "When I joined the club I was welcomed, educated and supported. I am now preparing to take on my first ultramarathon on in four weeks with a friend from the club."
"It is more than a running club," added member, Ian. "I needed a bit of discipline to get out of the house. It's a social outlet and it brings East Durham together. It is a bit of a pun, but they go the extra mile. Even if you've got problems outside of running, there is always a listening ear there. It is very inclusive in that respect and they stretch over backwards for the whole of your life."
Breaking down barriers
Starting any new hobby can be daunting, especially if you have never taken part before, but EDRC ensure that every member's transition is as easy as possible.
"We're from an area of low socio-economic deprivation," explained member, Kerry. "A lot of people can't afford to do things that other people take for granted."
Club volunteers quickly realised that not a lot of people had spare money to buy kit, so they club started a kit hub to accept donations of running shoes and clothes so if people are short of kit, they can have this provided for them.