Preston RunTogether group

Taking the first step

Do you remember trying your favourite food for the first time? Or visiting your favourite place? Or even meeting your friends for the first time? Each and every one of these activities can be a little daunting.  But we bet you’ve never looked back since! 

Here at England Athletics, we understand that you can need courage to take that first step towards trying something new. And for some of you, we’re sure it’s no different when you’re looking to join a local athletics and running club. But there’s really nothing to worry about. In fact, it could be the perfect opportunity to:

  • Be part of a community
  • Try something new
  • Achieve more than you thought possible
  • Join a fun, friendly and supportive club
  • Discover a lifelong passion


Whatever your motivation, your local club and help you with all of the above and more!

Find a local club near you

Group of runners. Text: "Me: Worried I won't make friends. Also me."

Be part of a community

Me: Worried I won’t make friends…

Also me: Joins local club and makes friends for life.

At England Athletics, we know that taking that first step towards joining a local club can be tough. But it can also be the start of lifelong friendships. Whatever your ambition in athletics and running, this is your chance to meet like-minded people and be part of a community.

Runner with friends. Text: "Me: Scared to try something new. Also me."

Try something new

Me: Scared to try something new…

Also me: Becomes a better athlete and person

We know that it can be scary to try something new. Whether it's attending your first training session, trying a new event or turning up to your first competition, the element of the unknown can always be a worry. But as the saying goes, the person who turns up beats the one who doesn’t every single time! Not to mention the fact that being part of your local club can bring joy, laughter and lifelong friendships. Better yourself as both an athlete and a person.

Become a registered athlete

Runners at an event. Text: "Me: I thought I'd never achieve this. Also me."

Achieve more than you thought possible

Me: Thought I’d never achieve this…

Also me: Achieves more than I ever thought possible

We believe that everyone has the potential to achieve more than they ever thought possible. Whether you are looking to complete a couch to 5k, run a marathon or try a field event for the first time, your local athletics and running club is the perfect place to start. Find out how you can break boundaries and achieve what you never thought possible.

Runners jumping. Text: "Me: I didn't think I could have fun. Also me."

Join a fun, friendly and supportive club

Me: I didn’t think I could have fun…

Also me… Realised local clubs are fun, friendly and supportive

It’s hard. It’s too painful. I just don’t enjoy it. We’ve heard it all, here at England Athletics. But that’s where your local club comes in. Athletics and running clubs give you the opportunity to run with others. Trust us, exercise can feel completely different when surrounded by a group of like-minded people. Who knows, you might even find yourself having fun!

Take advantage of exclusive opportunities and offers

Runners on a track. Text: "Me: Not sure it's for me. Also me"

Discover a lifelong passion

Me: Not sure it’s for me…

Also me… Tries athletics and discovers a lifelong passion

We understand the uncertainty that can come with trying a new activity and truly knowing if it's for you. But when it comes to athletics and running, there’s nothing to fear. There are so many ways to be involved in the sport: social, road, multi-terrain, cross country, junior and elite. Not to mention all the variety that comes with track and field. Find out more about how you can be part of what is, in our opinion, the most varied and inclusive sport on offer.

Callum Elson, Cambridge and Coleridge athlete. Text: "It's a bold statement but I think joining a club is the best thing you can do. You can make an informed decision about the club and you can join in different capacities and for different motivations."

Why get involved?

With so many reasons to get involved in your local athletics club, we really do think joining a club is one of the best decisions you can make.  But don’t just take our word for it. Here is what Team England and GB athlete Callum Elson had to say about his local club.

So now, for the most exciting question of all. The one you’ve been asking yourself from the start. Is athletics and running for me? We certainly think so! Find out how you can get involved and be the newest member of the England Athletics community. See which clubs are in your area and join a local club today.

Find your local club