Ivanhoe Runners was founded in 1985 and now caters for over 180 runners who train from Hood Park in Ashby. They are a friendly club catering for a wide range of abilities, and will often be found in and around Ashby on a Wednesday evening, when they host their led sessions, working on speed and hills. Recently Ivanhoe Runners have been joined by England Athletics coaches bringing further expertise to the sessions.

In the lighter, warmer months the runners take the opportunity to visit other local spots, such as Hicks Lodge and Albert Village lake. Once a month, they utilise the Tamworth Athletics track for a structured training session led by a qualified coach, away from the distractions of the road. A large contingent of Ivanhoe’s can always be found down at Conkers Parkrun on a Saturday morning, both running, and volunteering in the free weekly event.

And it’s not all about the running! Ivanhoe Runners regularly get together for social events, for food and drink and trips abroad. Some fantastic memories have been made with weekends in Amsterdam, Palma, Budapest and Ljubljana just to name a few.

You may have seen the runners in their trademark sky blue vests on the local racing scene, with the club participating in many local leagues on the road and on the trails. They organise the popular Worthington 5 event that takes place on a summer evening as part of the Burton and District League, taking in the disused railway line of the Cloud Trail for a traffic free out and back route, finishing up at the Malt Shovel in the village. During the winter months, they participate in many cross-country races across the county, giving a different challenge on muddy, hill courses, which are a lot of fun, and always followed up with hot drinks and cake.

A sub-committee of Ivanhoe Runners organises the fabulous Ashby 20 road race, traditionally staged five weeks before the London marathon. The 2022 race will be the 30th anniversary of the actual event taking place, and should be an exciting day with incredible spirit as runners are supported round the undulating course, many as part of their spring marathon training.

You can find out more and get in touch by searching Ivanhoe Runners on Facebook @ivanhoerunnersashby and Instagram /ivanhoerunners

Fun Facts about Running

1 - Usain Bolt is the world’s fastest runner. In 2009, Usain Bolt broke the world record for the fastest 100-meter sprint, completing it in only 9.58 seconds.

2 - Running barefoot creates a more natural running style.

3 - 80% of running injuries are caused by repetitive stress.

4 - Running for just 30 minutes can burn between 200-500 calories!

5 - The world’s oldest marathon runner was 101 years old.