Sheffield's running clubs and groups
Don’t let the hills fool you, Sheffield is the perfect place to run. With dozens of parks and pedestrian-friendly routes around the city, as well as world-class training venues like the English Institute of Sport, the facilities in the city are second-to-none. What’s more, fell and trail runners can get their feet muddy easily, thanks to the proximity of the Peaks. The running community in Sheffield is thriving, ensuring everyone from competitive athletes to those looking for an excuse to get some al fresco exercise or make new friends will find something suitable for them. Whether it’s fell, track, or cross country, hard training or light exercise, Sheffield's many clubs and groups have a running type for you.
Clubs tend to be more for the competitive runner. Many of Sheffield's clubs, like City of Sheffield and Dearne AC and Hallamshire Harriers, date back to the 19th century and have enjoyed a friendly rivalry for years. Some, like Steel City Striders, have a great community feel, with dozens of annual events of all difficulty and type. Others, like Totley AC, take advantage of the proximity of the Peaks, heading out for Sunday morning runs. Then there's the thriving family-friendly club Strideout, started in 2011 when the two founding members decided to do some exercise while their children were doing gymnastics. Past members of some of Sheffield's clubs have even gone on to represent Great Britain at the Olympics.
Groups, meanwhile, are great for beginners or those looking for something more leisurely. These groups, often with friendly names like Happy Monday, tend to have a strong social aspect, and often include the option of ‘replenishing your fluids’ at a suitable boozer afterwards. Then there's Scrambled Legs, aimed at helping those struggling with mental health issues like low mood, stress or anxiety. Some RunTogether groups also offer stroller groups for parents of young children, 'walk to run' sessions, and 'couch to 5k' support – see a full list of RunTogether group runs in Sheffield. The running and training is more informal than with the clubs, but many members of Sheffield's groups do compete in 10ks, half marathons, fell races and triathlons.
Running clubs:
City of Sheffield and Dearne Athletics Club
Crystal Peaks Runners
Dark Peak Fell Runners
Hallamshire Harriers
Handsworth Roadhogs
Sheffield Running Club
Sheffield Triathlon Club
Steel City Striders
Totley Athletics Club
University of Sheffield Athletics & XC Club
Valley Hill Runners
Sheffield Hallam University Athletics Club
Strideout
Hillsborough and Rivelin Running Club
Peak Fell and Trail Crew
RunTogether groups:
Strideout: Crookes / Wisewood / Stannington / Stocksbridge / Oughtibridge / Kidz
Handsworth Trotters (linked to Handsworth Roadhogs)
Steel City Striders
Millhouses Beginners
Valley Hill – Happy Mondays
Juice Sheffield University Staff Group
Accelerate Trail Runners
Wood Run: Ecclesall Woods / Shirebrook
Grenoside Running Community
Running TrYumphs
For up-to-date information about new running groups and routes in Sheffield, check the RunTogether site.
Other:
GoodGym Sheffield
Porter Valley Plodders
Smiley Paces
Front Runner
Accelerate running groups
Run Talk Run Sheffield