Southwell Running Club

Social Scene

Although running is at the core of SRC many of our members wish to get more out of the club than just running so we have a very lively social side.

Following most of the internal club races and many of the external ones too,  member’s tend to gather at  a convenient pub in the locality, where we exchange gossip and expose the theory that runners abstain from the pleasures of good food and drink!

Events are also organised during the year when we can forsake our running shoes and shorts, put on our casual gear (or party clothes for the more adventurous) and enjoy the Summer and Christmas Parties. Recent successful themes have been a dinner, a barbecue, a disco, a barn dance and a quiz night. We also tend to join Caythorpe Cricket club to organise various events throughout the year. In 2006 we held  our 20^th anniversary celebrations, a joint relay event with other local clubs and a very enjoyable evening dancing to the group "Stoney Road". It doesn't seem that long ago that the club first took to the roads of Southwell (there are still some of the original members left!). In June 2007 we will be holding a charity ball with the proceeds going to Breast Cancer research. In addition to a top class meal and dancing to a live band there will be an auction with many valuable lots to bid for. The organisers have done a grand job, a great time is guaranteed!

Other successful events that combine running with socialising include  weekends in the Lake District and a biannual trip in May to Roundstone in Ireland. Several members cross the sea to spend up to a week in the land of Guinness, with the main event (in addition to the drinking) being an organised five mile run sponsored by O'Dowds (a local pub). In 2003 SRC dominated the race but in 2005 the local Irish runners secured  most of the top positions. This year there was a disappointing number of runners from Ireland, but a record turn out from Southwell. Perhaps the fact that in addition to the race we celebrated (early) John Cummins 60^th birthday helped to swell the numbers. Certainly the overall experience was superb with good weather to match (unlike in England where it poured down!) We all look forward to the next time.

To view the results of this year's race click results 2007.

SRC also organises special occasions mainly for the children of our members. A popular event is our own Olympic Games held (naturally) every four years which includes a host of events for both children and adults culminating in the handicapped "dream mile". We even take the Olympic oath and have our own version of the Olympic torch. The event is rounded off with a picnic (subject to the weather being kind).  The latest results can be found by clicking on SRC Olympics.

SRC Olympic Games 2004 Winners - Bingham Leisure Centre

The club has also provided the opening for many friendships to be developed between members. Indeed  running talk is often exchanged over evening dinner or at a local pub or even  during trips round Southwell whilst shopping or simply collecting the children from school. There are plenty of opportunities for SRC members and their families to meet up and we are sure these friendships will be long lasting.