Tickhill Running & Athletics Club in Doncaster is Sportsister’s Club of the Month for January. This small and friendly club is encouraging and supportive to women of all standards and organises courses to introduce the local community to running.

Tickhill is a small running club with around 60 members, and although it is a mixed club, has a higher percentage of women, making it a great club for those starting out or maybe lacking the confidence to join a big club.

Women’s coach, Christine Stimpson supports and trains both new and old members. She is friendly and welcoming to members and takes an interest in all abilities. Christine also organises events that are a little different to the usual speed and hill sessions, called her Skill & Agility activity events, which add some variety to the club’s training nights.

Tickhill have been very proactive in encouraging the local community to start running by organising a number of Introduction to Running Courses for people of all ages.

Club success stories

Nicky joined the running club in December 2005 having never run before. At that time she was overweight, having her blood pressure monitored and had been advised to take up some form of exercise.

Nicky completed the first ‘Introduction to Running Course’ organised by Tickhill Running Club. Initially she found the programme very difficult, but by week seven completed her first 5km race. At this stage she became hooked, went on to complete the course and then joined the club as an official member. Within the first three months Nicky lost 2 ½ stone in weight and her confidence increased significantly.

During 2008 Nicky completed four half marathons and has gone on to facilitate three Introduction to Running Courses where she feels she can use her own experience and enthusiasm to motivate others.

Amanda Crundall joined Tickhill Running & AC in November 2007 as a keen and competitive runner. In 2001 she had suffered a pelvic stress which had abruptly ended her previous running endeavours. But after a couple of years of gentle training, she was inspired to join the club to help improve her times.

The club has enabled her to become more focused and has supported her passion for competitive running. Over the last year her times have greatly improved, her 10k time is 40:43 (improved by 5 mins) and half marathon time: 1:29:19 (improved by 9mins)

Amanda’s ultimate aim was to complete a marathon which she achieved in New York in 2008 clocking 3:13:39, way beyond her goal of sub 3:20. This great time means she has become the first Tickhill runner to qualify for the championship start at the Flora London Marathon 2009.

Club Hero’s

Chris Taylor (Chairman), Pete Wass, Ryan Cudworth and Christine Stimpson are the backbone of the club.

Nicky Birkinshaw and Alan Hall organise the Introduction To Running Groups. Phil Robertshaw contributes to club championship management and committee meetings. Amanda Crundall contributes by attending committee meetings and race events updates.

Factfile:

Member: Approx 60
Proportion of women to men: 62% Female
Training: Twice weekly training sessions
Social: Several social events are organised throughout the year
Races: Tickhill organise two races every year : 3 mile & 10 mile off road races (Tickhill Gala Run & OffTrac 10)
Website: www.tickhillrunningclub.co.uk ^[1]

Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

Club Of The Month is kindly supported by Lucozade. As recognition of your achievement your club will win a visit from a Lucozade Sports Scientist, who will offer sports science and nutrition advice as well as explaining and letting you sample the Lucozade Sport nutritional range. We think that this is a great prize, and something that you can make into a great club occasion or event. Click here ^[2] for more details on how to submit your club details

Click below to read previous Club of The Month features:

Washlands Women’s Runners ^[3]

Kings Cormorants Swimming Club ^[4]

Sawtry Colts Football Club ^[5]

Essex Roads Cycling Club ^[6]

Click here ^[7] to read the Terms and Conditions for Sportsister’s Club of The Month