The short answer
Once you have joined the Three-Week Trial, start by joining the Trialists' WhatsApp group. If you have a question before your first run, ask us there.
Next, open the current running schedule. It shows the session details, published pace ranges and the planned route or interval session. You do not need to memorise everything; use it to choose a session and a pace group that feel sensible for your first run.
If you use Garmin, you can load the route onto your watch before you arrive. That is useful, but optional.
When you reach the session, introduce yourself to anyone and say it is your first run with us. We'll help you find your pace group and introduce you to the people you will be running with. You will stay with that group during the session, so you will know who you are setting off with.
If you cannot yet run continuously for around 30 minutes, use the Beginners Three-Week Trial instead of trying to fit yourself into an existing-runner session.
Which session should I attend first?
For most existing runners, we recommend starting with a weekday evening session. These sessions have our most established leadership, last around 30–45 minutes and make it easier for us to help you settle into the right group.
You can run continuously for around 30 minutes and want the easiest introduction
Our recommendation: A Monday or Tuesday evening interval session
The groups regularly come back together, so it is easy to see how the whole session works while staying with runners at your pace.
You prefer a steady continuous run
Our recommendation: A Wednesday or Thursday evening session
These are also excellent first sessions, with established leadership and pace groups.
You cannot yet run continuously for around 30 minutes
Our recommendation: The Beginners Three-Week Trial
Its route is designed for building confidence, not fitting you into an existing-runner group.
You would like to try a weekend session
Our recommendation: Start with a weekday evening if you can, then explore weekends once you feel comfortable
Weekend sessions are excellent, but weekday evenings usually make the simplest introduction.
This is a starting point, not a permanent choice. If pace is the main thing making you hesitate, read Am I Fast Enough to Join a Running Club in Cheltenham? before choosing.
What happens before your first session?
We guide new runners through the relevant Three-Week Trial instead of asking them to turn up without an arrangement. After signing up, use the link in your email to join the Trialists' WhatsApp group, then open the running schedule.
Before leaving home:
✓ Choose a session that suits your current running.
✓ Check the time and meeting point on the live schedule.
✓ Compare the published pace ranges and pick a group that feels comfortable.
✓ Look at the planned route or interval session so you know what is coming.
✓ Load the route onto your Garmin before you arrive if you want it on your watch.
Use the live schedule as your final check because sessions, locations and arrangements can change.
Once you have made those checks, your job is nearly done. If anything is unclear, ask us in the Trialists' WhatsApp group. We'd prefer to help before the run so you do not arrive worried that you have chosen the wrong session or group.
What happens when I arrive?
Introduce yourself to the session leader and say that it is your first session with us. We'll take it from there.
We'll ask whether you already know which pace group you plan to join. If you do, we'll help you find the group. If you do not, tell us the pace you run on your own or show us the range you were considering on the schedule. We'll help you choose and introduce you to members from that group before the session begins.
You will stay with that group during the session. By the time everyone sets off, you will know who you are running with, so you are not trying to work it out on your own.
You do not need to understand the whole club on your first evening. You only need to know who you are running with that day.
How should I choose a pace group?
If you're worried about choosing the wrong pace group, you're not alone—that is one of the most common questions we're asked. Our coaching advice is to begin with a group that looks slightly steadier than you would usually run at alone.
That gives you more chance to chat, learn people's names and settle into club running without turning your first session into a test. If the group feels comfortable, that is useful information—not a sign that you chose badly. You can always try a quicker group later.
Nobody expects you to get the choice exactly right on your first evening. During your three-week trial, you are welcome to experience different pace groups and different weekly sessions. The aim is to learn where you feel comfortable and which sessions you enjoy—not to find the “perfect” group immediately.
Once you know who you are running with, the session itself is straightforward.
What can I expect during the run?
The session leader will explain the planned session, and you will complete it with the pace group you met at the start.
Interval sessions
On a Monday or Tuesday interval session, the plan uses shorter run-and-recovery efforts and the groups regularly come back together. That makes it particularly useful for a first evening because you can see how the session fits together without needing to know every route or member beforehand.
Wednesday and Thursday steady runs
On a Wednesday or Thursday run, your pace group stays together. Once the run is underway, the group keeps running. Routine pauses are for practical route reasons such as road crossings, kissing gates or a steep hill where walking is appropriate.
We do not expect groups to stop and regroup repeatedly on a steady run. That is why choosing an appropriate pace group before setting off matters.
You are not expected to make that choice alone. If you are unsure, ask us. We'd prefer to help you choose, not have you spend the run worrying about whether you picked the wrong group.
Book a call with a coach if you'd like help deciding.
What happens after the first run?
Your first run gives you a starting point, not a final answer.
The Three-Week Trial is there to help you discover which pace group feels right, which sessions you enjoy and how you like to train with us. You can return to the same group, try another pace or choose a different weekly session.
Nobody expects you to make those decisions after one evening. Use the three weeks to notice where you feel comfortable and what makes you want to come back.
For the full route from sign-up to the end of the trial, read How the CRWC Three-Week Running Trial Works.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just turn up to a CRC session?
No. Public attendance is through membership, a relevant Three-Week Trial or a taster session arranged in advance. We recommend the trial route for a new enquiry.
How early should I arrive?
There is no single arrival-time instruction for every session and venue. Follow the information sent after sign-up and ask in the Trialists' WhatsApp group if the timing is unclear.
Will I be left behind?
We use pace groups and recommend starting slightly steadier than you think you need. Tuesday interval groups regularly come back together, while a steady-run group continues together once underway. If you are unsure, ask us to help you choose before the group sets off.
Are Adventure Runs suitable for a first session?
They are event-specific, require booking and are not the default beginner option. They can work well once you feel comfortable with the club, but a weekday evening session makes an easier introduction.
What if I am returning to running after a break?
Use your ability today, not your past best. If you cannot run continuously for around 30 minutes, use the Beginners Three-Week Trial. If health or injury is part of the reason for your break, speak to us before choosing a session so we can consider your situation properly.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable running clothing, suitable running shoes and layers appropriate for the weather.
Take the next step without guessing
Start with the trial information page and choose the route that matches your current running and the level of starting support you want. Once you have joined, we'll help you use the schedule and Trialists' WhatsApp group to choose your first weekday evening session.