Not yet running for around 30 minutes continuously?
The Beginners’ Three-Week Trial is the right place to start.
Explore the Beginners’ Trial
A Friendly Running Club in Cheltenham for Adults Who Want Structure, Support and Consistency
Lunchtime, evening and weekend group runs, paced for all abilities — with coaching, clear progression and support for running events when you’re ready.
Running Alone Can Only Take You So Far
Many runners reach a point where they’re still getting out regularly — but progress feels inconsistent.
You might be:
Running the same distances at the same pace
Unsure how to train towards events or longer goals
Finding it harder to stay consistent without structure or support
None of that means you’re doing anything wrong.
It simply means you’ve reached the stage where running with others can make a real difference.
Structure and Accountability
Our runs are scheduled and coached, giving each session a clear purpose and place in your week.
Putting runs in the diary makes consistency much easier.
What happens at my first CRWC running session?
Your first session is a chance to get to know the group and see how a coached run works. If you can already run continuously for around 30 minutes, a welcoming interval session—short efforts, recovery and regular regrouping—is often a clear, manageable first club run. Member feedback often highlights a welcoming, supportive experience and the value of finding a pace that feels right.
Motivation That Comes Naturally
Motivation doesn’t come from willpower alone.
It comes from familiarity, shared goals, and being part of something regular and supportive.
Progress You Can Trust
With experienced coaches and a clear pathway from steady running through to races and shared club events, members train with confidence — and build friendships along the way.
With experienced coaches and a clear pathway from steady running through to races and shared club events, members train with confidence — and build friendships along the way.
How Our Runs Can Help
Stay Accountable to Friends
Getting your club runs into the calendar makes it much easier to get out of the house and train consistently.
You’ll be part of a group that runs at a similar pace and motivates each other to keep showing up.
Increase Motivation
Running with others makes training more enjoyable and helps many runners stay more consistent than they would on their own.
We regularly see members achieve more when they train with people of similar ability.
Which session should I attend first?
Start by choosing the route that matches where you are now. If you cannot yet run continuously for around 30 minutes, begin with the Beginners Three-Week Trial. If you can, choose a Running Trial and use the current schedule below to start with a coached interval session.
Weekly Summary
- Monday evening – Interval training in Bishop’s Cleeve
- Tuesday lunchtime – Interval training in Prestbury
- Tuesday evening – Interval training in Pittville
- Wednesday evening – Group tempo run in Bishop’s Cleeve
- Thursday lunchtime – Group tempo run in Prestbury
- Thursday evening – Group tempo run in Prestbury
- Saturday morning – Adventure trail runs within around 20 minutes of Cheltenham
- Saturday morning - Long run in Bishops Cleeve
- Sunday morning – Long run in Prestbury
How do CRWC pace groups work?
CRWC groups runners at a similar pace. In interval sessions, regular regrouping helps runners of different abilities train together; on steady runs, choose a group that suits the kind of effort you want that day.
If you are unsure, start with a group that feels manageable and ask before you set off. Member feedback frequently points to welcoming people and suitable pace groups, so the aim is a comfortable place to begin—not a test.
Group Tempo/Social Run
A steady, continuous run after warm-up that can be approached in different ways depending on the group you choose.
Some members use it as a more social run, settling into a comfortable pace and chatting throughout, while others join a quicker group to push themselves and improve their ability to sustain a stronger effort.
Unlike most clubs, we prioritise a larger number of smaller pace groups, so there is less variation within each group and runners are more likely to get the pace and feel they want on the day.
Saturday Adventure Runs
Our Saturday Adventure Runs explore a variety of routes around the Cotswolds, using a mix of trails, quiet lanes and countryside paths.
These runs are designed to add variety to your week and take you beyond familiar routes, while still being welcoming and well organised.
Most Saturdays offer:
- A 6–8km option, often suitable for those running a flat 5K in around 34–43 minutes
- An 8–14km option, often suitable for those running a flat 5K in around 28–35 minutes
- A 14–22km option, often suitable for those running a flat 5K in around 27 minutes or faster
The actual pace of Adventure Runs is far steadier than each group would usually run on flatter roads around Cheltenham.
The emphasis is on enjoying the run, the surroundings and the shared experience — not racing or performance.
These runs also help build confidence over longer distances in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Meeting locations vary and are shared in advance.
Most runs start at 9:00am or 9:30am unless they are further afield, such as the Forest of Dean.
Sunday Long Runs
Sunday long runs are where many members build confidence over distance and prepare for events at their own pace.
Runs are structured around different distances and goals, with groups matched by pace to help everyone run comfortably.
For those who want to stay, Sunday runs often finish with coffee and cake nearby — giving members the chance to relax, chat and enjoy the social side of the club without any obligation.
Meet in Prestbury at 9:00am.
Run When It Suits You
You’re free to join as many or as few sessions as you like each week. There’s no expectation to attend everything — members simply choose the runs that fit around work, family and life.
To help with planning and connection, runs are organised in small groups, with weekly session details and routes shared in advance. Many members stay connected between runs through dedicated group chats, making it easy to ask questions, arrange lifts or keep in touch.
How much does CRWC cost and what value does it provide?
For runners who can already run continuously for around 30 minutes, the Basic Three-Week Running Trial is £15. It gives you three weeks to try suitable CRWC group sessions, find an appropriate pace group and decide whether the community and regular structure feel right for you.
If you cannot yet run continuously for around 30 minutes, the separate Beginners’ Three-Week Trial is currently £18. The trial is a low-risk starting route and separate from ongoing membership. If you continue, Basic Running Membership is £15 monthly or £99 annually.
Choose the appropriate Three-Week Trial below to get started.
What is the difference between Basic and Premium support?
Basic is the strong core option for existing runners who want suitable CRWC sessions, pace groups, structure and community. It is £15 for three weeks and does not include an individual coaching-app programme or direct Head Coach support.
Premium is £20 for three weeks for existing runners who want additional personalised support at the start. It includes suitable CRWC group sessions plus a direct line to Conor Graham, Founder and Head Coach; help choosing pace groups and sessions; an individual coaching-app account; session plans for group or solo running; personalised support throughout the trial; and help choosing a suitable next step.
Premium is not a speed tier and is not necessary for everyone. Choose Basic if the core club experience is what you need; choose Premium if more individual structure and accountability would help. Both are trial options, with no automatic renewal or obligation to join.
Choose the option that suits you below.
Which Cheltenham running club is right for me?
CRWC may be right for you if…
CRWC may suit you if you are looking for more than a timetable of runs: a friendly, community-first club with appropriate pace groups, regular structure and encouragement to keep moving forward.
• You want a welcoming group, whatever your pace or experience
• You value coached sessions, routine and motivation rather than training alone
• You are starting, returning after a break or rebuilding confidence
• You want to work towards longer distances, races or a personal goal while keeping enjoyment and social connection
• You want the choice between core club membership and additional personalised coaching support
If your main priority is highly competitive racing alone, specialist track provision or elite-performance training, or attending with no interest in group community or structured progression, a different type of club may be a better fit.
What kind of runner joins CRWC?
CRWC is for complete beginners, people returning after a break, runners currently training alone, slower or less-confident runners, and established runners who want more structure or race progress. Premium support is available for runners who would benefit from more individual coaching guidance and accountability.
The best way to decide
A Three-Week Trial lets you experience the sessions, pace groups, coaching style and community before deciding what comes next.
• Not yet able to run continuously for around 30 minutes? Start with the Beginners’ Three-Week Trial.
• Already able to run continuously for around 30 minutes? Choose the Basic Trial for sessions, pace groups, structure and community.
• Choose the Premium Trial if individual coaching support and personalised guidance would help as well.
Choose your 3-week Running Trial
You’re one step away from getting started. Pick the option that fits you best.
Which starting route is right for me?
Cannot currently run continuously for around 30 minutes? Choose the Beginners Three-Week Trial: https://cheltenhamrunningclub.co.uk/beginners-3-week-trial/
Already able to run continuously for around 30 minutes? Choose Basic or Premium depending on the level of support you want.
Basic 3 Week Trial
£15 for 3 weeks
For existing runners who want to try CRWC sessions, pace groups, structure and community. Choose your sessions from the current schedule without an individual coaching-app programme.
What’s included
- Full access to our weekly running schedule
- Interval training and steady group runs
- Weekend runs including Adventure Runs and Sunday Long Runs
- Session details and routes shared in advance
- Friendly group support and the option to stay for post-run coffee or a drink when it suits
- Invitations to targeted club running and social events.
No automatic billing: your trial ends after 3 weeks, no further payments taken.
Premium Three-Week Trial
£20 for 3 weeks
Best if you want extra guidance and accountability alongside attending club sessions.
Commonly chosen by runners who want a more supported start. Premium is about the level of support you want, not how fast you run.
Everything in the Basic Trial, plus:
• A direct line to Conor Graham, Founder and Head Coach
• Help choosing suitable pace groups and sessions
• An individual coaching-app account
• Session plans for group or solo runs
• Personalised support during the three-week trial
• Help choosing a suitable next step after the trial
No automatic billing: your trial ends after three weeks. There is no obligation to become a member.
Choose Basic if you mainly want to experience CRWC sessions, pace groups, structure and community. Choose Premium if you would value direct coaching support and a clearer, more confident start.
Cheltenham Running Club
Run with more structure, support and consistency.
For adults who already run and want a friendly club, coached sessions and a pace group that feels right.
Start with the route that matches where you are now.
You do not need to understand the whole club before you begin. The first decision is simply whether you are ready for the running trial or would be better supported by the Beginners route.
Already able to run continuously for around 30 minutes?
Choose Basic or Premium according to how much tailored support you would value during your first three weeks.
Compare Basic and PremiumWhat changes when you put more structure around your running?
CRWC is designed to make your running week feel clearer, more manageable and more connected.
Structure you can use
Coached group sessions give you a reason to put running in the diary and a clearer purpose when you get there.
A pace that feels right
We’ll help you choose a suitable session and pace group. Starting conservatively is normal.
A real running community
You can train consistently without feeling that you have to attend everything. Choose the sessions that fit your life.
A club that meets you where you are
Find a group that helps running feel easier to keep up.
Try sessions, meet people and see which rhythm suits you during the trial. You are not expected to have it all figured out before you arrive.
Will the club fit around my week?
At a glance, CRWC offers interval training on Monday evening, Tuesday lunchtime and Tuesday evening; even-paced group runs on Wednesday evening, Thursday lunchtime or evening, Saturday morning and Sunday; and Saturday Adventure Runs at rotating Cotswold locations.
Exact times, meeting points and any changes are always shown in the current running schedule, so use that page as your final check before attending.
Choose your Three-Week Running Trial.
Both options include organised, coached CRWC group sessions, suitable pace groups, normal help choosing where to start and three weeks to see how the club feels.
The core club experience
Basic Trial
£15 for three weeks
Choose Basic if you mainly want people to run with, a routine and the chance to experience CRWC before deciding what comes next.
- Suitable CRWC group sessions and published pace groups
- Organised, coached group sessions
- Normal help choosing a suitable session and group
- Trialists’ WhatsApp access and the wider CRWC community
- Three weeks to try different sessions and groups
One-off payment. No automatic renewal and no obligation to join afterwards.
More tailored starting support
Premium Trial
£20 for three weeks
Choose Premium if you would value more individual coaching guidance while you settle into the club.
- Everything included in the Basic Trial
- Weekly coach check-ins to review how training is going
- A personalised training calendar tailored to your goals and availability
- Analysis of your running data to guide pacing and progression
- Practical technique feedback and more individual support during the trial
Premium is not a speed tier. It is simply for runners who want more tailored support at the start.
After either running trial, there is no automatic renewal. If you want regular club sessions, Basic Running Membership is £15 monthly or £99 annually.
Questions runners often ask before joining
Will I be too slow?
Probably not. As a guide, our steadiest established-running group currently takes around 42 minutes to cover 5K, and you don’t need to keep up with our faster groups. If you’re not yet ready for that, our Couch to 5K runners starting from 14 September will begin with a mixture of walking and gentle jogging. We’ll help you choose the route and group that best matches where you are now.
Do I need to attend every session?
No. The trial gives you three weeks to see which sessions fit around your life.
Which session should I attend first?
Choose a suitable session that fits your week. If you’re unsure, ask us and we’ll help you choose a good first run. Check the current running schedule before attending as arrangements can change.
What happens after the three weeks?
There is no automatic renewal. You will have time to decide whether regular club sessions are right for you.
What if I used to run but I’m not as fit as I was?
That’s very common. If you can still run continuously for around 30 minutes, the Running Trial is likely to be the best starting point. If you’re not there yet, the Beginners’ route gives you a more gradual way back. There’s no need to rush into a faster group — the aim is to start where you are and build from there.
Ready to find your place at CRWC?
Choose the Beginners route if you are not yet running continuously for around 30 minutes. Otherwise, compare Basic and Premium above and start with the level of support that feels right.
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