Cheltenham Running Clubs Compared: Find the Best Club for You

Looking for the Best Running Club in Cheltenham? Here's Your Guide!

re you searching for a running club in Cheltenham but unsure which one is the best fit? With so many options—Cheltenham Running Club, Almost Athletes, CLC Striders, Cheltenham Harriers, and Lady Runners—it can be overwhelming to decide where to start.

This in-depth comparison breaks down the top running clubs in Cheltenham based on:
✅ Coaching structure (volunteer-led vs. professional coaching)
✅ Training programs (Couch to 5K, interval training, race preparation)
✅ Club organization & communication
✅ Race & event focus (social vs. competitive clubs)

Cheltenham Running Club – Professionally Coached Training for All Levels

🏆 Best for: Structured coaching, race training, & progression plans

Cheltenham Running Club is one of the only clubs in Cheltenham led by a full-time professional coach. Founded in 2013 by Conor Graham, a fitness professional and running coach, the club provides structured training programs for runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. Unlike volunteer-run clubs, CRC’s training is designed in advance with clear progression to help members build endurance, speed, and technique efficiently.

Key Features:

• ✔️ Professional coaching & structured training plans for all ability levels
  ✔️ Beginner-friendly (Couch to 5K, 10K, & half-marathon plans)
  ✔️ WhatsApp groups for pacing, events, and accountability
  ✔️ Tech-driven coaching with weekly training emails & structured plans
  ✔️ Discounted club race entries & social race-day meetups

  Best For:

  
  ✅ Beginners needing expert guidance
  ✅ Runners training for a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Marathon
  ✅ Runners who prefer structured, coached training over casual club runs
  ✅ People looking for a friendly, well-organized club with great communication

📌 Sign up for a 3-week trial

Cheltenham Harriers – Competitive Track & Road Running Club

🏆 Best for: Track & field athletes, competitive runners

Cheltenham Harriers is a performance-focused athletics club based at Prince of Wales Stadium. The club is well known for track & field, cross-country, and road racing and has produced high-level junior and senior athletes.

Key Features:

✔️ Structured coaching for track, road, & cross-country runners
✔️ Priority stadium track access
✔️ Regular team participation in Gloucestershire XC & national events
✔️ Junior & senior squads with professional & volunteer coaches

Best For:

✅ Track & field athletes (sprinters, distance runners, jumpers, throwers)
✅ Runners aiming for high-level competition
✅ Juniors looking for professional-level coaching
✅ Those who prefer a traditional, performance-focused club

📌 More info: Cheltenham Harriers Website

Almost Athletes – Cheltenham’s Largest Social Running Club

🏆 Best for: Social, fun-focused runners of all levels

Almost Athletes is Cheltenham’s largest running club, known for its inclusive & fun atmosphere. The club runs multiple training sessions per week and caters to everyone from beginners to marathoners.

Key Features:

✔️ Large membership base & weekly social runs
✔️ Volunteer-led club (LiRF-trained run leaders)
✔️ Varied training sessions (intervals, hills, & long runs)
✔️ Active social scene (race trips, charity events, meet-ups)

Best For:

✅ Runners looking for a large, fun, social community
✅ Those who enjoy relaxed, mixed-pace group runs
✅ People looking for an affordable, volunteer-run club

📌 More info: Almost Athletes Website

CLC Striders – Performance-Oriented Road & XC Club

🏆 Best for: Speedwork, personal bests, & competitive racing

CLC Striders is a performance-driven club focused on road racing & cross-country. The club is known for interval training & race preparation to help members improve speed & endurance.

Key Features:

✔️ Wednesday interval training for improving race performance
✔️ England Athletics-affiliated club
✔️ Encourages team race participation in XC & road races
✔️ Focus on structured performance coaching

Best For:

✅ Competitive runners aiming for PBs
✅ Road & XC racers who enjoy interval training
✅ Runners who prefer a small, focused club

📌 More info: CLC Striders Website

Lady Runners Cheltenham – Women-Only Social Running Group

🏆 Best for: Beginner-friendly, relaxed social running

Lady Runners Cheltenham is a women-only running group that meets weekly for social & supportive running.

Key Features:

✔️ Women-only social running group
✔️ Weekly Monday evening runs
✔️ RunTogether-affiliated with LiRF-trained run leaders
✔️ Beginner-friendly, non-competitive

Best For:

✅ Women looking for a relaxed, all-female running group
✅ Beginner runners who want a stress-free introduction to running
✅ Those who enjoy social running over structured training

📌 More info: Lady Runners Facebook

Cheltenham Running Club vs. Other Clubs – Key Differences

Which Running Club Should You Join?

• 🏅 For structured coaching & expert guidance: Cheltenham Running Club
• 🏃‍♂️ For elite-level competition: Cheltenham Harriers
• 🎉 For social running & fun: Almost Athletes
• 🏁 For speed training & road/XC racing: CLC Striders
• 👩 For beginner-friendly, women-only running: Lady Runners Cheltenham

Ready to Join Cheltenham Running Club?

📌 Sign up for a 3-week trial today