A Stevenage running club has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a range of events and activities.
The Stevenage Striders were founded in August 2013, and have since grown to become a flourishing community of around 250 members.
They pride themselves on remaining an encouraging and inclusive club, free to join and open to runners of all ability levels.
To celebrate their birthday month, the Striders have held a range of events including a family picnic and sports day at Hampson Park, a fancy dress run through Stevenage, a free track session, and a Parkrun 'takeover' with members signing up for all the voluntary positions.
Chrissie Thomas, head coach at Stevenage Striders, said: "As head coach, I am so very proud of everything we have and are achieving as a club.
"It's remarkable to see how, since the lockdown Covid period, Stevenage Striders has transformed into a thriving community of runners where we offer something for every running ability.
"During August we had great fun celebrating our 10th birthday by doing a range of fun activities, including a family fun day and a fancy dress run.
"We offer training on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays completely free of charge, and warmly welcome individuals of all abilities no matter what their current skill level is.
"The Stevenage Striders is a haven where everyone can enjoy running in a fun, friendly and secure environment, providing well-being support through our well-being team and offering a wide range of running options to cater to diverse preferences and goals.
"And we have so many more plans to develop the club further so it has never been a better time to join."
Each year, they hold two 'zero to 5k' programmes, with their next one beginning soon, on Tuesday, September 12.
Shortly after that programme begins, the Striders will be holding a major event - the Menzies Stevenage 10k, which will be held on Sunday, September 17.
Starting in Hampson Park, runners head through Fairlands Valley Park and King George V Playing Fields, then continue to the Old Town and the Bowling Green war memorial before finishing back at Hampson Park where they are rewarded with a medal, T-shirt and cake.
On the same day, there will also be a 'Mini Mile' for runners aged between four and 15, with participants receiving a medal and sweets.
Entries are now open via Stevenage Striders' website, and money raised from the event will go to Stevenage Community Trust, Better Beginnings for Babies, and Lister Macmillan Cancer Centre.
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