An Unofficial History of the Striders can be found at vslife.htm
- Training is optional! Striders are welcome to run 52 weeks all 3 club sessions or just turn up as they are available (or as they feel).
But remember, club membership is all of £12 per year, so if you turn up to every session it costs less than 10p each session!
But seriously, come along as it suits you.
If you want serious training, then come to the Tuesday sessions, these are designed for runners of all abilities who want to improve their speed.
If you want a steady sociable run (or maybe you're just resting before or after a key race), come on one of Geoff's or Steve's tours on a Tuesday, or run on a Thursday.
- We have 2 qualified coaches and about 98 unqualified ones.
Most club members are ready and willing to give advice from their own experiences, be it type of training sessions, information about race routes, recommended physios etc etc
- Take the Grand Prix and Fell Championships as seriously as you like.
But if you want a race where you can be competitive with and against other Striders, one of the Championship races is a good bet.
- Please come along and support the Club Handicap events.
Most runners use this as a measure of how they are running.
A few runners think they know how the handicaps are calculated and run to hope for a better handicap next time.
We usually have pie and peas back at Leos while the results are computated.
- Other highlights of the Xmas Meal and Presentation Evening are the Captain's Speech and the Raffle.
- The Meanwood Trail in March/April and Harewood Trail in October could not function without the support of the majority of Striders helping on the day.
Because the routes are quite complex we need a large number of marshals.
We ask that no Striders run in the race unless they provide a substitute marshal.
The up-side of organising an off-road race is that we have a low cost-base and therefore a high proportion of race entry fees
goes to our two nominated charities - St Leonard's Hospice at York (£13000 in 5 years 1999-2004)
and Lineham Farm Children's Centre at Eccup (£7750 in 5 years).
- Valley Striders Achievements also include
- In general, teams for Relays are selected on first come first served basis.
Having said that, if we have several teams we will allocate runners to teams to give the best chance of winning a trophy.
- Subscriptions are currently £12 p.a. but there is normally a discount for early payment.
We ask new members to pay after running 4 or 5 times with us.
- On joining the Club you will be given a UK Athletics / North of England A A registration number.
This is a three letter code "VLS" followed by 5 digits.
You will also receive a membership card.
Club membership allows you to tick the "member of UK Athletics Club" on race entry forms and get £2 off the price of entry.
- The Club receives a number of entry places for the London Marathon each year.
At Christmas, anyone who has received a rejection slip from the London ballot is entered into a draw for the Club places
- The club colours are white vest with black "Valley Striders" logo and black shorts.
Club vests should be worn in all competitive races.
In some races, runners will not be included in the team scorings if they are not wearing a club vest.
NB Some of the most unlikely Striders have been members of prizewinning teams.
- Club vests are available from Terry Lonergan's shop (also known as Fastrax and The Complete Runner) at Leeds Road Ilkley.
Travel from Leeds on the A65 via Guiseley or the A660 via Otley.
After the roundabout at the end of the Burley-in-Wharfedale by-pass, continue for a mile and a half to traffic lights.
Continue on the main road another 400 yards.
Terry's shop is a big white house almost on the pavement.
Choose your style and size of white vest.
On a weekday, the iron may be hot and they can iron on the Valley Striders logo while you wait.
Otherwise, give your address and they will post the vest to you.
- Club vests are also available from
Dobson and Robinson (Duncan), 46 The Grove, Ilkley, LS29 9EE, 01943 608549.
They can supply Viga vests in male and female styles for £10 including the lettering and there is a crop top option.
The vests are similar to Ilkley Harriers, but panel-free as our vest is single (white) colour.
The lettering is computer generated and printed individually so is more flexible.
As the printing is done individually you will need to give a couple of days notice to D&R or go there and then have it posted on.
NB Ensure the lettering is printed high so it will not be obscured by your race number
- Up and Running at West Park Leeds, Harrogate, York and Wakefield will give you 10% discount on all full-price items on presentation of your NoEAA membership card (or quoting your number).
At Terry Lonergan's, if you buy shoes or another large value item, you may receive a free pair of socks or similar gift.
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We have club jackets in black with the Valley Striders logo in white on the front and back.
One of our members, Paul Hunter, liaises with the supplier.
Paul is at the club most Tuesday evenings and has samples of small and medium jackets – try for size, then order!
The price is £19.
- Club members on e-mail receive updates of results and events every 1-3 weeks
- Valley Striders Review - is printed annually and sent out during August or early September just before the A G M.
- Valley Striders News - the club newsletter - used to be produced every 3-4 months or so, but has been "replaced" by the combination of V S Review and emails. Old V S News are available on the website.
- Return to Internet 'home' page: http://www.valleystriders.org.uk/striders.htm
- 9 current club members with sub 2:30 marathon times
- 4 Yorkshire representatives in 2003/4 (Tracey, Lisa, Sam and Vicky)
- Male sizes: 32” 34” 36” 39” 42” 45” @ £10
- Female sizes: 32” 35” 38” 40” @ £10
- Crop tops: 10, 12, 14, 16 @ £12
- Prices include lettering.
We have club jackets in black with the Valley Striders logo in white on the front and back.
One of our members, Paul Hunter, liaises with the supplier.
Paul is at the club most Tuesday evenings and has samples of small and medium jackets – try for size, then order!
The price is £19.