The Denmead Striders running club has been helping competitive athletes and others to run better for 25 years. The club marked the occasion this summer with an anniversary party where longstanding and new members could meet the founding chairman, Charlie Burton. Charlie was a good runner and keen to establish a Club to encourage others to share his passion. His son John and his two grandchildren ran in the Denmead 10k event referred to below.
Denmead Striders today have around 120 members, ranging from talented athletes such as Julian Manning, who placed 188th in this year's London Marathon, to 83 year-old Mike Shaw, who has just celebrated running in the club's regular 3.5 mile handicap race without stopping. The club further celebrated by organising a local 10k race on Sunday 19th October. The race started and finished at the Kidmore Lane car park in Denmead. Prior to the race Mark Pelley, club Chairman, said to Postcode: "We have been so well supported by the people of Denmead and Waterlooville and the running clubs in the Portsmouth area that we wanted to give something back. The Denmead 10k is held on a beautiful course and has something for everyone, with a good selection of prizes for the faster runners and, a medal and a warm welcome for those who just want to improve their health and fitness. Best of all, entry is just £12."
For further details about the Denmead Striders, including when and where they train and how to join in the running, visit www.denmeadstriders.co.uk