Introduction to Stride Out Stannington
On a drizzly morning in Stannington Park in north-west Sheffield, a dozen women dressed in brightly coloured sportswear are warming up on the wet grass. Despite the ongoing rain, the atmosphere is lively, filled with laughter and friendly teasing.
This group is Stride Out Stannington, a women's running club celebrating its 10th anniversary.
My presence was met with a lighthearted warning.
"There'll be a lot of perimenopause chat," says Claire Brown, laughing.
Brown, 46, founded the group after participating in a charity Tough Mudder endurance race without any prior training.
"I felt very broken afterwards," she recalls.
"So I signed up for a Couch to 5k at the original Stride Out group."
The original Stride Out club was established in Wisewood in 2011.
Brown explains that the idea for her group came from "two mums dropping their kids off at gymnastics and sat waiting for an hour doing nothing so deciding to go for a run."
She was invited to become a "club leader" and to run a new "non-competitive" group in Stannington focused on "community-based fitness."
Ten years on, Brown emphasizes that community remains the core value of the club, with running considered an "added extra."
The group currently has around 50 members.
Members’ Experiences and Support
As we navigate muddy fields and woodland trails through the Rivelin Valley, members share how the group has supported them personally.
Nurse Fiona Sanders was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46.
"I don't think I would have got through it without my running group," she says.
Despite exhaustion from radiotherapy, she was committed to continuing running to aid her recovery.
"I used to cry before I set off sometimes but we'd hug and the endorphins from the run would kick in," she explains.
"You can open up easier when you're not looking directly at somebody but running alongside them."
Alison Fox, 48, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during her university years.
"I just keep going. I'm very determined. I'm always at the back, but I always turn up every Friday," she says.
"They always look after me and check I'm OK."
Three years ago, Alison suffered a leg break after colliding with a dog while running.
"It's been a slow journey back," she admits.
"I couldn't do it without these ladies. I'm so fortunate to have them. We've been through some tough times with all of us but it's been brilliant."
Leadership and Group Activities
Amy Everett, 36, currently chairs Stride Out Stannington and leads our group on a scenic four-mile run through the woods.
She explains that "Tree root!" is a common warning shouted during runs.
The group meets weekly on Friday mornings and welcomes all paces and experience levels. Beginners can also join a special Couch to 5k training plan.
In addition to Stannington and Wisewood, Stride Out groups have also been established in Crookes, Stocksbridge, and Woodhouse.
During today's run, the group pauses for a breather beside the natural Rivelin plunge pool, although no one ventures into the water this time.
"We do it in the summer though," Everett notes.
"Though it is a bit chafey running back."
Everett, a civil servant who initially joined because she "didn't know anyone" in the area, praises the growth of all-female running groups in Sheffield.
"I think we do offer something maybe slightly different to some of the other groups that can be quite pace-focused or maybe they'll only do three miles, whereas we can offer three, four and five-mile groups.
"We're definitely not on TikTok either," she laughs.
Longstanding Members and Their Dedication
At 73, Maggie Carey is among the oldest members of the club.
She ran the London Marathon in 1987 and despite cartilage problems, wearing a knee support, and a recent foot operation, she remains committed to running.
"I don't chase PBs anymore but I did seven 10ks for my 70th and I have another half marathon in me," she says.
"When I had my foot operation, the consultant said to me, 'I'm going to tell you now, you need to stop running, but you're going to totally ignore me aren't you?'"
Reflecting on the group, she smiles and says:
"If you're going through a bad patch they're here for you, they're just wonderful women, all of them."
Reflections on Nature and Escape
As the group pauses to appreciate the natural surroundings, Everett comments on the setting.
"We're only 100 metres away from the road," she says.
"You can't see any technology, it's just the water, and the rocks, and it's escape. It's proper escapism."
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