Runs start (running) time 6:30 (home) and 6:45 (away) PROMPT
The Calendar typically advertises a suggested run, where there will be a off road route of about 8 miles, 90 minutes duration . Route alterations may occur prior to setting off, or during the run to account for weather conditions / attendees. It is not unusual for faster / slower individuals to form their own groups and to set off on a variation of the main route. These groups will make their intentions clear before the start of the run or when the group regathers.
There is always the option to plan an alternative run from The Sportsman, taking in other off-road terrain on offer or hilly road running. When the scheduled run is ‘Away’ there is no guarantee that there will be anyone else there to run with you from the Sportsman, or that the hut will be open (but it is likely to be a valid option). For any queries on Wednesday night runs please contact email
Redmires Playing Field
During the winter, on a Wednesday there are regular runs from the Club Hut which is located to the rear of the Sportsman Pub. Please use the Redmires Playing field parking, which is slightly further along Redmires Road. Please do NOT use the Pub Car Park. Find it.
There are usually a number of groups, of different speeds taking to either a road run, or an off-road run; with the occasional race thrown in for good measure. The runs are a mix of road and off-road runs.
Newcomers should make themselves known on arrival; particularly to the person announcing the route.
The runs are followed by a sociable drink in the Sportsman pub next to the club hut. Please bring a change of clothes for attending the pub as
Whatever the calendar may say, a flexible approach is never bad thing. If you are flexible to different types of run it is a wise precaution to have both types of shoes and a head torch with you, just in you find there is a tempting alternative when you arrive.
Routes may be advertised ahead of time. Ensure you have a map of the local area.
Safety – Full FRA kit is mandatory for all off road runs in Winter. This includes:
- full body cover (waterproof or windproof according to conditions),
- spare top,
- hat, gloves,
- survival bag,
- torch, spare batteries,
- map, compass, whistle
- emergency food.
Consider that off road, it is likely to take more than 2 hours for outside assistance to arrive. Be prepared to stay warm for that period! No kit? No Run!
Road Runs (from Redmires Playing field, public car park)
The road runs follow one of a number of set routes*. The plan is to spend about 90 minutes out on the road. The defined routes have a number of stops where everyone waits to regroup. At these stops there are usually options to take known short cuts, for those that want to.
These club nights are good quality training runs with mixed ability. The stopping points provide an opportunity to take a quicker / shorter / slower route home. Head torches aren’t essential, but some of the routes do take in some roads that are more country than city. Some light coloured or high visibility clothing is highly recommended. As ever with winter runs you should also consider a light windproof or waterproof, hat and gloves when conditions dictate.
* A typical longer version of a road run is the “Full Dungworth”, 10.3 miles, 1700ft climb. Click here to view it on a map.
Runs set off at 6:30 prompt. Be changed, be ready, or be standing in an empty car park, wondering if its the right place.
Off-road Runs (from Redmires Playing field, public car park)
As an alternative to road runs there is an off-road run. The route will typically follow trails and paths, with the occasional trod for good measure. During the winter, venturing into the undergrowth more often occurs by accident, rather than design. The general format is largely the same as the road runs. Although the routes are rarely far from a road, a good head torch is a necessity, as are grippy off-road shoes.
Runs set off at 6:30 prompt. Be changed, be ready, or be standing in an empty car park, wondering if its the right place.
Away Runs (off road runs)
Winter Wednesday runs away from Tha Sportsman head out on the fells, meeting at a variety of venues. Details of venue can be found on the Calendar page.
The club will typically take in an away run at least once a month. These will typically be more trail orientated outings than the club summer runs in the Peak. The weather on the fells can be extremely changeable so it is always worth considering additional kit (warm layers, an emergency survival bag, a group bothy bag on nights with particularly wild weather). A map and compass is essential for these runs, everything looks very similar in the dark!
In addition there is the “Warts” group which has run for several decades and may head out earlier in the evening as this accommodates the (now) mostly retired attendees. Occasional short notice alternatives are advertised on the Warts Blog. There are no facilities at meeting points. These runs usually take to rough terrain and frequently eschew the well-trodden path. Good running fitness and high moorland experience is a must. They usually in excess two hours.
GPS tracks of couple of typical Warts runs are here:
It is also highly desirable if at least one member of the group has a light bivvy bag or 1-2 man emergency shelter and first aid kit.
Warm dry clothes to change into after running are essential. A de-brief in a hostelry local to the run location is the norm. The Club’s safety expectations and further information and advice can be found here.
New Runners and Personal Responsibility!
Prospective members are welcome on Wednesday runs prior to joining the club. Please first get in touch via the “Wednesday Nights” contact on the website contacts page. On the night it is important that you make yourself known to club members before the start of the run, particularly to the person announcing the route. Before considering these runs you should undertake an assessment of your fitness and mountain craft. Whilst runs from Tha Sportsman are on the margins of the city, you should come prepared. For off road runs it is essential you carry sufficient waterproofs and additional layers to stay warm and dry in the event of an accident.
Away runs can be a substantial undertaking in winter weather and on remote terrain. Personal safety is of the utmost importance. It is essential to be able to make your own decisions about navigation, safe lines of travel, places of safety in the dark, and subsequent communication with the group in the event of becoming separated.
Winter Monday Series
Regular Monday races or hill rep sessions are organised from Bolsterstone church at SK270968. More details of time, place and route are in the calendar. These sessions are on dimly lit country roads or good tracks and high-viz kit and a torch are needed. There are no facilities at the meeting point. Note that races are primarily organised for the benefit of members and are not normally open to non-members. Runners attending for the first time should make themselves known to the organiser on arrival.