After successfully meeting the governing body's criteria for new running clubs, RED Runners have been approved for affiliation to England Athletics.  

There are numerous advantages for the club to be affiliated, these include:

• Athletes able to compete in competition only open to 'first claim' athletes
• Insurance for affiliated clubs and their members
• Funding programmes to benefit affiliated clubs
• Eligibility for club places at the Virgin Money London Marathon - allocated based upon number of registered athletes aged over 18
• Dedicated support for clubs from Club Support Managers
• Subsidised training events for club members
• Visits to clubs from expert coaches to support athlete development - Flying Coach visits
• Discounts on coaching courses for registered club members (Coaching Assistant, Athletics Coach and Coach in Running Fitness qualification)
• Club member welfare support and DBS record checking
• Eligibility to take part in 'Great Club Challenge' at the 'Great Run' series
• Resources and training programmes to support club development
• National Championships across a wide range of event groups and disciplines
• Ability to contest club competitions
• National and regional award programme to recognise the efforts of the volunteer
• Specialist national and regional events, seminars and conferences to support coaches, officials, athletes and volunteers
• Benefits and support for competition organisers
• Delivery of licenced coach, teacher and officials' education programmes
• Development of up-to-date resources for coaches, teachers and officials
• Specialist conferences and technical workshops for coaches, teachers and officials
• Introducing athletics to young people through the club–school links project
• Working with established bodies to secure more investment for talent development

A committee has been formed and officials have been appointed so that key decisions can be made and the club can move forward to formally accept members for the first time.  It is likely that the club will offer membership to runners who do wish to also be affiliated with England Athletics and those that do not.  A committee meeting was held on 22nd January 2018 and details of membership options are now being drawn up.  These will be made public shortly.  

As part of the further development of the club it is also likely that a second session per week will be added to the schedule.  Again, options to deliver this are now being considered and news will follow in due course.

To fit in with the England Athletics season, the changes will be implemented from 1st April 2018.

Needless to say, the existing members of RED Runners are very excited that the club have made such rapid progress after only beginning with informal session in the summer of 2017.  The club will remain athlete-focused and will provide opportunities for people to run together in a fun environment and to compete in races and team events.  It already has a strong social outlook, and this will be enhanced as the club grows.  

The future's bright; the future's RED!