RunTogether Canterbury

Key Information for Runners, Jeffers and Walkers

RunTogether Canterbury – Group Guide

Please read at least once per year

Website: https://clubspark.englandathletics.org/RunTogetherCanterbury
Contact (Emily): 07770 479589

 

Who We Are

RunTogether is an England Athletics programme providing fun, friendly and inclusive running opportunities led by trained, insured Run Leaders.

RunTogether Canterbury was founded in 2021 to create a supportive, social environment where people can improve fitness and connect with others. Since then, we’ve supported 60+ people through Couch to 5K and now offer:

  • Social runs
  • Speed sessions
  • Jeffing (30 second run/walk intervals) 
  • Walking group
  • Trail running
  • Regular parkrun trips around the county

We cater for a wide range of abilities, from walkers to faster runners.

 

Sessions

Runners & Jeffers

  • Thursday (main session): Social run/jeffing (chatty pace)
  • Monday: Speedplay
  • Tuesday: Two faster paced groups
  • Saturday/Sunday: parkruns/trails/jeffs

Locations:

  • Summer: Canterbury City (road running) & Blean Woods (trail running)
  • Winter: City loop (road running on lit routes) Blean Woods (weekend trail running)

 

Walkers

  • Monthly (usually last Sunday) 4–6km social walk
  • Mixed terrain – suitable footwear required
  • Café/pub stop often included afterwards ☕

 

Booking and Cancelling

  • Please register and book in advance using either the website or the preferred option for many of our members, the RunTogether Runner app.
  • Ensures emergency details are available
  • Helps leaders plan sessions

➡️ Cancelling is easily using the RunTogether Runner app if you can’t attend,  to free up spaces, click on my schedule, select the run and select cancel session.

 

Trail Running

  • Uneven, often slippery and uneven terrain
  • Wear appropriate shoes (trainers with good grip/trail shoes if you have them)
  • Carry a phone
  • Stay with your group at all times

 

Group Conduct & Etiquette

We are a social, non-competitive group. Safety and inclusion come first.

Key Principles

  • We run and walk as a group
  • No one is left behind
  • Look after each other

Run Leader Structure

  • Leader runs from the back
  • Sometimes a second leader runs at the front if available
  • Groups may split by pace if needed and leaders are available

 

⚠️ Runner Etiquette (Important)

To keep everyone safe and included:

  • Do NOT run ahead of the group
  • If you are faster:
    • Loop back regularly to the Run Leader
    • Stay connected to the group at all times
  • Never continue far ahead or out of sight
  • Running ahead can cause others to follow and become separated

👉 If you are regularly ahead of the group pace, please speak to a Run Leader about:

  • Moving to a more suitable group

This ensures:

  • Group safety
  • Better enjoyment for you and others

No one should run or walk alone.

 

Clothing & Kit

  • Dress for weather and terrain - BE VISIBLE
  • Trail: wear grippy shoes

Winter

  • wear hi-vis/reflective gear AND/OR lights at every session
  • refrain from wearing black or dark clothing if possible - BE VISIBLE

 

Hydration

  • Always hydrate before sessions – especially in the summer months
  • Bring water to run with if needed – especially in the summer months, trail runs longer than 10k and speedplay sessions.  

 

Safety

  • Carry a mobile phone in case of an emergency
  • Follow Run Leader instructions
  • Sessions may be cancelled in unsafe conditions (e.g. ice/snow)

Use common sense at all times.

 

First Aid & Emergencies

  • Run Leaders carry first aid kits
  • In emergencies: Call 999 immediately

If someone is unconscious and not breathing/breathing normally:

➡️ We urge you if possible, to start CPR (call handler will guide you)

 

Key points:

  • Call 999 immediately and follow instructions
  • Start chest compressions and use an AED as soon as possible
  • AEDs are safe and give clear instructions to users
  • Continue CPR until help arrives or the person recovers

Defibrillators (AEDs) are available across Canterbury (stations, public buildings, etc.).

 

Useful Guidance & Learning Resources

 

Warm Up & Cool Down

  • Start slow, build pace
  • Stretch before and after
  • Ask if you need guidance

 

Photos & Social Media

Photos are often taken and shared on:

➡️ Let us know if you prefer not to be included

 

Contact

  • 📞 07770 479589 (Emily)
  • 📧 runtogethercanterbury@gmail.com
  • Or via the website