June and July Roundup 

It's been a wonderful two months of Pride runs, bubble runs, mental health runs, NHS parkrun shenanigans and welcoming lots of new faces along to run with us - it doesn't get much better than this!

We've also been looking at the future of the group with a Run Leader meeting and a Development meeting.... plans are afoot and it’s exciting times. 

First of all the congratulations!

Congratulations to all our event racers these last few months. It’s turning into a very busy season for lots of you with PBs left, right and centre. If you are one of those people who has been brave enough to enter a race then pat yourself on the back for a run well done!   

Congratulations to team RTC who came second in the Runr Miles for Mind challenge - our team came in 2nd with a cumulative total of 682 miles!

Congratulations to our parkrun milestoners Lucy and Jan reaching 100 parkruns! This is a huge achievement I think you will agree, and we are so proud of our champion parkrunners – you are inspirational to so many of us! 

Run updates 

Keep an eye on the run dates on the app or the website. We are running a slightly reduced programme over the summer holidays to give everyone time to get away with their families and enjoy some downtime, but we may add some runs last minute which will be announced on Slack as and when.  And don't forget Slack is very active; we are all around at different times so stay in touch – don't be a stranger.  

Next RunTogether Canterbury Wanderers (walking group) is to be confirmed.  

Next RunTogether Trailblazers (long trail running group) is set for Sunday, September 3rd and will be enjoying a lovely cross-country trail from the University of Kent to Whitstable, finishing with ice cream or similar on the beach (because the Neptune won’t be open!) before getting the bus back to Canterbury. 

Socials and Events (NEW SLACK GROUP) 

I’m very excited to announce that we have a new group on Slack for socials and events that don’t require trainers! We are a very social group and I love this but following a couple of post-run chats I realised how important it is to connect with your friends that you may not always run with due to pace or fitness. As such the wonderful Laura, Carolyn and Kerry have started to lead on a socials group and have scheduled our first meet-up. 

Join us at Whitstable beach on Sunday 13th August between 2 and 5pm for a picnic, a paddle in the sea and a relaxed afternoon. We are hoping for lots of sunshine but should the weather not be favourable a plan B will likely involve a pub somewhere in Canterbury. Join the #rtc-social-events group for information and to ask questions. 

We will also be having a Hen run for Carolyn (and hopefully Jack too) on Thursday August 31st, with a drink in the Dolphin pub afterwards ahead of her wedding on Saturday 9th September. 

Upcoming Events 

Great South Run (GSR) 10 mile, Saturday 14th October at 10.00am (meet the gang at 8.45am) 

The website tells us ‘The Great South Run is probably the world’s favourite 10-miler, with inspiring history, salty air and glorious sea views guaranteed. Portsmouth’s supporters will keep your spirits and motivation up the whole way round, with blaring music, cheers, high fives, fist bumps all part of the incredible Great South Run experience. Plus, there’s a medal, exclusive finisher t-shirt and bragging rights at the finish line. There’s a reason 99% of runners say they’d recommend it to a friend – lots of reasons, in fact.’ 

I would recommend that you find somewhere to stay the night before down there.  Those who have entered to run already are booked into the Holiday Inn, Portsmouth North. 

Great South Run | 15 October 2023 | Great Run 

Dover Seafront 10k, Sunday 3rd September at 10am (also our trailblazers run to Whitstable) 

The website says 'A BRAND NEW EVENT FOR 2023! DISCOVER THE BEAUTIFUL SEAFRONT IN THIS HISTORIC PART OF TOWN. 

Many of us have seen the ferry port and passed through Dover, but brand new in 2023 is the chance to discover the relatively unknown seafront. Big wide promenades, historic buildings and great views out to sea. This is a chance to discover the seafront and have a great 10k run. Complete with mini Event Village. Music, food and fun. The route is mostly flat and so good times are possible. The route is suitable for all types of runner from beginner to the more experienced. Every finisher gets a unique medal.’ 

Dover Seafront 10k (sportingeventsuk.com) 

Wingham 5k and 10k, 10th September at 10am 

This is a great run and I believe there are a few booked to enter this one. The website says ‘This ever popular event has reached its 36th year!! This is the only race in the world with clay medals made by Canterbury Pottery!! The piggy pottery medals are a must-have souvenir of the event and a much talked about momento. This race has sells out each year, so act fast to guarantee your space!’ 

The Wingham Run (sportingeventsuk.com) 

parkrun 

Next parkrun is on Saturday 12th August meeting at 8.30 at the Pavillion, Sports Centre at University of Kent, Canterbury.    

September 2nd will see our first parkrun takeover at Canterbury parkrun. Tony is managing this and has a dedicated slack channel so please do check this out if you want to help.  We will be volunteering only so not running  but this is still bookable on the app and the website. 

Developers group 

Thank you to those who attended the Developers meeting this month.  Lots of discussion was had about the group, it’s organisation and future plans.  It was great to have lots of positive feedback and reassuring to know that generally speaking people are happy with the way things are running (no pun intended) and interested in getting more involved.  The group is getting bigger now and safety is a priority so there will be some minor changes but this is for the greater good and hopefully you will barely notice.  The minutes of the meeting are on the #rtc-developers-group slack channel for anyone to look at.  

Next meeting Tuesday 19th September at 7.30 at the George and Dragon pub in Fordwich. All are welcome who want involvement in the develpment of the group. 

RunTogether Canterbury Kit 

Our online kit shop is coming together nicely thanks to MySportsandMore. 

Click this link for the website, in the menu select ‘Team kits’ and scroll down to ‘RunTogether Canterbury’ to peruse our new kit selection https://mysportsandmore.com/.  A number of us have bought kit so we’re happy to recommend you if you aren’t sure about kit/sizing etc.  Feel free to personalise with your name if you'd like to.

Runner information 

Please do refresh yourself with the Runners information page on the website. https://clubspark.englandathletics.org/RunTogetherCanterbury/RunnerInfo 

Google reviews please! 

If you haven’t already, please review the group on google when you have a few minutes.  It really helps others to get a better picture about what our group is about and whether it would suit them, so your opinions are really valid and helpful.  Thank you in advance! 

https://g.page/r/CQAmgzD-y5SREAI/review 

As always if you want to contact me, please do, via slack, whatsapp or give me a call 😊 

Emily 07770 479589