Run Club Revolution
Run Club Ribble Valley is a new group that is attracting runners of all ages, who are not only improving their running technique but are also enjoying the social aspect of meeting new friends
A talented young runner, who recently returned to her Ribble Valley roots, has proved to be an inspirational figure to other sportsmen and women. Charlotte Ashworth from Whalley, studied and lived in Manchester for a number of years but when she came back to live in Whalley she was surprised how difficult it was to find a social running club.
“There wasn’t a lot of social activity that incorporated sport. I love running and was keen to meet like-minded people – so I decided to set up Run Club Ribble Valley,” says Charlotte, who with the help of husband Sam, brother Ronan and sister-in-law Chloe formed the club last year.
“It was a bit of a birthday goal for me,” she recalls. “I was turning 30, I was going through some really difficult training for my first marathon, it was winter, it was dark and I didn’t enjoy or feel safe running on my own. So, I booked on to a leadership course, posted on Instagram and set up Run Club Ribble Valley.
“I never thought it would be so popular. I still get a little nervous going to each Run Club meeting as I know how intimidating it can be to just turn up to something where there are lots of people that you don’t know.”
Today Run Club Ribble Valley (RCRV) has more than 1,000 Instagram followers and 40 regular weekly runners, aged from 20 somethings to sixties and upwards, who embark on various 5k runs in and around Whalley.
“It’s definitely not just for young runners,” adds Charlotte. “People message me asking if they are too old and I say, ‘absolutely not!’ We have runners of all ages, we are open to everyone.”
RCRV meets at 6.15pm every Tuesday at the Eagle at Barrow – there are three groups – beginners, intermediates and advanced for runners who can run or jog a 5k route at their own personal speed and ability: “It’s great because over time they are improving without even realising it,” says Charlotte. “All they need to do is turn up and enjoy it! It has been lovely to see how friendships have also been formed. Runners arrive not knowing anyone, but it is incredibly rewarding to see them go on to socialise and run other events together so it’s very much a social opportunity too.”
RVRC, which is free to attend, has become so successful that Charlotte has gone on to form collaborations with local companies including LANX, Per4m gym, Wild Core Physio and Deux Amis, organising Saturday runs that have attracted up to 70 runners, who often have the opportunity of special offers and discounts as a result of the various collaborations.
Charlotte adds: “Run Club Ribble Valley is not a business, it is just me doing something I love and wanting to share it.
“I work as an Account Manager in Manchester, which can be quite stressful. Running is great for health and wellbeing and after Run Club I feel so much better! Meeting other people and making friends is also great for wellbeing.
“Running with other people is the biggest help. It’s so easy just to give up if you’re running on your own – especially in the winter months when it’s dark and cold.
“In summer it’s beautiful – there is more flexibility on the routes I choose. I am always going out at the weekend to find new running routes along lovely rural pathways. Whereas in winter we are limited. We tend to stick to a few different routes in winter and each month we include a motivational ‘Out & Back’ challenge, a run from Barrow to Clitheroe to improve personal run times and performance. Runners use the challenge as a benchmark to see how they improve.”
Charlotte, who attended Bowland High School and completed her Sixth Form at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, was recognised as having sporting potential from a young age and went on to successfully compete in track and cross-country events.
After a short period of not running at all, she returned to the sport in her mid-20s when she ran a 10k to raise to money for Alzheimers in memory of her late grandfather: “I got a better-than-expected time and it really reignited my love of running,” recalls Charlotte, who went on to run a number of half-marathons.
She has since raised thousands of pounds for various charities, including Freddie’s Sunshine – the charity for which she completed her first marathon last year: “There was no way I was going to give up on that one!”
