Hardley Runners were formed in 1984 and have a current membership of +200 runners of varied ability, Based in Hythe on the edge of the New Forest, the club is active in competition on the road & X/C. We especially like off-road/trail running with the local terrain being ideally suitable.

We participate in the very popular RR10 summer mid week league where joined by other local running clubs , bi-weekly races of 4-5 Miles are enjoyed. Similarly we participate in the winter Sunday morning CC6 League (x/c) which again immensely popular with our runners. We consider ourselves to be very friendly and supportive and encourage other club social events which do not always include running, although at least twice a year a training weekend away is organised in a different part of the country.

We have in the past had a bias towards the longer distances with club runners competing in ultra trail races as well as marathon distances with the London Marathon being the most popular of all events with our members. We do not however cater for children with 15 years being the minimum age to join.

Your questions answered!

Where can I find you?

Club nights are Tuesday (6:30pm ) & Thursday (6:15pm) meeting at Applemore Rec. Centre., near Hythe, Southampton.

Sunday mornings, if not competing, a different forest location is chosen for a longer but slower training run.

What training do you do?

Club night’s runners tend to split into groups consisting of either structured training session or longer but slower off road run.

Training sessions are varied between hills/sprints always’s with warm-up & downs. Sunday morning’s to tend to be a forest wonder enjoying the scenery & wild life of the New Forest

Can I turn up or do I have to join first?

We are a friendly club and take no exception to any runner just turning up and running on our club nights for a period before considering joining.

We do prefer a telephone call before hand so that we can introduce ourselves in the appropriate manner.

I am only looking to train for the Virgin London Marathon, how will I find others to train with?

We have a number of runners who were successful in gaining a place in this years marathon. Their abilities are mostly 3:30 – 4:30 potential finish time with at least four being first timers. With other members who have had the experience of competing in the marathon on numerous previous occasions there is always words of wisdom to be offered.