Training

We currently have 1 coach-led training session per week held on Tuesday at 7.30pm, meeting at Saintfield Sports Club.  The training schedule is put together by our fabulous team of volunteer coaches and sessions are fun, varied, interesting and designed to help improve running technique, performance, speed and endurance and are suitable for all abilities.

Social Runs

We have 3 coordinated social runs every week.  Wednesday 7pm leaving from Saintfield Square, Thursday 7.15pm leaving from The Square Crossgar and Sunday 9am with alternating meet-up locations. Times/locations can be subject to change - details are communicated weekly via social media and email.  These runs are not coach-led and offer a variety of distances and pace to suit everyone.  They are a great way to get to know other members and enjoy some friendly company while on the run.  We even have a “Curry Run” on the first Wednesday of every month, meeting in the Whitehorse Inn, after the social run.  You don’t have to eat curry to run or run to eat curry and the craic is always great.

Trail / XC Social Runs

Once a month we plan a social off-road run and head to some of the loveliest, aka muddiest, trail locations in the mountains, hills, dales and forest parks where the stunning scenery, wonderfully challenging routes and great chat is to be enjoyed! Runs can vary from Sunday mornings in spring and summer to night time runs by torchlight in the autumn and winter.

Track Nights

From time to time we take our training session to the Mary Peters Track in Belfast to take advantage of the great running space available to us, often rounding up with a fun-for-all relay race at the end.

Post Training Tea/Coffee Catch Up

On the last Tuesday of each month we meet in the Clubhouse after training for a cuppa and catch-up.  It’s a great opportunity to chat about upcoming events and generally have a bit of craic.  We operate a rota system for putting the kettles on and prepping the cups etc and we encourage all members to take a turn.

Parkrun

Every Saturday morning, all around the world, walkers, joggers and runners get together for a free 5k.  You’ll find all the info about this fabulous initiative, and how to signup, by clicking here .  Don’t forget to add Saintfield Striders as your club and let us know when you are approaching a running or volunteering milestone.

Try Our Training

Once a month (last Tuesday) we invite potential new members to come along and try our session for free.  So why not encourage your family or friends to come along and see what it’s all about.

Couch 2 5K

For those new to running or looking to restart, we offer the Couch to 5k programme which is a great foundation.  10 weeks in duration, it builds through walk/run intervals gradually up to running 5km.  Programmes typically start January and August.  The sessions are also open to full members who have perhaps taken a break and want to ease back in.