Littledown Harriers is a friendly and inclusive Bournemouth running club welcoming runners aged 16 and over. Based at the Littledown Centre, the club offers twice-weekly training sessions, beginner programmes, social runs and opportunities to participate in local races. With more than 220 members, Littledown Harriers suits everyone from people developing their general fitness to experienced runners training for races and marathons.
Littledown Harriers was established in 1990 and is now one of Bournemouth’s best-established running clubs. Although some members compete regularly, you do not need to be an experienced or competitive runner to join.
The club includes marathon runners, recreational runners, people improving their fitness and those returning to running after some time away. The emphasis is on supportive group training with opportunities to progress at your own pace.
Members can also participate in social events, club competitions and races across Bournemouth and Dorset.
The club’s main training sessions take place on:
Runners should arrive at approximately 6.50pm because the groups leave promptly at 7pm.
The meeting point is on the path in front of the cricket pavilion behind the Littledown Centre. Continue past the five-a-side football pitches towards the cricket pitches.
Sunday runs may also be organised from different locations. Details of these sessions are published in the club’s current training schedule.
Yes. Runners who can already cover approximately 5 kilometres, or three miles, can enquire about joining one of the club’s regular sessions.
First-time visitors should contact Littledown Harriers before attending. The club will explain which session is most suitable and ask visitors to complete an emergency contact form.
The minimum age for participating in the club’s sessions is 16.
Littledown Harriers runs Couch to 5K courses at selected times during the year. These structured programmes are designed for complete beginners, people returning to exercise and runners rebuilding their fitness following an injury or extended break.
Courses usually build gradually towards completing a continuous 5K run. The club may also offer a follow-on programme that helps participants progress from 5K to approximately five miles.
Dates, prices and availability vary between courses, so check the official Couch to 5K page before attending.
Littledown Harriers offers different membership options depending on whether you want to run socially or compete as an affiliated club member.
Social or non-affiliated membership provides access to the club’s regular training sessions. However, social members cannot officially compete under the Littledown Harriers name in affiliated races.
Affiliated membership includes the relevant England Athletics registration fee and allows eligible members to represent Littledown Harriers in affiliated competitions.
The club also offers first-claim membership with or without a club vest, as well as second-claim membership for runners already affiliated with another club.
At the time of writing, the club portion of annual membership is £16.50, with additional England Athletics and club vest costs where applicable. Membership runs from 1 April until 31 March, and reduced fees may sometimes apply when joining partway through the year.
Always check the current membership information before applying, as prices and conditions can change.
Members can decide whether they simply want to attend training sessions or become more involved in competitive running.
Possible activities include:
Competitive participation is optional, and runners primarily interested in exercise and meeting other local people are equally welcome.
If you would like to try the club, contact Littledown Harriers before attending your first session. The club can advise whether a regular training session or its next Couch to 5K programme would be the best starting point.
To become a member, complete the online application form on the club’s website. The application will then be reviewed, and successful applicants will receive information about payment and completing their membership.
Littledown Harriers may be particularly suitable if you:
Membership: View membership information
New runners:Information for beginners
Contact: Contact Littledown Harriers
Meeting arrangements, membership fees and beginner-course dates can change. Contact Littledown Harriers or visit its official website before attending.
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