If you are seeking a running club that combines a deep-rooted history with a thriving, inclusive running community, then look no further than Thames Hare & Hounds. Exercising with the Thames Hare & Hounds offers a uniquely British cross-country experience, providing a potent blend of physical conditioning, mental fortitude, and social camaraderie, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Wimbledon Common. For runners in South West London and beyond, the club provides an outstanding framework for achieving your fitness goals, whether you are aiming for a championship medal or simply looking to complete your first cross-country season.
The primary benefit of joining the Thames Hare & Hounds is the unparalleled access to high-quality cross-country running. The club is headquartered on Wimbledon Common, a historic and naturally challenging training ground that has been its home since 1868. Running over this unpredictable, undulating terrain is a vastly superior form of conditioning compared to pounding pavements. Every step requires your stabilising muscles to work harder, dramatically improving lower limb strength and shock absorption. This type of training is scientifically proven to elevate cardiovascular fitness and build raw power, skills which will translate into improved performance in all running disciplines, from track speed sessions to road marathons. The club specifically caters for all abilities, from beginners to seasoned distance runners and those focused on speed training, ensuring you will always find a supportive group to run with, regardless of your pace. Regular runs typically last between five and ten miles, with a longer Sunday morning run ranging from five to around fifteen miles.
Beyond the physical benefits, the competitive environment and fixture list offered by Thames Hare & Hounds serve as a powerful motivational tool. The club organises and competes in a wide range of events, from low-key club handicaps to championship cross-country races like the Surrey League, where the club's teams consistently perform at a high level. Running for a team instantly transforms an individual endeavour into a collective effort, providing accountability and a shared purpose that can push you past your perceived limits. The atmosphere is friendly and low-key, making the excitement of competition accessible to everyone. The storied history of the Thames Hare & Hounds, which includes hosting the annual Oxford-Cambridge University Cross-Country Races, imbues every run with a sense of tradition and prestige, connecting modern runners to a lineage stretching back over 150 years.
Finally, the social side of the Thames Hare & Hounds provides a crucial component often missing in solitary training plans. The club is built on a strong ethos of camaraderie.
http://www.thameshareandhounds.org.uk/about-us/when-and-where-we-meet
