Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we meet? 

Run Together Radcliffe meets every Thursday at 7 pm at the entrance of Radcliffe Market. All sessions will end here too. We recommend arriving 10 minutes before the session starts so you can sign in, familiarise yourself with the run leaders and let us know if you have any injuries. 

You can park in Lidl Carpark next door or the Metrolink or bus terminals are only a short walk away. 

There may be times when we meet at different locations, but this will be communicated via email or on our Facebook pages in advance. 

Are the sessions free? 

Yes! All of our sessions are free. We do, however, request that all runners and walkers sign up for the sessions by clicking on the 'runs' tab above. Please do this at least 24hrs before the session is due to start do not forget to cancel if you cannot attend a session that you have booked. This is so we can allocate enough run leaders for the sessions. 

Run Leaders reserve the right to stop bookings at any time if there aren’t enough run leaders to safely support the session. 

Do I need to be a runner before I come along to a session? 

We aim to cater for as many abilities as possible. For beginners we have our popular annual couch to 5k programme each January and, when possible, we will offer walks as well.  Our main sessions though are aimed at runners who have either completed a couch to 5k programme or have run before.  These sessions are as follows;

  • Keep me going: 5-6k 
  • Challenge me: 8-10k 

For all sessions, there will be a run leader located at the front and the back to ensure nobody gets left behind. 

Where do we run?

The run leaders work hard every week to specifically design routes that are suitable to the session you have signed up for. We try to do a different route each week and do a mixture of circular and out-and-back routes, so no 2 weeks will be the same. 

The routes will be published in advance on our Facebook page and are suitable for the time of year and will always be well-lit for safety. 

What shall I wear to Run Together Radcliffe? 

We recommend you have the following items to ensure you are comfortable throughout the sessions. Many of the items listed below can be found in supermarkets, online or second-hand and in stores such as Primark, so make sure you shop around to find the best deals for your budget. Many stores also offer discounts if you are a student or a blue light card member. 

For runners:

  • A pair of running or walking trainers  For those aiming to run regularly, we recommend getting a free gait analysis done at your local ‘runners need’ shop to learn more about your running style. Whilst not compulsory, wearing trainers that suit your running style will improve your performance over time and reduce the risk of injury. 
  • Socks – any trainer socks will do but for those who are running, you can buy specially designed running socks which can help with cushioning and can prevent blisters.
  • Leggings or shorts – any style will do but we find running leggings/ shorts with enclosed zips or pockets are very handy to store our car/house keys or mobile phones! These are also designed to be lightweight and will not hold water if we are caught in a downpour! 
  • T-shirt – whilst you can wear any tshirt, we would recommend a polyester top because its lightweight, breathable and non-absorbent
  • Sports Bra   this will not apply to all of our runners or walkers but ensure you purchase a sports bra that is suitable for the activity. If you are running, a medium to high-impact bra is recommended to ensure you are comfortable.
  • Layers – this applies to the winter months only but it is recommended to purchase a longsleeved gym top and/or a breathable shower-proof jacket for running or walking in the cold/rain. 
  • High vis accessories – this applies to winter months only when we will be running in the dark. We recommend purchasing bands or vests to ensure you can be seen! 

What do I do if I have a problem during the session or want to give feedback?

Please speak to one of our run/walk leaders if you have a problem during the session. 

We welcome all feedback from new or existing runners/walkers – you can either do this in person or via the Facebook page. Please note, all run/walk leaders are volunteers and dedicate a lot of time to make it an enjoyable and inclusive experience for all, so please keep this in mind when providing feedback.