New Runners Night

Thinking of joining a running club but not sure if you're good enough or fast enough? Want to train during the winter but don't want to go out running alone in the dark? Don't worry - come and try out the Manchester YMCA Harriers with our New Runners' Night!

We will meet at 6.30pm at the Y Club reception and do a quick warm up before going out for a short run in different pace groups. All levels of runners will be catered for so no one will be left behind and you don't need to worry about being too fast or too slow.

In the midst of early winter sunsets and cold weather, running with a group is much safer, it will keep you motivated and you'll meet lots of friendly faces too! It's also way more fun to run with others than alone.

As an England Athletics affiliated running club based at the Y Club, we train regularly during the week and we are a complete mixed group of male/female, older/younger and faster/not so fast runners. What we all have in common is that we are very friendly and we love running and seeing new members come along to try it out! There is no obligation to join, just come and see what you think!

After the run we will all head for a social night with chips, beers and a chat which you are welcome to come along to too! If you've got any questions just drop us a line, otherwise come along and give it a go!

See you there!

Session Format

Our group runs take place every Thursday, starting at the Y Club at 6:30pm. After a quick warm up, the Captains will gather the group together for Club Notices, after which we split into sub-groups before heading off on one of our many routes.

Each group will run at a different pace and will be led by a club member, so there should always be a pace group suited to you. The number of groups is flexible depending on the number of runners down on any particular night, but we’ll generally have the following six groups:

Group 1:

• 8 miles (13 km)
• 7.00 min / mile (4.20 min / km) +/- 30 secs

Group 2:

• 8 miles (13 km)
• 8.00 min / mile (5.00 min / km) +/- 30 secs

Group 3:

• 8 miles (13 km)
• 8.30-9.00 min / mile (5.20-5.40 min / km) +/- 30 secs

Group 4:

• 8 miles (13 km)
• 9.30-10.00 min / mile (5.50-6.15 min / km) +/- 30 secs

Group 5:

• 6 miles (10 km)
• 10.00 min / mile (6.15 min / km) +/- 30 secs

Group 6:

• 3 miles (5 km)
• This group will run at whatever pace is comfortable for everyone

If you’re not sure which group to go in on your first visit, we'd advise starting off in Group 6 and try to work your way up to the next one!

Joining a Thursday Group Run

Just turn up, that's all you need. You don't have to be a member. You don't have to have run with us before. There is no cost.

Meet us outside the Y Club at 6:30pm ready to run and you will be welcome to join us!