The Washland Women’s Runners have struck gold…..twice. Their first result came at the first evening of the Run England Beginners Running Course, held in partnership with East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Sport Development Team attracting over 40 women. Their second is the clubs achievement of the England Athletics Clubmark Accreditation.

 

England Athletics has recognised and valued the commitment made by Washlands Women’s Running Club to develop a high quality, welcoming environment for all athletes. They have also been recognised for encouraging people to take-up sport, improve their talents and initiate and maintain life-long participation.

 

The Clubmark accreditation makes Washland Women’s Running Club the first road running club in Staffordshire to be granted this status. Although the club gained the nationally recognised accreditation 3 years ago they have ensured their status was renewed by following recommendations suggested by England Athletics and offering continued professionalism to maintain an excellent club.

 

The award of this accreditation comes after months of work on their portfolio file, readdressing their policies and management and ensuring the activity they provide meets England Athletics minimum operating standards.

 

Jan Dingley (Head Coach), lead the completion of the file, with Jen Jenkins (Club Chair) developing the Action Plan, Penny Walker ensuring all necessary health and safety/risk assessments were in place and Lis Slinn who helped on the coaching/leading.

 

Catherine Pendlebury, Network Coordinator for Staffordshire Athletics Network said ‘If anyone is looking for a friendly, well organised club that has an abundance of experience and support for runners of any ability, come and see the Washlands ladies.’

 

The group meets every Wednesday at Burton Rugby Club.  There is currently a ten week beginner’s course taking place on Wednesday evenings between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. The running course started on Wednesday 24th April but, as long as you can comfortably run a mile new runners can still come along and take part. The cost per session is £1.00. If you are a more experienced runner who can comfortably run 2 miles or more you can also consider joining the main club runners on a Wednesday evening at 8.00pm.

 

The club also celebrated its 16th birthday on the 8th May!  Congratulations again!