Club History
The club was founded by John Atkinson who in October 1986 placed an advert in the Comet making an appeal for runners to join him in forming a new club.
By Christmas the club totalled 14 members and it was decided that it was time to formalise how the new club would operate. John was joined by Phil and Simon Gilby, Sue Pavey and Norman Leslie among others to help develop the club’s identity and character.
The club's first meeting point was North Herts Leisure Centre. A cue was taken from the leisure centre in naming the club North Herts Road Runners.
The first AGM took place on 7 Jan 1987 where the committee was formerly elected. Phil Gilby took on the role of Chairman, John Atkinson the Club Secretary, Sue Pavey became Treasurer and Lynne Hammond took on Publicity. The club philosophy was - "To run and socialise, and not become a 'serious' club." By Feb 1988 membership had reached 65.
Spearheaded by Phil Gilby, the club organised the first Standalone 10K on 16th October 1988. The race was a great success with 330 entries, and was won in a time of 32:30, with the last competitor crossing the line in 77:47.
By mid '88 the Black Squirrel logo was born and a few years later the club received support from the Heritage Foundation to buy new kit and so the club vest was redesigned in the foundation colours we use today, including black shorts (mandatory!).
30 years on and North Herts Road Runners is a thriving club which welcomes runners of all abilities, we host three event which include First Saturday of the Month, the Greenway Challenge and our flagship event Standalone 10k.
By Christmas the club totalled 14 members and it was decided that it was time to formalise how the new club would operate. John was joined by Phil and Simon Gilby, Sue Pavey and Norman Leslie among others to help develop the club’s identity and character.
The club's first meeting point was North Herts Leisure Centre. A cue was taken from the leisure centre in naming the club North Herts Road Runners.
The first AGM took place on 7 Jan 1987 where the committee was formerly elected. Phil Gilby took on the role of Chairman, John Atkinson the Club Secretary, Sue Pavey became Treasurer and Lynne Hammond took on Publicity. The club philosophy was - "To run and socialise, and not become a 'serious' club." By Feb 1988 membership had reached 65.
Spearheaded by Phil Gilby, the club organised the first Standalone 10K on 16th October 1988. The race was a great success with 330 entries, and was won in a time of 32:30, with the last competitor crossing the line in 77:47.
By mid '88 the Black Squirrel logo was born and a few years later the club received support from the Heritage Foundation to buy new kit and so the club vest was redesigned in the foundation colours we use today, including black shorts (mandatory!).
30 years on and North Herts Road Runners is a thriving club which welcomes runners of all abilities, we host three event which include First Saturday of the Month, the Greenway Challenge and our flagship event Standalone 10k.