Running
From junior parkrun to Olympic marathons — discover running clubs and programmes across the UK.
Your Running Journey
England Athletics and parkrun provide pathways from fun runs to national competition.
Junior parkrun
Ages 4-7
Weekly free 2km runs at local parks. Fun, non-competitive, and community-focused.
Forge Field junior parkrun
parkrun
runningCambuslang Park junior parkrun
parkrun
runningCorkagh junior parkrun
parkrun
runningAthletics Club Juniors
Ages 7-11
Multi-event training, cross-country, and first club competitions.
Forge Field junior parkrun
parkrun
runningCambuslang Park junior parkrun
parkrun
runningCorkagh junior parkrun
parkrun
runningYoung Athletes
Ages 11-15
Track and road running, English Schools, and county championships.
Forge Field junior parkrun
parkrun
runningCambuslang Park junior parkrun
parkrun
runningCorkagh junior parkrun
parkrun
runningJunior Competition
Ages 15-17
National Junior Cross Country, UK Youth Development League.
Senior Pathway
Ages 17-20
Senior club racing, national road race series, and international pathway.
Where Running Can Take You
The skills developed transfer to many careers in and around the field.
Professional Runner
Competing at elite level in track, road, or cross-country
Key Skills
Typical Route
Junior athletics → National competition → International → Pro circuit
Athletics Coach
Coaching runners of all distances
Key Skills
Typical Route
England Athletics Level 1 → Level 2 → Level 3 → Performance Coach
Sports Scientist
Testing and optimising endurance performance
Range: £32.7k - £52.4k
Source: ONS ASHE 2024
Key Skills
Typical Route
Sports Science degree → Lab technician → Lead scientist
Event Director
Organising running events from parkrun to marathons
Key Skills
Typical Route
Volunteer → Event assistant → Race director → Major events
Salary data from Office for National Statistics, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2024
Running Heroes
These stars started at local clubs just like yours. Their journeys show what's possible.
Mo Farah
Running
Four-time Olympic champion 5000m and 10000m
“I came to the UK at 8 not speaking English. Running gave me a language everyone understood.”
Paula Radcliffe
Running
Marathon world record holder (2:15:25)
“Bedford & County Athletics Club started my journey. Local clubs build world-beaters.”
Laura Muir
Running
Olympic silver medallist 1500m, European champion
“Dundee Hawkhill Harriers developed me. Scottish athletics is thriving.”
Paula Radcliffe MBE
Running
Women's marathon world record holder, three-time London Marathon champion
“I started running cross-country at 11 in Cheshire. Every great marathoner began with a short run and a big dream.”
Featured Running Providers
These organisations offer structured programmes for young people across the UK.
parkrun
1591 programmes
parkrun organises free, weekly, timed 5k events every Saturday morning and junior 2k events every Sunday morning in parks and open spaces across the UK and Ireland. Open to all ages and abilities — whether you walk, jog, run, or volunteer. Completely free, forever. Just register once online and print your barcode. Over 1,500 events across the UK and Ireland with a welcoming community atmosphere.
View provider page →Sample Programmes
Bushy parkrun
Ages 4–?
Wimbledon Common parkrun
Ages 4–?
Banstead Woods parkrun
Ages 4–?
Find Running Near You
Search by location, age, or programme type to find clubs and courses in your area.