Supporting runners of all abilities near Broughton Astley

Couch-to-5k

Starting April 2025

About us

Welcome to Squirrels Running Group! We are a friendly community of runners based in the beautiful village of Broughton Astley and neighbouring areas of south-west Leicestershire.

Squirrels is an England Athletics affiliated running club which was formed in 2012 and we now have in excess of 100 members, from Couch to 5k to Ultra marathon runners!

We welcome all abilities of runners, and have a strong mentality of positive encouragement and creating a supportive environment for each other. We also focus on the social aspect of running.

We look forward to welcoming you to the group.

News

Easter Bake-off 2025

24/04/2025

Thanks to all our bakers Isla Ritchie, Sarah Anderson, Jill Prime, Katherine Anna, Heather Feather, Lorraine Keable.

Squirrels race at LRRL Kibworth 6

17/03/2025

We are really excited and proud that our runners now have the opportunity to represent the club and take part in the both the local cross country league, and also the Leicestershire Road Running League (LRRL).

Charity Fundraising Summary - 2024

09/02/2025

Today a scurry of Squirrels have been down to Loros to donate the money raised from the Broughton Astley Dash & Dawdle. Despite the horrendous conditions on the day we managed to raise £800 for Loros. We also donated £150 to Broughton Alive to put back into Community events such as the annual carnival & light switch on.

Squirrels take on DRXC Grace Dieu

27/01/2025

A team of intrepid Squirrels (and our resident Westie) took on the Derby Runner XC this morning at Grace Dieu. Amazing effort by everyone on what sounded like a very challenging course in tough weather conditions! Well done all

See all news posts

Membership - What we offer

Group training runs for all running abilities

Group training runs are a great way for runners of all levels to improve their fitness and stay motivated. We are proud to cater for all abilities.

Qualified UK Athletics run leaders and coaches

Our group training runs are led by UK Athletics qualified & insured run leaders and coaches. We have training plans & sessions for those looking to improve their 10k or 5k times. We also organise guest coaching sessions with other qualified coaches, specialising in specific areas.

Regular track sessions

We have a regular monthly track session at the Pingles stadium in Nuneaton. The cost of this is covered by your membership.

Discounts & a Christmas present

Joining our group means you will be UK Athletics affiliated, therefore you will receive a £2 discount when entering many races. We also give all members a Christmas present and have sourced discount codes at some of the top running gear retailers!

Social events and community involvement

Membership includes subsidised grub & a drink at our awards event and parties, and you can attend other social events we organise each year such as the Benidorm half marathon!

Support and camaraderie from fellow runners

We have several members who have started running from scratch with zero fitness and are now proud Ultra marathon runners! We are a supportive bunch keen to help each other out. Many of us attend races and events together.

Group runs

The group organises two runs each week that are a mixture of paced runs, intervals, and track sessions. Run nights are Monday and Wednesday, starting at 6:30pm from the White Horse pub car park in Broughton Astley.

You don't need to be a member to start running with us - let us know you are coming and try us out for the first few runs.

All abilities and paces are catered for.

Couch-to-5k

New to running? If so we have just the thing for you. Each year we offer a Couch-to-5K programme. This is suitable for anyone looking to try or return to running.

No previous running experience needed
Suitable for ANY fitness level
For anyone aged 12+ with no upper age limit
We are a friendly social group - come along and make new friends
All groups led by insured UK Athletics Run Leaders
A fun way to get fitter, lose weight and improve mental health

Training Plans

Got a bit more experience under your belt and looking to take the next step? We have structured training plans for improving your 5k or 10k times. You can work through these by yourself, or join along when the group next cycles through them.

The Community

Squirrels support the local community and each year nominate a charity to fundraise for.

Community

The group organises social events such as bake-offs, award evenings, quizzes, and Christmas parties.

Social events

Many members participate in and volunteer at races & events locally, nationally and even abroad.

Races & Other running events

The group has annual Awards voted for by members, and Standards which encourage members to set themselves time or distance goals to improve their running ability and confidence.

Awards & Standards

Testimonials

I joined Squirrels a year ago during their Couch to 5k program and haven't looked back. With the amazing support through Squirrels I have got faster, completed numerous races including a couple of half a marathons, and now look forward to completing my first marathon in 2023! Such a supportive, knowledgeable, inclusive group. I just don't think there is a better group out there!

Zoe Fox

23rd December 2022

Really friendly group who have lots of different pace groups so anyone can be part of it. The run leaders are very good a getting all the individual groups out and back to meet up at the end. They also arrange some varied sessions to keep thing interesting. If you do an event with them, they always cheer everyone home. It give you such a lift. Lovely people

Clive Grafton-Reed

18th July 2019

They say people are friendlier up north but I have never met a group of friendly, encouraging and supportive set of people as the Squirrels. The motto of no-one gets left behind says it all. I came as a park runner and I am leaving as a marathon runner with massive achievements at all distances, you have changed my life.