Question 1

Are there two Clubs Ponteland Runners and Ponteland Tri?

Accepted Answer

No.  These are just two names for the same club.  When the club affiliated to Triathlon England we decided to use the name “Ponteland Tri” for that affiliation and to race under.  All members are members of both Ponteland Runners and Ponteland Tri.

Question 2

Do I have to be Olympic standard Athlete to join your club?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not.  The objective of Ponteland Runners is to provide a friendly community based running club.  Although some of our club members can run to a reasonable standard we are not an elite club.  Our main sessions are always structured to enable a wide variety of running abilities to train together.

We would encourage anyone thinking about the club to give it a try and see, or speak to a member of the committee about your interest.  We have a range of sessions to allow people to come along and meet the club members in an friendly environment.

Question 3

Will I be expected to do run road races?

Accepted Answer

No. It is entirely up to the individual.  We have members who race,  and many who do not and have no desire to.

Question 4

Will I have to do a Triathlon?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not.  The Tri section is for those interested.  Ponteland Runners is primarily a running club,  and no pressure is put on anyone to run road races,  and certainly not to do a Triathlon.  We have many members who do not enter any events but just train with us.

Question 5

Are there any changing facilities available?

Accepted Answer

Our runners tend turn up ready,  however the leisure centre at Ponteland are aware we meet and run from the location and could offer a place to use the bathroom, change or even workout afterwards!

Question 6

Do I need expensive running kit and shoes?

Accepted Answer

No, although a proper pair of running shoes would be advised.

Question 7

Will I get left behind if I cannot keep up with the pace?

Accepted Answer

No.  Sessions are structured to cater for multiple abilities.  Loopbacks are often included for this reason. On Monday’s and Wednesday’s we have multiple groups out at differing paces, speak to a run leader to establish the best group to join.

Question 8

Do I get a membership card if I join the club?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an electronic membership card from England Athletics (EA) with your competition license number on.  You do not receive a card from Ponteland Runners,  you will be registered with England Athletics via Ponteland Runners as an affiliated club.   Second claim members will not receive an electronic card from EA.

Question 9

Do I have to pay to attend a training session?

Accepted Answer

No, but you do need to join Ponteland Runners once you’ve tried been and trialled our sessions.  Annual subscriptions are very affordable at under £30 year for full membership, which includes your affiliation to England Athletics. For full details on membership options use the navigation to head to 'Membership' pages!

Question 10

I would like to join but cannot make your current sessions, do you have any plans for alternative sessions?

Accepted Answer

We provide structured sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays and a long run on Sundays.  We meet each Saturday for a ParkRun, host a social run on Friday evenings and even Swim (Wednesdays) and cycle (Mondays) once per week! There are no current plans to extend beyond these strong selection of sessions.

Question 11

Do you offer Coaching or Training advice for members from your coaches?

Accepted Answer

All of our leaders are qualified but the vast majority cannot offer individual training plans or advice.  However we have a wide experience in training within the membership of the club so discussions with others at sessions is often very productive.  Our Level 2 Triathlon coaches can provide general advice on triathlon,  but specific individual training plans are limited to Level 2 diploma and Level 3 coaches. We have one coach with the Level 2 diploma qualification.

Question 12

Do you offer junior membership and sessions for juniors?

Accepted Answer

We do have junior membership available,  at the same price as senior membership. The club even has an established a junior Triathlon section.  All current Leaders hold a valid DBS.

Question 13

I already run with an athletics club,  can I also run with Ponteland Runners?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  England Athletics have a concept of a second claim club.  You can only race for one club and that is your first claim club.  If you already run for another club and wish to join Ponteland Runners second claim so you can join our training sessions that is fine.  We already have second claim members from a number of local clubs.  You can only race for your named First Claim club.

Question 14

How to I switch running clubs, either to Ponteland Runners or away if leaving?

Accepted Answer

If you’re leaving Ponteland Runners and wish to join another club, or if you wish to join another club as a first claim member and change your Ponteland Runners membership to second claim you will need to submit a “Change of Club” form to England Athletics along with a nominal fee to change clubs.  The club secretary can assist you in this process.

If you’re leaving another club and joining Ponteland Runners as your first claim club you also need to submit a “Change of Club” form but you’ll need assistance from the club you’re leaving as they need to complete parts of the form.

Question 15

How do I get involved in the Cross Country /  Winter Harrier League?

Accepted Answer

Once you’ve joined the club contact our cross country captain who will register you so you can race in the Harrier League.  This is a series of muddy, fun, trail style races over the Winter for which are included free for full members of Ponteland Runners. Only registered runners can take part in cross country.

Question 16

Does Ponteland Runners welcome triathletes to training sessions?

Accepted Answer

Ponteland Runners is also called Ponteland Tri and is affiliated with Triathlon England as a club.  We have many members who are active participants in local triathlons and duathlons and train regularly for running, swimming and bike.  Feel free to come along and train with us and you’ll find other members who are entering local events.  If you’re considering doing your first triathlon come along as you’ll be able to talk to others who’ve done the same in the last few years.

Question 17

What’s the age range of your current membership?

Accepted Answer

Ponteland Runners range from early 20’s to 70’s!  Our average age would probably be early to mid 40’s.  But don’t worry about age as we cater for all abilities and make everyone welcome.

Question 18

How can I get involved in Leading Runs for Ponteland Runners?

Accepted Answer

If you want more information talk to any of the leaders next time you join a run, and they will be happy to explain the details of how they became a leader!

Question 19

I can’t run but would like to, do you offer complete beginners sessions?

Accepted Answer

We do offer beginners sessions but these are ran in 10 week blocks - we aim to get people from no running to 5k comfortably so they can progress to the normal club training sessions.  Keep an eye on our Facebook Page if you are interested and you’ll be informed of the next set of sessions!

Question 20

Do you have discounted membership?

Accepted Answer

As we try to keep membership to a minimum we don’t currently have discounts for students or unemployed as we have not yet felt this was necessary.  Unfortunately we cannot reduce the fees associated with governing membership, these are set by England Athletics.

Question 21

Do you have women’s only sessions?

Accepted Answer

Not currently. However about 50 percent of the club is female so the majority of sessions do include both men and ladies.  You wont be the only woman on a Wednesday night we can assure you!

Question 22

Can I compete in Fell Races?

Accepted Answer

The FRA ( Fell Runners Association ) defines the rules of competition as the UKA rules.  You can compete in FRA races as a club member for Ponteland Runners.  As such your results will count for Ponteland Runners in any FRA competition.  It is possible to be First claim for one club for Road racing, but First claim for another for Fell Running.

Question 23

How do I use Spond?

Accepted Answer

Bookings for Swim and Junior sessions are via using the Spond App (a mobile app). If you're new to the app, simply download it to your mobile and search Ponteland in the groups. Our code is WNLXN. If you are new or need further support email triathlon@pontelandrunners.org.uk and we'll offer a link to the Ponteland Tri section on Spond. You'll need to complete the necessary details, which we'll then approve.

If you're already using the app on your mobile you can search Ponteland in the groups. Our code is WNLXN.

Once you're up and running, invites to join any new sessions then get automatically get sent to all members.

Frequently Asked Questions