What we do
We are a friendly Consett based running club established for over 25 years with a mixed growing membership of over 130 catering for runners of all abilities and experience. Our membership includes those simply wishing to keep fit and socialise, improve their personal performances, or enter competitive races. We are affiliated to the governing body for athletics in England, England Athletics. We are also a member of County Durham Athletics Network, Club Durham, Leisureworks and the Tony Blair Sports Foundation.
We have 1 UKA Level Three Endurance Running Coach, 3 UKA Coaching Assistants and 15 Leaders in Running and Fitness (LiRF) who are all fully qualified with UK Athletics licences and have been CRB checked.
Our members compete in races on and off road from 1 mile through to ultra distances. We also compete each season in the North East Harrier Cross Country League in the Senior Men’s, Woman’s and Junior divisions which comprises of 6 league fixtures over the winter months, a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon up to the eyes in mud!!
Joining the Bounders
The thought of joining a running club may be daunting. Don’t be intimidated – we have members with a wide range of ability, age and commitment. No matter your standard as long as you enjoy running you’ll get a friendly welcome at the club and the encouragement to progress, you are bound to find someone in the club who is about the same standard as you. We have different training groups to suit all from fast paced runners to slower runners, beginners and those returning from injury. Social events are arranged throughout the year, sometimes involving running, and are as much part of the club’s activities, as the hard exercise. Friends, visitors and other runners are welcome to join the club or just come along for a run.
Joining fees
Annual subscription fees are just £15:00 for all Senior members there are no other hidden costs.
When & where we meet
Take a look at our training page for information on club running sessions and the local running routes we use. In addition club members organize other training runs amongst themselves when club times clash. We also have plenty social events which are organised throughout the year.
Club races
Our big race of the year in conjunction with the National Trust is The Gibside Trail Race which is a competitive race with up to 500 runners competing over a hilly off road 6 mile course. In addition we organize a 6 mile on/off road race each May starting and finishing at Snods Edge village hall which is by invitation only to some of our local running clubs. Entry numbers have grown in recent years, this might be due to the fantastic free banquet, raffle and quiz we provide afterwards in Snods Edge village hall which has its own bar for the thirsty runners to sample.
Club away days
Throughout the year we organize transport to various races around the North East and beyond including The Loftus Poultry Run (see above pic) normally ran the week before Christmas, fancy dress is optional!! The Brass Monkey Half Marathon in York, The Northumberland Coastal Run, The Kilburn Fair 7 in North Yorkshire and The Pier to Pier South Shields to Sunderland Race (see below pic). These are not only great races but great club days out too and a chance to get to know all the members.
We also organize a long distance relay over a distance of approximately 120 miles where members choose how far and what leg or legs of the relay they wish to run. This social run takes place in mid June over a weekend and normally finishes back in Consett.
Management structure
Blackhill Bounders committee is re elected every September at the A.G.M. It meets once a month on the first Tuesday to discuss club matters. A copy of each months minutes are available to view within the forum section of this website. If you have any issues that need addressing please don`t hesitate to speak to one of the committee members direct or by using the form on the contact page of the website.
Blackhill Bounders 2012/13 Committee
- Joy Bell – Chairman
- Mike Powell - Secretary & Running Fitness Leader
- Nigel Cook – Treasurer
- Dave Anderson – Committee & Running Fitness Leader
- Stewy Bell – Committee & Coaching Assistant
- Aidan Hughes – Committee & Running Fitness Leader
- Steve Maxwell – Committee & Running Fitness Leader
- Amanda Phillips – Committee & Running Fitness Leader
- Sara Sarginson – Committee
- Ian Young – Committee & Level 3 Endurance Running Coach
Next Committee meeting Monday 29th April 2013 at Elddis Transport.
Constitution
The Club Constitution sets the rules about the principles of the club, how it is organised and how members are involved in the decision making.
If you are a member of the club you have a right at any time to challenge the Constitution. Any proposed changes are discussed and voted on in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) each September.
Blackhill Bounders Constitution
Last update of the Constitution 24th September 2012.
