KADS Frequently Asked Questions
Hello and welcome to Kimberley & District Striders running club!
We're a friendly, supportive group based in Kimberley near Nottingham in the UK.
On this page we've tried to answer some of the most common questions you might have.
If we've missed anything here, please don't hesitate to drop an email to our club secretary. Thank you for your interest in our club and we hope to run with you soon.
Q: Why should I join KADS?
Here's a full list of benefits, but when it comes down to it, we think you should join us simply because KADS are here for you.
Whether your goal is to run with like-minded people, to be able to run a 10k or to PB over the marathon, you'll find friendly advice, support and encouragement in KADS. We have run leaders and coaches who are qualified to run safe sessions and to offer ongoing guidance.
Many of our members never race, but if you're into (or curious about) competing, our members enjoy all kinds of events. From track races to Parkrun, road racing, obstacle races, fell running, cross country and trail ultra-marathons, you name it.
KADS are an established club with over 40 years of history. Come and be a part of that history!
Q: How do I join KADS?
If you want to give us a go and run with us a few times (with no payment or obligation) just come along to a training night. This calendar has up-to-date information on where we're running and when. Pick a night, pop along about 6:45 to 6:50pm and ask the runners milling around who is the run leader that night. They'll make sure you're looked after.
If you're ready to sign-up, complete this online application form, send over your payment, and we look forward to running with you! If you have questions we've not answered below, drop an email to our club secretary.
Q. How can I stay up to date with KADS?
Members receive regular update emails and we have a lively community on our internal Facebook group we call KADS Chit Chat. If you're not a member yet, please like our Facebook page to get updates on what KADS members are up to.
Q: When do KADS train?
A: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are our usual training nights, meeting around 6:50pm for a 7pm start. We regularly meet up with each other at various Parkruns on a Saturday morning too.
Q: Where do KADS train?
Our usual training locations are given below. Note that these can vary, check the club calendar before attending. Members receive email and Facebook notifications of upcoming sessions so you know where we'll be and what session/routes are being used.
Q: Why should I join KADS?
Here's a full list of benefits, but when it comes down to it, we think you should join us simply because KADS are here for you.
Whether your goal is to run with like-minded people, to be able to run a 10k or to PB over the marathon, you'll find friendly advice, support and encouragement in KADS. We have run leaders and coaches who are qualified to run safe sessions and to offer ongoing guidance.
Many of our members never race, but if you're into (or curious about) competing, our members enjoy all kinds of events. From track races to Parkrun, road racing, obstacle races, fell running, cross country and trail ultra-marathons, you name it.
KADS are an established club with over 40 years of history. Come and be a part of that history!
Q: How do I join KADS?
If you want to give us a go and run with us a few times (with no payment or obligation) just come along to a training night. This calendar has up-to-date information on where we're running and when. Pick a night, pop along about 6:45 to 6:50pm and ask the runners milling around who is the run leader that night. They'll make sure you're looked after.
If you're ready to sign-up, complete this online application form, send over your payment, and we look forward to running with you! If you have questions we've not answered below, drop an email to our club secretary.
Q. How can I stay up to date with KADS?
Members receive regular update emails and we have a lively community on our internal Facebook group we call KADS Chit Chat. If you're not a member yet, please like our Facebook page to get updates on what KADS members are up to.
Q: When do KADS train?
A: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are our usual training nights, meeting around 6:50pm for a 7pm start. We regularly meet up with each other at various Parkruns on a Saturday morning too.
Q: Where do KADS train?
Our usual training locations are given below. Note that these can vary, check the club calendar before attending. Members receive email and Facebook notifications of upcoming sessions so you know where we'll be and what session/routes are being used.
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On Tuesdays we usually meet in the car park to the NHS Health Centre on Newdigate Street in Kimberley (NG16 2NJ).
The location is shown on this map (to the left on desktop, above on mobile). We meet around 6:50pm, do a short warm-up and then head out for a run together around 7pm. You can use the free car park for the NHS centre for the duration of the run. Alternatively the adjacent Victoria Street car park is available for £1. |
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On Wednesdays we usually meet in the clubhouse of Kimberley Institute Cricket Club on Newdigate Street (NG16 2NJ).
The location is shown on this map (to the left on desktop, above on mobile). We meet around 6:50pm, do a short warm-up and then head out for a run together around 7pm. You can park for free at the Cricket Club, drive up the narrow lane from Newdigate Street to access it. |
Q: Do KADS train in the rain?
Yep. Although probably only a hardy few will join a session if it's really coming down! We only cancel sessions when we deem it to be too dangerous, such as when the paths are covered in snow or ice.
Q: What sort of training do KADS do?
We do what we refer to as 'social/map' and 'structured' runs on Tuesdays and Wednesday, alternating between the two each week.
On social/map run nights we meet up and run in pace groups, over three distances (short, medium and long) ranging from about 3 to 7 miles. The routes are sent out to members beforehand. These tend to be chatty runs rather than hard efforts.
On structured runs we'll do more focussed training, with the aim to build your speed and/or strength. This might be a 'speed' session, where we run faster than you normally would, but over short distances. Or a hill session, where we practice running up and down an incline. Structured runs are designed for all abilities, and we have members in their 70s who really enjoy them.
Q: Will I best fast enough to join KADS?
A: Almost certainly. If you can run a parkrun (5km, 3 miles) at any pace without stopping, you're ready for KADS.
The only reason we ask you can run 3 miles is because our shortest training run is that distance and we don't want anyone running alone, that's not who we are.
We don't have any expectations on pace. Our sessions are all geared up for personal goals, they're not timed by anyone other than yourself maybe. Many members join KADS purely for social reasons, to have company rather than trying to run quickly.
Q: Do KADS have a junior section?
Sorry, no, we only accept members who are aged 18 or over. We have no upper limit on age and have members running in their 70s.
Q: Do you do a Couch to 5K course?
Sorry, no we don't. We recommend the NHS Couch to 5K app to get you started on your running journey.
Q: How much does KADS cost to join?
Our membership rates are very competitive. Membership includes free entry to three local leagues (lots of free races of around 5 miles), access to advice from experienced club coaches and run leaders and two training nights a week throughout the year. See our membership form for the latest fees.
Q: Do KADS train on a running track?
We use the running track at the Rutland Sports Park in Ilkeston once a month at 7pm in the evening. These are intended to be supportive and fun sessions, not races. They're deliberately designed to be inclusive and for runners of all standards. You don't need track spikes unless you really want to use them, we all run in road trainers.
Q: What sorts of races do KADS take part in?
Pretty much everything. We mostly race over distances between 5km and half marathon, but we have members who race the mile on track and those who take part in 100 mile+ trail ultra-marathons. In winter we take part in cross-country (XC) races and in summer members race on the roads, trails and tracks.
Q: Will I need any special kit?
We highly recommend a pair of comfortable road running shoes, and in winter some bright-coloured clothing and a body or head torch.
If you want to take part in league races you'll also need to buy a KADS club vest or T shirt (see our Club Store). Other than that, no, you don't need anything.
Of course, most of us end up with more kit like sports watches, technical clothing, waterproofs, trail shoes, heart rate monitors, running vests, gels and the like. Members will be very happy to talk about kit all day long, but to get started you need very little.
Q: What is EA affiliation?
KADS as a club is affiliated with England Athletics (EA). As a member you can also optionally sign up to the EA each year, which enables you to take part (for free) in the AAA leagues, to enter KADS' London Marathon ballot (see below) and to receive discounts on race entry fees, among other benefits.
Q: How does the KADS London Marathon ballot work?
As long as we have enough EA-registered members (the number is set each year), the EA provides us with a guaranteed place to enter the London Marathon each year. We run an internal ballot to KADS members (who meet certain criteria) to allow one of our EA-affiliated members to run the following year's London Marathon. For more information, see our London Marathon ballot page.
Q. What is the BDL and DRL?
KADS takes part in winter (cross country) and summer league races with surrounding running clubs. These leagues used to be sponsored by Booths Decorators (hence the BDL name) but are now sponsored by Derby Runner (so the new name is DRL, but many people still use BDL).
These league races are over around 4 to 5 miles and take in mostly off-road courses across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. KADS members can enter these races for free, you just need a KADS vest or T shirt. You don't need EA affiliation for these leagues.
No registration is necessary and you don't need to collect a race number, just turn up and run.
Q. What is the AAA?
AAA stands for Amateur Athletics Association.
The Nottingham branch of the AAA organises a local summer league (with some different clubs to the BDL/DRL). The courses tend to be around 5 miles long. To enter these races you need a KADS vest or T shirt and to be EA-affiliated for the current year. Other than that the races are free to KADS members and again you don't need to register or collect a race number. For locations, dates and rules, see the Notts AAA website.
Yep. Although probably only a hardy few will join a session if it's really coming down! We only cancel sessions when we deem it to be too dangerous, such as when the paths are covered in snow or ice.
Q: What sort of training do KADS do?
We do what we refer to as 'social/map' and 'structured' runs on Tuesdays and Wednesday, alternating between the two each week.
On social/map run nights we meet up and run in pace groups, over three distances (short, medium and long) ranging from about 3 to 7 miles. The routes are sent out to members beforehand. These tend to be chatty runs rather than hard efforts.
On structured runs we'll do more focussed training, with the aim to build your speed and/or strength. This might be a 'speed' session, where we run faster than you normally would, but over short distances. Or a hill session, where we practice running up and down an incline. Structured runs are designed for all abilities, and we have members in their 70s who really enjoy them.
Q: Will I best fast enough to join KADS?
A: Almost certainly. If you can run a parkrun (5km, 3 miles) at any pace without stopping, you're ready for KADS.
The only reason we ask you can run 3 miles is because our shortest training run is that distance and we don't want anyone running alone, that's not who we are.
We don't have any expectations on pace. Our sessions are all geared up for personal goals, they're not timed by anyone other than yourself maybe. Many members join KADS purely for social reasons, to have company rather than trying to run quickly.
Q: Do KADS have a junior section?
Sorry, no, we only accept members who are aged 18 or over. We have no upper limit on age and have members running in their 70s.
Q: Do you do a Couch to 5K course?
Sorry, no we don't. We recommend the NHS Couch to 5K app to get you started on your running journey.
Q: How much does KADS cost to join?
Our membership rates are very competitive. Membership includes free entry to three local leagues (lots of free races of around 5 miles), access to advice from experienced club coaches and run leaders and two training nights a week throughout the year. See our membership form for the latest fees.
Q: Do KADS train on a running track?
We use the running track at the Rutland Sports Park in Ilkeston once a month at 7pm in the evening. These are intended to be supportive and fun sessions, not races. They're deliberately designed to be inclusive and for runners of all standards. You don't need track spikes unless you really want to use them, we all run in road trainers.
Q: What sorts of races do KADS take part in?
Pretty much everything. We mostly race over distances between 5km and half marathon, but we have members who race the mile on track and those who take part in 100 mile+ trail ultra-marathons. In winter we take part in cross-country (XC) races and in summer members race on the roads, trails and tracks.
Q: Will I need any special kit?
We highly recommend a pair of comfortable road running shoes, and in winter some bright-coloured clothing and a body or head torch.
If you want to take part in league races you'll also need to buy a KADS club vest or T shirt (see our Club Store). Other than that, no, you don't need anything.
Of course, most of us end up with more kit like sports watches, technical clothing, waterproofs, trail shoes, heart rate monitors, running vests, gels and the like. Members will be very happy to talk about kit all day long, but to get started you need very little.
Q: What is EA affiliation?
KADS as a club is affiliated with England Athletics (EA). As a member you can also optionally sign up to the EA each year, which enables you to take part (for free) in the AAA leagues, to enter KADS' London Marathon ballot (see below) and to receive discounts on race entry fees, among other benefits.
Q: How does the KADS London Marathon ballot work?
As long as we have enough EA-registered members (the number is set each year), the EA provides us with a guaranteed place to enter the London Marathon each year. We run an internal ballot to KADS members (who meet certain criteria) to allow one of our EA-affiliated members to run the following year's London Marathon. For more information, see our London Marathon ballot page.
Q. What is the BDL and DRL?
KADS takes part in winter (cross country) and summer league races with surrounding running clubs. These leagues used to be sponsored by Booths Decorators (hence the BDL name) but are now sponsored by Derby Runner (so the new name is DRL, but many people still use BDL).
These league races are over around 4 to 5 miles and take in mostly off-road courses across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. KADS members can enter these races for free, you just need a KADS vest or T shirt. You don't need EA affiliation for these leagues.
No registration is necessary and you don't need to collect a race number, just turn up and run.
Q. What is the AAA?
AAA stands for Amateur Athletics Association.
The Nottingham branch of the AAA organises a local summer league (with some different clubs to the BDL/DRL). The courses tend to be around 5 miles long. To enter these races you need a KADS vest or T shirt and to be EA-affiliated for the current year. Other than that the races are free to KADS members and again you don't need to register or collect a race number. For locations, dates and rules, see the Notts AAA website.