Wanstead is home to one of London’s most welcoming running communities, says Jacob Stevens, chair of the East London Runners, which all started during a marathon-running boom in the early 1980s
East London Runners was formed in 1982 – following the success of the inaugural 1981 London Marathon – when an informal group of fewer than 20 novices began meeting for training runs at decorated athlete Roger Mills’ sports shop on Wanstead High Street. By 1985, the group had grown to 120 runners competing in the London, New York, Berlin and Amsterdam marathons, and the Hyde Park Fun Run and Great North Run, among others. Members soon elected to register as an affiliated club, choosing their signature red kit (beating yellow by a single vote!).
Today, East London Runners prides itself on being a welcoming community that opens its doors to runners of all levels, whether on the road, track or trail. No matter the pace or running goals, joggers and runners can find an activity to suit them, along with support and camaraderie from the club’s 250 members, whose ages range from 20 to 80-plus.
Casual and competitive runners alike come together to enjoy the sociable, weekly club run, meeting at Eton Manor Rugby Club on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. Runners join a group at a pace and distance based on their ability, exploring local streets through the winter and making use of a wide array of green spaces in the lighter months, from Wanstead Flats and the bluebells of Chalet Wood in Wanstead Park through to various parts of Epping Forest, which is also a popular destination for Sunday group runs.
Monday night’s track run at Ashton Playing Fields in Woodford is another popular session led by the club’s qualified coaches. Many of these leaders originally joined as regular runners or beginners whom the club proudly supported along their journeys.
The club’s members hail from all corners of Redbridge and neighbouring boroughs, and include athletes capable of winning long-distance trail running events, as well as extraordinary fundraisers and campaigners championing good causes. A strong contingent of members are also highly dedicated parkrunners, regularly running or volunteering on Saturday mornings at an array of local parks, including the ever-popular Wanstead Flats parkrun.
A highlight of the club’s calendar is its summer charity 5km race at Valentines Park, hosted as part of the East London Five Interclub Series (known locally as ELVIS!). In June, 280 runners from 17 different clubs took part. It proved to be a race of two halves: changeable weather meant runners started in calm, dry conditions, only to finish under cold, lashing rain while splashing through deep puddles before the finish line. All profits from the race and cake stall go to the Magpie Project, a local charity supporting women and young children.
New members are welcome and can try out the club’s Monday and Wednesday sessions for free. For more information, visit eastlondonrunners.org.uk
