The club was established in June 1992 with the emphasis on being a friendly club for all abilities.
This is still our belief and today the club consists of approx. 100 members (60 men / 40 ladies) ranging from 18 to 80 + , from new runners to seasoned champions.
We are affiliated to E.A. (England Athletics) and the K.C.A.A. (Kent County Athletic
Association) and predominately concentrate on road running plus cross country, however
some of our members also participate in areas such as Triathlon, Ultra’s and Multi-
From 2005 we have competed in track & field athletics by participating in the Southern
Men’s league and from 2008 in the Southern Counties Veteran’s League-
WHEN & WHERE
We meet every Wednesday in the foyer at Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend. The club runs normally start around 7.15 PM
TRAINING
We form groups according to ability and training distance required -
A winter 2.5 mile handicap series is also held. After a Wednesday run, you can relax in Jason's bar where food is available.
We also organise speed/hill training most Mondays in the Winter and Track & Field training in the Summer
RACES AND SOCIAL EVENTS
In most local road races you will see the Purple vests of “Istead”. We also promote
cross-
The club organises social events during the year such as curry nights, club BBQ and occasional club holidays
Details of social events & races are published on this site + in the club magazine “Footnotes”
ABOUT US
CLUB HISTORY
It is rumoured that at some point in early 1992 over a “Jack Daniel's” promotion evening, the idea of a new running club for North Kent was discussed ....... This came into fruition by June 1992 with the club name taken from the founders families addresses (Warren / Ramsey) living in Istead Rise and Ifield
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From these humble beginnings at our Istead Rise community Centre head quarters , the club grew to around 35 members by 1993 with the emphasis on being a friendly club for all. The club’s inaugural September 10K event from Istead Rise was popular and club competition racing extended to the Kent XC League, Fitness XC League and South of Thames XC League.
The club grew steadily during the 90’s however the 10K had dropped off the calendar and pressure from the community centre over increasing subs lead Istead to seek a new H.Q. at Cascades Community Centre . This proved to be a very good decision with much improved facilities, runs and several new members joining.
By 1999 a new race was held at Shorne Country Park to form what is now called the Shorne Wood 5 and by into the 2000’’s Istead formed the organisation of the much acclaimed North Downs Run .. Today we have over 100 members and form one of Kent’s best running clubs for all abilities.
WHY JOIN US?
- Friendly
- Social events
- All abilities welcome
- Affiliated as a running club
- Good safe facilities (Cascades Leisure Centre)
- Regular news letter (Footnotes)
- Discounted membership rate for Cascades
- Discount card for Sweatshop Sports, (Maidstone, Dartford & Bluewater’s HeRunsSheRuns)
- Team / Relay events
- Caters for Road, cross country & Track
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
- £20 (single)
- £30 (joint)
- £10 (second claim/student/65+.)
HOW DO I JOIN
Send an e-
for details. Alternatively simply turn up at 7pm at Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend on a Wednesday training night or afterwards at around 9pm in Jason's Bar. Our membership secretary Angela Hames will be pleased to answer any questions. New members will be required to complete a membership form (click here to access form)
ISTEAD & IFIELD HARRIERS
www.isteadandifield.org.uk
