Stocksbridge welcomes new running club

Stocksbridge is now home to an Official England Athletics running club, providing local runners with a community-based platform to pursue their passion for running.

Launched in the spring of 2023 by Richard Hayes, known as the Mohican Runner, the club aims to address the inconvenience faced by Stocksbridge-based runners who had to travel long distances to participate in club events due to the absence of a local running club.

Previously, runners from Stocksbridge had to rely on cars or public transportation to reach other running clubs in the region, which incurred additional costs and logistical challenges. Recognizing the need for a locally affiliated club, Richard Hayes took the initiative to establish one and found support from Stocksbridge Park Steels Football Club, with whom he shares a close association. The football club provided the necessary infrastructure to set up the running club, aligning with its goal of becoming a community-focused organization for Stocksbridge and the surrounding area. In May, the running club received official affiliation from England Athletics, marking a significant milestone in its journey.

Richard, the founder of the running club, expressed his personal struggles as a club runner and the motivation behind establishing the Stocksbridge running club. "Since 2013, I've always found it challenging to attend club nights held in Hillsborough, Don Valley, Heeley, or Penistone. With the decline in local public transport links and the increasing popularity of running, thanks to parkrun, the need for an official local club became evident. Being heavily involved with Stocksbridge Park Steels Football Club, it made sense to build on their ethos of unity and community. With their support, I was able to swiftly launch