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Weekly Runs

Berkshire Trail Runners hold regular meetings on Sundays and Fridays all year round. Please note, the details and timings of below are for illustration purposes only, please refer to our active listings on our Run Together page. 

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Registration: ALL runners MUST register for every run via our Run Together page, using the "Book a Run" button at the top of this page or via the Run Together app. (iOS and Android)

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Sunday Mornings - 5 and 10 km

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We have two Sunday morning runs, comprising of a gentle 5 km over both flat and undulating terrain and a more advanced 10 km encompassing more hills and at a slightly faster pace. However the pace for both runs is normally determined by the runners ability but often around 5:30 - 6:30 mins/km. There will be occasional stops to regroup, hydrate and catch a breath. Faster runners are free to run ahead and loop back as and when they wish. 

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  • Distance: 5 km - Easy pace

  • Distance: 10 km - Moderate pace

  • Time: 09:30

  • Location: Swinley Forest - Meeting at Great Hollands recreation ground.

  • Requirements: Trail Running Shoes + Suitable Hydration 


* Note: if we are unable to host both runs due to run leader availability we will combine the two into a moderate 8km.

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Sunday Mornings Extended Runs - 8 and 15 km (monthly)

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On the second Sunday of every month we replace our usual 5 and 10 km runs with with extended distances of 8 km and 15 km respectively.  This is to provide the opportunity for 5 km runners to work towards the 10 km distance, whilst the 15 km is a good preparation for the Half Marathon distance of 21.1 km.

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  • Distance: 8 km - Easy pace

  • Distance:  15 km - Moderate pace

  • Time: 09:30 

  • Location: Swinley Forest - Meeting at Great Hollands recreation ground.

  • Requirements: Trail Running Shoes + Suitable Hydration 

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* Note: if we are unable to host both runs due to run leader availability we will combine the two into a moderate 8km.

Sunday Morning 10Km Roving Run and 8km in Swinley (where planned)

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On the fourth Sunday of every month we may venture further afield and replace our 10 km run with with a Roving run at an alternate location as selected by your run leader. For those that would rather stay within Swinley the 5Km will be replaced with an 8Km meeting in the usual place (Gt Hollands).  The Roving run can be booked as usual on our Run Together booking system (when available)

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  • Distance: 10 km - Moderate pace (Roving)

  • Distance: 8Km (Swinley as usual)

  • Time: 09:30 (both)

  • Location: Swinley Forest - Meeting at Great Hollands recreation ground.

  • Location (Roving ) : TBN via WhatsApp and our News page.

  • Requirements: Trail Running Shoes + Suitable Hydration 

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* Note: if we are unable to host both runs due to run leader availability we will combine the two into a moderate 8km.

Friday Evenings - 5-8 km

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The Friday evening run is one run over a distance of 5-8 km over both flat and undulating terrain, at a pace that is normally determined by the runners ability but often around 5:30 - 6:30 mins/km. There will be occasional stops to regroup, hydrate and catch a breath. Faster runners are free to run ahead and loop back as and when they wish. 

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Summer: (April-September) These will be  daylight runs 
Winter: (October-March) These will be night runs so a head torch of 200+ Lumens will be required.

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  • Distance: 5 -8 km - Easy pace

  • Time: 18:00

  • Frequency: Weekly

  • Location: Swinley Forest - Meeting at Great Hollands recreation ground.

  • Requirements: Trail Running Shoes - a head torch of at least 200+ Lumens (Oct-Mar)

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* Note: Please be aware that you must enter the Car Park before 18:00 during the winter months, and 20:30 during the summer.

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Couch to 5K and Run & Talk

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Throughout the year we add Couch to 5K  and Run and Talk  sessions as necessary.

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Couch to 5K (0-5K)

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  • Distance: 5 km - Easy pace / Walk Run

  • Time: Please check on Run Together for our latest session and timings.

  • Frequency: Occasional, lasting over 9-10 weeks (typically)

  • Location: The Lookout, Swinley Forest, RG12 7QW OR Great Hollands Recreation Centre, Easthampstead Park RG40 3EE

  • Requirements: Running shoes (preferably trail shoes) and a head torch of 200+ Lumens (Oct-Mar)

  • Post Run: Not Open

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Run and Talk (Mental Health Awareness)

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  • Distance: 5 km - Easy pace

  • Time: Please check on Run Together for our latest session and timings.

  • Frequency: Occasional (2+ times a year)

  • Location: TBA

  • Requirements: Running shoes (preferably trail shoes)

  • Post Run: TBA

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Terrain, Hazards & Safety

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Trail running in the forest offers huge rewards, plenty of challenges and a few dangers. There will be wide forest tracks, narrow trails and a few hills each requiring a different approach...

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  • NARROW TRAILS: There are often exposed roots, low branches, stones or sudden changes in elevation. Run 3-4 meters back from the runner in front so that ​you have good forward vision of any upcoming hazards.  

  • UPHILL: Run on your forefoot, shorten your stride but increase your cadence. Think of it as changing into low gear.

  • DOWNHILL: Shorten your stride and increase your cadence, land on your midfoot instead rather than using your heel as a brake. And keep a slight bend in your landing leg to avoid absorbing all the impact in your knee.

  • BIKERS: Beware of Mountain Bikers crossing the trails, their dedicated routes are often denoted by wooden posts with a painted tip which may cross the other trails. Also please be sure to move to the left if bikers are approaching from behind. 

Registering

 

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you book in for every run via our Run Together page using either the iOS / Android App or via the "Book a Run" link at the top of the page.

 

This is important because:

 

  • We have a record of your contact details, and your emergency contact.

  • We have a record of any significant medical conditions.

  • To confirm that you have the most up to date details of the run dates and times. 

  • You will receive a notification (email), should the run be cancelled or changed.

Ad Hoc Runs and Race Collaborations - Whats App

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Many of our runners make use of Whats App groups to plan Ad Hoc runs and or collaborate / share Races, "BTR Members info" and "BTR Chat Group". However it should be noted that any runs or events planned using Whats App are outside Berkshire Trail Runners remit, and you must therefore take full responsibility for any activities so planned. Please speak to one of the Run Leaders if you wish to be added to the group (paid members only).

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Download Whats App  - HERE

#runandtalk running and mental health help. Bracknell Berkshire

Our Ethos: 
 

  • We are a relaxed and non competitive, recreational running group

  • We will run at a pace suitable to ALL, no one is ever left behind.

  • To always be friendly, fun and inclusive.

 

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