If you are in need of a new and fun hobby, then why not join the Royal Manor of Portland Athletics Club (RMPAC).

This running club meets every Tuesday at 6.20pm at the YMCA in Portland for training sessions, including a monthly timed trial and social runs on Thursday evenings. These sessions provide members with the opportunity to improve their running ability, as well as their confidence and wellbeing, whilst meeting like-minded people. The club also offers Sunday group runs from January-April, for those training for half and full marathons. 

For over 41 years, the club has provided hundreds of runners with the opportunity to run together in a group that is safe and full of friendly faces. Additionally, the club is available to all types of runners, regardless of speed, allowing for an inclusive group available to every ability.

The importance of this running group became particularly apparent during Covid-19, when exercising with anyone outside of your household was banned. This meant that many of us were affected by not being able to exercise in groups, leaving runners feeling vulnerable to go out and run on their own, without the support, encouragement and motivation of the club runners and their coaches. 

When those restrictions were lifted, Amanda Underwood said “I confess to being lazy, and didn’t train on my own during the Covid restrictions. I need the club’s training sessions to motivate me and push me to be more disciplined with my training. I joined the club on a couch to 5km programme and have continued to compete in 10km, half, full and ultra marathons and would not have been able to do this without the support, advice and coaching from RMPAC. I highly recommend people to join this club or a local running club.” 

Evidence has shown that the Coronavirus is still having an impact on RMPAC, and other running clubs in the Dorset County, with entry numbers to races being significantly lower than in previous years. As a result of this, RMPAC have reduced their race calendar to: 

Round the Rock 10k (7th July 2024), with entries opening soon for those that wish to take part. 

The Dumble Bimble Charity Fun run (Tuesday early September -TBC).

If you are interested in joining the running club, then head over to their website https://www.royalmanorac.co.uk , where you can then apply for an annual membership and enjoy all of the benefits that the club has to offer!