FAQs – Winter 2024/25 Membership

What is included in the Premium Membership package?

In addition to everything included in the Standard Membership package, listed on the Membership page and in the other FAQs below, Premium Members are entitled to a one-to-one service with RunBrighton’s Mike Bannister, EA Licensed Coach in Running Fitness. This service includes:

• A one-to-one session of 55 minutes (normal price £50), plus
• £20 off any subsequent one-to-one sessions.*

*The one-to-one sessions to be taken between the time of signing up and the end of the winter 2024/25 season (6 April).

You can dictate what you want out of the sessions. They could focus on, for example:

• a comprehensive fitness assessment (speed, endurance, strength, flexibility, coordination) & identifying areas for development;
• muscle activation;
• effective dynamic warm-up routines;
• running posture & technique;
• setting realistic goals;
• personalised training session ideas;
• understanding the benefits of training different energy systems;
• race day strategy;
• etc.

When are the Winter 2024/25 training runs?

Weekly on Sundays, from 1 December to 30 March.

(Please note there will not be an organised group training run, 2 March, the day of the Brighton Half Marathon, as most of our runners and ambassadors tend to run in that event.)

What level does Winter 2024/25 Membership cater for?

We aim to cater for all levels, ranging from beginners, to experienced runners targeting a marathon in 3hrs30 (half marathon, 1hr45).

What time do the winter runs start?

Between 8:00am and 8:30am. Exact timings to be confirmed.

What distance do we run?

Our Sunday runs are normally based on time-on-feet rather than distance. In the winter, the run duration gradually increases from 1hr at the beginning of the season, and we’ll get up to about 3hrs to 3hrs15 by late March.

What can you tell me about the winter training routes?

The routes are changed regularly and the terrain is varied to include both on and off road, and including both flat and hilly running. They are usually out-and-back courses rather than loops. This is much easier to manage as everyone finishes at broadly the same time. We’ve received some great feedback from our existing members, particularly from those towards the back of the group who are able to enjoy being close to the front on the return leg.

The full details of each Sunday run are issued in a group email, weekly in advance.

Can I park nearby?

Where possible, we aim to base the runs in car-friendly locations, so that you will be able to park easily, i.e. Saltdean Lido, Adur Outdoor Activity Centre in Shoreham, Lancing Beach Green, King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove, Waterhall, Henfield by the Downs Link, Hove Park, etc. However, in the interest of being nice to our environment, please see if you can jog, cycle or car-share to these venues.

I don’t drive!

Many of the bases will also be accessible by buses or trains. (As above, please see if you can jog, cycle or grab a lift with other runners.) We encourage car share and, each week in a group email, we share details of who can offer a lift / who would like a lift.

What can I do with my belongings whilst I am running?

You are able to store your excess kit / bags with our support vehicle, in an ambassador’s vehicle or at our base location. But please try and keep this to a minimum, and note that although your belongings should be safe, you leave them at your own risk. Please also note that, occasionally when you finish your run, it is possible that the vehicle containing your belongings will not have returned, i.e. in the event of having to collect an injured runner… but this is not normally the case.

Do you have pacers on the winter runs?

We divide into pacing groups based on target marathon / half-marathon times, and we have ambassador support spread throughout the whole group.

Please note, however, that the ambassadors are not employed as pacers. Quoted paces are approximate, and the key reason we divide into these groups is to ensure that everyone is running with others of a similar ability.

Please also note that ambassador support won’t necessarily always be available for faster pace groups.

The Sunday runs should normally be done at a relaxed, conversational pace, approximately 1 minute-per-mile slower than your target race pace. For example, if you’re targeting a 4hr marathon, which is approximately 9 minutes-per-mile, you should be running your Sunday run at about 10 minutes-per-mile. (This is flexible; you’re not obliged to stick to the same group each week.)

The pacing groups are dictated by marathon target times: 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00+.

These equate to corresponding half-marathon target times: 1:45, 1:52:30, 2:00, 2:07:30, 2:15, 2:22:30, 2:30+.

In the latter half of the season, some of the runs are done with race pace efforts in the last hour, for example, but we always make this clear in advance.

Do I just need to do the Sunday runs?

Whilst we accompany you on your long Sunday runs, please don’t rely solely on these runs for your race preparation. You will have far more success, come race day, if you are able to train a minimum of three times a week. Training programs (whether you consider yourself a beginner, an improver or an experienced runner) will be provided to guide you through your midweek training.

The schedules are emailed to you weekly in advance.

When do the weekly training schedules commence?

Our 12-week half-marathon training schedules commence Monday 9 December, culminating with Brighton Half Marathon at the end of the 12 weeks.

Our 16-week marathon training schedules commence Monday 16 December, culminating with Brighton Marathon at the end of the 16 weeks.

The schedules can be adapted if you are targeting other spring half/full marathons.

What should I wear?

Please go to a specialist running shop and have your feet and running gait analysed, to ensure you select the most appropriate running shoes. This will help prevent injury. Having both road and off-road shoes is a good idea.

Technical running clothing is also advisable, to provide comfort and warmth, also allowing your skin to breathe. And, of course, you’ll need suitable waterproofs for our rainy runs.

Ladies, it is also worth investing in a suitable sports bra.

Do I need to bring water?

Yes, it is advisable to be responsible for your own hydration on the runs. A drinks belt is a good idea. Also, rather than just water, you should consider isotonic drinks.

What if I want to pull out early?

The training runs are predominantly out-and-back courses, so you can turn around earlier than planned if need be. This enables you to walk some of the way, if necessary, in the knowledge that you will be returning with lots of runners behind you, rather than being left behind.

Is it ok to wear headphones on the runs?

We strongly discourage the use of headphones, particularly in the vicinity of roads. They are dangerous, as you can’t hear traffic. Nor can you hear our ambassadors giving out instructions or alerting you to any hazardous situations.

Is it ok to bring my dog on the runs?

Dogs are unfortunately not permitted on the runs. This is because they can be a trip hazard, with or without a lead.

What if I miss a run?

Don’t worry, just turn up when you can.

When can I enjoy the various discounts that have been negotiated for RunBrighton’s Winter 2024/25 members?

These are valid from 25 November to 12 April.

How do I become a member of the RunBrighton Strava group?

Once you’ve signed up for Winter 2024/25 Membership, click RunBrighton Strava and request to join.

How do I become a member of the RunBrighton Community Forum on Facebook?

Once you’ve signed up for Winter 2024/25 Membership, click RunBrighton Community Forum and request to join. Please state, where asked, if your Facebook name is different to the name you use to sign up for membership.

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