ABout the Club
Ryston Runners AC is an England Athletics affiliated club based in Kings Lynn and Downham Market.
We were formed in 1986 at Ryston End, Downham Market. Originally just a running club, we expanded to cover cross country and track & field, and now are one of the most active, versatile and successful clubs of its kind in Norfolk.
We are open to all ages and all abilities and look to offer a suitable level of support for all members, from beginners trying to get fit, juniors trying out athletics for the first time through to the more seasoned, older and elite athletes.
We offer the opportunity to compete as a team and as individuals in track and field, road running and cross-country events, both locally and nationally, as well as organising and hosting a number of events throughout the year. We also have a number of social events throughout the year which are always popular among our members.
Our Ethos
We love team events and celebrating all that it means to be part of a team, regardless of ability. Running and athletics can be a lonely sport but there is something special about performing on an individual level that has an influence on the team performance and that often brings out exceptional performances in people.
It is this team spirit that means we often punch above our weight when it comes to team competitions, regularly outperforming significantly larger clubs. Not too bad for a club with its origins in a rural part of Norfolk.
In addition to this ethos, our club operates in accordance with some core values:
” Individual performance is all about team spirit “
Accessibility - We are open
The club is open to all and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or mental health
Sportsmanship - We respect our team members and opponents
The activities of running and athletics should be enjoyed for their own sake, with proper consideration for fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of fellowship with one’s competitors and team members
Endeavour - We Try, no matter the outcome
“The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle, the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well” – Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics
Enjoyment - We love our sport
Participation and involvement with the club should enhance people’s natural enjoyment of the sport both inside and outside of the competitive arena
Dedication - We love our club
We expect all members, where possible, to make a commitment to the club through volunteering at events we organise, supporting club management matters and/or team and social events
Our mission and objectives
The club caters for athletes of all ages, development, and abilities to enhance their potential in track & field, road running and cross country running disciplines. The club views these disciplines as sports and as such competitive environments form an important part of our culture.
The club aims to support the members’ goals through qualified and experienced coaching, dedicated to the needs of the athletes and their athletic skills. Wherever possible, this aligns with the needs of the club and as such coaching support emphasises team competitions and participation in club events, where applicable and in the best interests of the members. In addition, the club cooperates with the relevant national, regional, and local bodies to provide facilities and infrastructure from grass roots to international level.
In order to meet this mission statement a number of ongoing objectives exist:
- Encourage active involvement in the sports of track & field, road and cross country running
- Organise teams to represent the club in area, regional and national championships, leagues and other competitions, where numbers permit
- Provide coaching in track & field, road and cross country running available to all members, with structure to give priority, where applicable, to team-based events
- Promote and organise competitive events in track & field, road and cross country running for all age groups
- Maintain accreditation to the sport’s governing bodies in the UK
- Maintain regular contact with Lynnsport, the Forestry Commission and other relevant local organisations in order to provide high quality facilities for the membership and visiting competitors.
Why join an affiliated athletics club?
As a Ryston Runners member you have the opportunity to take part in our various team events such as league matches, and as an affiliated athlete there are often discounts for individual entry events, plus discounts with various commercial partners too.
But the benefits of being part of an England Athletics affiliated club are far deeper than that, as you can have confidence in the quality of coaching and officiating at club events, and have the protection of a club signed up to its governing bodies’ policies and regulation, including welfare and safeguarding, public liability insurance cover, access to coaching development, etc.
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