Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers is a small running club based in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire.

The club was founded in 1898 and has a strong social aspect.

MEMBERSHIP

By becoming a member of Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers you will meet people who like to run, but also enjoy social events. By joining us your running will benefit from a regular training plan, increased motivation and competition. You will also be eligible for a discount at Sweatshop, some specialist running shops and at races. The current annual subscription for becoming a member of Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers is £12, this includes Affiliation to England Athletics. Club kit is available from the Club Treasurer and must be worn when running as an affiliated member.

TRAINING

We meet for training every Thursday evening at Skelmersdale Sports Centre. Members usually gather on the first set of wooden benches beyond the turnstyle at 7:15pm.

At 7:30 the slower members set off for a 2 mile warm up jog, followed a few minutes later by the faster members. After the warmup both groups do some specific training for approximately 30 minutes. The coaches ensure that any runner having difficulties is not left behind. The whole training session is between 5 and 7 miles and lasts about an hour.

After training both groups jog back to the sports centre for a shower, followed by a drink in the bar.

Training in the winter months tends to be on the quiet well lit roads of Skelmersdale’s industrial estates. In summer the training often takes place on the paths around Ashurst Beacon and Beacon Country Park.

There is an admission charge to the sports centre of 80 pence for the use of the changing rooms and showers. There is also a weekly subscription of 50 pence towards club funds.

RACES

Cross Country For the details of Cross Country Races and results see the “Cross Country” page.

During the winter we compete in two Cross Country leagues. 

The Liverpool and District Cross Country League  and the North West Sunday Cross Country League. Saturday races are around 6 to 7 miles and start at 3pm. Sunday races are around 4 to 5 miles and start at 11am. All abilities run in these races and it is a great way to compete against regular faces and improve your race pace. There are shower facilities available after the Sunday races and sandwiches are provided. You have to stay dirty and hungry on the Saturday races. We also compete in the Northern and National Cross Country Championships which are organised by England Athletics and take place in various locations around the country. These races are only open to club members. All the cross country races are free to club members (the club pays a subscription for affiliation to the leagues).

We have an inter club member competition based on the cross country performances throughout the season. You need to complete 7 cross country races and each one you are scored on the position you finish for the club. These points are added up and the lowest score wins. Trophies and medals are given to 1st,2nd and 3rd male and female runners. There is also a trophy for 1st veteran (male and female). These are presented at the Presentation Evening.

We organise a race for each of the Cross Country leagues at the Beacon Country Park in Skelmersdale. Club members, family and friends help to set up and take down the course and to marshal. For the Sunday race we also need volunteers to make sandwiches and to help out with serving tea and coffee.

Chalice Trophy Handicap Challenge

For the details of “Challenge” races and results see the “Challenge” Page.

We hold an inter club members’ competition during the summer months which is based on road and trail races. A handicapping formula, based on age and sex, is used to give every member a chance of winning. The “Chalice Trophy” is awarded at the presentation evening.

Trail and Fell Running

Many of our members have an interest in trail and fell running. Camping weekends are often arranged to coincide with these events.

Youth Hostel Weekend

We hire a Youth Hostel over a weekend in March/April. We book the whole hostel so we have it to ourselves. The location changes each year, but we get somewhere in the countryside with suitable routes for running and a pub close by. The weekend is open to club members, family and friends. We arrive on Friday evening then go for a run on Saturday morning (not too early) so you can spend the afternoon doing what you want. The run is not compulsory! We go out for a meal together on Saturday night then, whoever wishes to, goes for a run on Sunday morning. We leave the hostel after lunch on Sunday.

The Parbold Hill Race For details of the course, race entry and results see the “Parbold Hill” page.

Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers’ big event of the year is the Parbold Hill Race. The race takes place on the second Saturday in February and attracts 500 competitors. It is a tough but enjoyable 7.5 mile course. Club members are asked to provide a marshal for the race - entry to the race is then free. A lot of work and organisation goes into the race and we do ask for help from club members. This includes marking the course on Saturday morning, clearing the course on Sunday, marshalling the car parks, setting up and cleaning the school before and after the race and presenting prizes, as well as providing marshals.

Further information is available from our Club Secretary, Jane Woodburn 01704 821112 jl.woodburn at virgin.net, or by visiting our Forum or “Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers Facebook site.