It’s ten years since West End Road Runners (WERR) was established in the heart of the West End at Woodend Tennis Club, just opposite Jordanhill School, writes Graeme Jack.
The club has won multiple awards, is currently ClubsportGlasgow’s Club of the Year, and to mark its tenth anniversary, some of its 150 members have been telling us what running together means to them.
Welcoming
Having been with the club since 2016, Alham Said can explain it’s appeal.
He said: “WERR has given me so much more than just running. It’s a welcoming, friendly community where everyone supports and encourages each other.
“I’ve become a more confident runner and have enjoyed being part of a club where people genuinely celebrate each other’s achievements.
“If I could give my pre-WERR self one piece of advice, it would be don’t worry about being fast or comparing yourself to others. Just turn up and enjoy the journey. The friendships, support, and confidence you’ll gain are just as important as the miles you run.”
Alice Marks also spoke of the importance of community and making new social connections.
She said: “I’ve been with the club for two and a half years…I joined when I moved to Glasgow by myself, and over that time I’ve made so many good friends and created some brilliant running memories.
“The club has opened my eyes to so many different types of running that I’d never tried before. That said, I still think my favourite runs are the chatty Monday evening runs catching up with members of the club after work!”
And Isobell MacLellan shared her story, including recovering from a serious fall. She said: “WERR helped me become the runner I never knew I was capable of being especially because of the reps and track training with our amazing coach, Colin Thomas.
“After my fall in March, I was feeling quite down and I actually thought I’m past it and I’d not bother running again.
Game-changer
“If it wasn’t for WERR and all the wonderful people who helped that night, messaged me and visited me, sent me flowers and made me feel so welcome and asked how I was when I came back to the club … how could I even have thought of giving that up ?”
Adil Saeed added: “Joining has been a game-changer for my routine - it has kept me running consistently all year round, even through the cold, dark winter months when motivation is usually hard to find!
“The advice I would give to my pre-WERR self is just give it a go!”
“Dramatic as it may sound, I’d say WERR has changed my life. I run at least 3 times a week, with it being part of my regular routine, and I now can’t imagine not running regularly” - Charlotte Cunningham, West End Road Runners
And Andy Clark, from Bearsden, said: “I’ve been part of WERR for eight years. It’s given me an opportunity to meet like minded people who enjoy running and being part of a sociable community.
“The clubs also allowed me to try different types of running such as doing cross country and track which is something I’ve been enjoying!”
Final word goes to Charlotte Cunningham, who said: “I wasn’t a runner before I joined WERR, but I had seen them running round locally, with their teal tops, and thought it was something I’d like to be part of.
“I would tell my pre-WERR self that I CAN run and that I’m not an imposter and to have faith in myself!”
- Our guest writer, Graeme Jack, is a member of West End Road Runners.
If you’re interested in finding out more about WERR contact them through Facebook, Instagram or through their website www.westendroadrunners.co.uk
