If you’re looking for a friendly and inclusive running club in Barnsley, Barnsley Harriers is an excellent choice. Welcoming runners of all abilities, the club offers structured training, experienced run leaders and a supportive community for everyone from beginners to experienced marathon and trail runners.
Whether you’re aiming to complete your first 5K, improve your race times or enjoy running with like-minded people, Barnsley Harriers provides a motivating environment to help you achieve your goals.
About Barnsley Harriers
Established more than 35 years ago, Barnsley Harriers is one of the largest senior running clubs in Barnsley. The club caters for runners of all ages and abilities, with members taking part in road races, trail running, fell running, cross-country competitions, marathons and ultra-distance events throughout the UK and beyond.
Affiliated with England Athletics, the club combines competitive opportunities with a welcoming social atmosphere, making it an ideal place to develop your running regardless of experience.
Training Sessions
Club training takes place twice each week at:
Shaw Lane Sports Club
Shaw Lane
Barnsley
S70 6HZ
- Monday: 6:30pm
- Wednesday: 6:30pm
Members are usually divided into ability groups covering distances between approximately 4 and 9 miles, ensuring everyone can train at a comfortable pace. During the winter months, Wednesday sessions often focus on structured speed work and hill training to help improve fitness and race performance.
Who Can Join?
Barnsley Harriers welcomes:
- Complete beginners
- Social runners
- 5K and parkrun participants
- 10K and half marathon runners
- Marathon and ultra runners
- Trail and fell runners
- Competitive athletes
Prospective members can usually enjoy a free one-month trial before committing to annual membership, giving you the opportunity to experience the club and meet fellow runners.
Why Join Barnsley Harriers?
Joining a running club offers numerous benefits beyond improving your fitness.
- Structured weekly training sessions
- Experienced run leaders and coaching
- Friendly and supportive atmosphere
- Training groups for different abilities
- Opportunities to race locally and nationally
- Regular social events throughout the year
- Motivation and accountability from running with others
The club prides itself on helping members achieve personal goals while creating a welcoming community where everyone enjoys running together.
Races and Events
Barnsley Harriers members regularly compete in a wide variety of events including:
- Parkruns
- 5K and 10K road races
- Half marathons
- Marathons
- Ultra marathons
- Trail races
- Fell races
- Cross-country leagues
The club also organises several popular local races each year, helping to promote running across Barnsley and South Yorkshire.
Is Barnsley Harriers Right for You?
If you live in Barnsley or the surrounding areas and want to improve your running while becoming part of a friendly local community, Barnsley Harriers is an excellent option.
Whether you’re training for your first race, returning to running after a break or chasing a personal best, you’ll benefit from structured sessions, experienced support and the motivation that comes from running with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an experienced runner?
No. Barnsley Harriers welcomes runners of all abilities, including complete beginners.
Can I try the club before joining?
Yes. The club offers a free one-month trial, allowing prospective members to attend training sessions before deciding whether to join.
Where does Barnsley Harriers train?
Training sessions start from Shaw Lane Sports Club, Shaw Lane, Barnsley, S70 6HZ.
What types of running does the club support?
Members participate in road running, trail running, fell running, cross-country, marathons, ultra-distance events and local races.
Running Equipment for Training
Whether you’re preparing for your first 5K or training for your next marathon, Gym Mart offers a wide range of treadmills, cardio equipment and fitness accessories to help you train effectively at home and improve your running performance.
Website: https://www.barnsleyharriers.org.uk/
