Fit Rover Runners hit new record since run club was formed back in 2020

Club Doncaster Foundation’s Fit Rovers Runners have recently hit a new record of registered activities in a week, since the run club was formed.

84 individuals registered their 5k walk or run last week, making it the highest registered week so far for Fit Rovers Runners.

Fit Rovers Runners, started in the summer of 2020, as a way of getting people exercising again when the country came out of the covid lockdown. 

Initially, those involved, were asked to send in a weekly time for a 5km run or walk, sharing with each other and sparking conversation and encouragement with each other. 

Once exercising together was allowed, the group started to complete the 5km activities in pairs and fours, followed by completing park runs together each weekend. 

Andy Martin, who was part of the original group that set the run club up, said: “The club epitomises the ethos of Fit Rovers. It’s fully inclusive of the Doncaster community and totally supportive. 

“At park runs, you can see the supportive nature of Fit Rovers Runners. A team picture before the run followed by photos of runners as they finish. Those who finish quicker than others, applaud those finishing after them, even going back out and running with other members to support their finish line approach.

“From a small group of us in 2020, we’ve grown to over 50 participants each week.

“It’s a humbling thing to see week in week out, from such a supportive group of people.”

Those who get involved in the run club, receive their very own Fit Rovers Runners top, after 50 runs and it’s something special for participants, Andy went on to say: “The introduction of the yellow shirt and a specifically designed logo has been an inspirational decision. 

“Members present them to each other, recognising the 50 week commitment needed to earn it. It gives them the opportunity to wear their shirt with pride, as they continue within the run club.”

Last summer, the run club celebrated their 4 year milestone, with staff and participants gathering at Sandall Park, to complete 5k as one big group.

The run club takes place throughout the year, with runners getting involved in a variety of distance running events, from 3k’s to 42.1k’s, with an age range of 11 years old, to 80+ years! 

Anna-Marie Geeson, Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator, spoke of the benefit of the run club for those who get involved: “For some of the participants who get involved, it’s a way for them, or anyone, to get back outdoors again and enjoy either a walk or run. 

“It’s amazing to see a community of different people coming together, to keep active and take part in different events. 

“One runner I spoke to, said that they didn’t think a year ago they’d be able to complete a 10k, but from all the support of the run club community, they’ve been able to smash them in sub 1 hour 15 minutes which is absolutely incredible.”

Jess Smith, who has completed numerous Fit Rovers courses and continues to attend vets sessions, spoke of how beneficial she’s found the run club: “The Fit Rovers Runners is an amazing group of like-minded people who support and encourage each other every step of the way. 

“Since joining, my 11-year-old daughter has been inspired to start running with me too, so she can submit her own time to the club.

“It’s been incredible to share this journey with her.”

Last summer, the run club celebrated their 4 year milestone, with staff and participants gathering at Sandall Park, to complete 5k. 

As a group that started off with just 5 people wanting to get out exercising after lockdown, to now recording over 80 people in 2025, the aim is to surpass the 100 participants mark by this summer, when they celebrate their 5th birthday. 

Interested in getting involved with the Fit Rovers Runners? You can find out about the regular activities by joining the Fit Rovers open Facebook page.

You can also join the Fit Rovers Runners strava group here: https://strava.app.link/kKHjyql3JQb