Bracknell Forest Runners
Bracknell
Forest
Runners

A friendly club for runners of all abilities in Bracknell, Berkshire. Road, trail, Parkrun, ultra — you name it, we'll run it.

250+
Members
35+
Years Running
3
Weekly Sessions
5K–Ultra
All Distances
1989
Est. 1989
Affiliated with England Athletics
RoadTrailCross CountryParkrunUltraAll Abilities
About Us

More than just a running club

Founded in 1989, Bracknell Forest Runners has grown from a small group of local enthusiasts into one of Berkshire's most active running communities. Whether you're targeting your first 5K, chasing a marathon PB, exploring the trails of Swinley Forest, or taking on an ultra, you'll find like-minded people here.

We welcome runners of all paces and backgrounds — our focus is always on enjoyment, whether that's on one of our famous chatty runs, at a social event, or racing at a club championship event.

Join Now Find Us
Membership

Join Bracknell Forest Runners

All memberships include England Athletics affiliation, access to all club sessions, and members' social events. Membership runs April – March.

First Claim
Full Member
£40/year
  • All weekly training sessions
  • England Athletics affiliation
  • Club championships entry
  • Club vest (first year)
  • Members social events
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Race discount codes
Join Now
Second Claim
Second Claim
£30/year
  • Already a member elsewhere
  • All weekly training sessions
  • England Athletics affiliation
  • Club championships entry
  • Members social events
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Race discount codes
Join as Second Claim
Coaching Team

Our Coaches

We're incredibly lucky to have such a fantastic group of coaches. Their guidance, encouragement, and expertise keep sessions challenging and enjoyable for everyone.

JR
James Robinson
🏃 Run Coach · 📋 LiRF
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James RobinsonJR

I've been a member of BFR for 2 years and got involved with the coaching team to help encourage others. I hope to help people progress and am always happy to answer questions.

MS
Mike Sankey
🏃 Run Coach
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Mike SankeyMS

I've been running for more years than I'd care to admit — it started as a way to lose weight, then the bug bit me! Across 100+ races I hope I've gathered enough experience to support your journey. Never set limits on yourself.

JF
Jules Fairley
🏃 Run Coach · 📋 LiRF · 💪 Personal Trainer
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Jules FairleyJF

I joined BFR back in 2002 after signing up for the Reading Half Marathon. Running transformed my life and led me into triathlon too. I love being a coach and have written training plans for members.

BL
Bernice Littleboy
🏃 Run Coach · 📋 CiRF · 💪 Personal Trainer · 🛡️ Welfare Officer
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Bernice LittleboyBL

I started running 12 years ago and joining BFR was the best decision I ever made. As a qualified personal trainer I love helping members of all abilities reach their goals. I also serve as a Welfare Officer.

SH
Sarah Hicks
🏃 Run Coach · 📋 LiRF
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Sarah HicksSH

I was a middle distance track athlete as a teenager and joined the club in 2024 to reconnect with the running community. It's an amazing club to belong to and I am very happy to now be sharing my love of running as part of the coaching team.

Contact the Coaching Team
Committee

Your Committee

Get in touch directly with any committee member below, or email the whole committee:

Email the Committee
Committee Members
CM
Chair
Chris McDonagh
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Chris McDonaghCM

I re-started running in 2019 after a few years off, initially running 5km locally around Binfield & Bracknell then moving up to 10km mainly. Having fallen in love with running I looked for a local club and joined BFR, a really friendly club with great weekly sessions and fantastic coaches. My favourite session is track on a Wednesday evening.

HB
Vice Chair
Harry Blenkinsopp
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Harry BlenkinsoppHB

I joined BFR in 2024 after relocating outside of London. I started running following a rugby injury not allowing me to return. Joining BFR means a solo sport of running turns into a team event. It is full of incredibly supportive members and coaches. If I'm not running the event itself, I'm normally the one screaming 'Lets go BFR' at the top of my lungs and losing my voice cheering!

LK
Club Secretary
Liza Kahanova
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Liza KahanovaLK

I started running in 2018, after being inspired by my dad completing an Ironman. A year later I completed my first marathon, and vowed to never do it again, although that didn't quite go to plan. I joined the club in 2019, where I took part in lots of great events and made new friends.

AL
Treasurer
Andries Lategan
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Andries LateganAL

Being a runner for most of my life, primarily to keep fit and healthy, I wanted to run in a more social setting and joined BFR in 2018. This decision transformed my running experience, as it allowed me to combine my passion for running with being part of a supportive community. I really enjoy participating in the various Club Championship races across all distances, from 5K to half marathons, and have made some great friends along the way. Serving on the committee is very rewarding and a great way to give something back to the club.

AC
Membership Secretary
Andrew Crafter
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Andrew CrafterAC

Having enjoyed XC at school I only relatively recently got back into running as a holiday alternative to cycling (running is cheaper and more portable!). I joined BFR late last summer (2023) to try and improve my fitness and times, having completed my first half marathon (Fleet) back in the spring. I enjoy the Wednesday track sessions and join club runs when family life and time allows.

SB
Social Media
Sam Baines
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Sam BainesSB

I've always loved running having first joined Bracknell Athletics club when I was 13. I decided to join Bracknell Forest Runners in 2022 to help work on my race day speed and run in a more social setting as opposed to going out on my own. You can usually find me leading the 9's or 9.30's on our Monday night run or Sunday morning run. My favourite aspect of the club is the Wednesday night track sessions — a great way to improve your race day speed.

RP
Volunteer Coordinator
Rob Pottinger
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Rob PottingerRP

I'm Rob and I look after the volunteers, which so far has been a real pleasure. I joined originally around 2017 and had a year out after breaking my foot. This is the best club I could hope for, and I'm looking forward to many more years running and supporting all the great things we do. My favourite run is a half marathon.

RP
Kit Coordinator
Rob Pottinger
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Rob PottingerRP

I'm Rob and I look after the volunteers, which so far has been a real pleasure. I joined originally around 2017 and had a year out after breaking my foot. This is the best club I could hope for, and I'm looking forward to many more years running and supporting all the great things we do. My favourite run is a half marathon.

IH
Website Management
Iain Heath
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Iain HeathIH

Running marathons has become one of my greatest passions. There's something uniquely satisfying about the challenge, discipline, and mental endurance required to train for and complete the distance. What started as a personal fitness goal has evolved into a lifestyle that keeps me motivated and constantly striving for progress. You can usually find me running with the Sub 8s, on a Sunday Long Run or at the BFR track sets.

Non-Committee Roles
🛡️
Welfare Officers
Jamie Hayes & Bernice Littleboy
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💚
Mental Health Champions
Paul Thompson
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🏅
Race Results
Race Results Team
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Club Constitution

Our current operating guide regulating the actions of members.

The club is called Bracknell Forest Runners and is affiliated to UK Athletics (or its successors).
Our philosophy is simple: running for fun. Everything we do as a club flows from that.

As a club we aim to:

  • Promote fitness, health and running in the community — with enjoyment at the heart of everything.
  • Provide coaching and competitive opportunities from 5K to marathon and beyond.
  • Foster a welcoming, positive social environment for all.
  • Ensure all members are treated fairly and equally.
  • Maintain a genuine duty of care to every member.
Membership is open to anyone aged 18 or over. Concessions are available for members aged over 65, those who are registered disabled, and members aged under 25 in full-time education. By joining the club, all members agree to abide by this constitution and any codes of conduct the club adopts.
Annual fees are set each year at the Annual General Meeting. They are due in advance from 1st April and cover the period through to 31st March the following year.

The club's elected officers are: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, and Coaching Co-ordinator. No individual may hold more than one officer position.

Up to five ex-officio members may also sit on the committee, giving a maximum of ten. All committee members stand down annually but may seek re-election. The committee meets at least four times per year; a quorum of five is required.

Two independent Welfare Officers (one male, one female) are also appointed, separate from the committee.

The Treasurer manages club finances and all funds are held in accounts in the club's name. An independently audited statement of accounts is presented at every AGM. Any cheques must be signed by two of the following: Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary.

The Secretary gives at least 21 days' notice of the AGM. A quorum of 20% of total membership is required.

Any member may request an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) with written support from at least 5% of the membership. The Secretary will convene an EGM within one calendar month of a valid request.

The club may only be dissolved by a majority vote of the entire membership at an AGM or EGM. Any remaining assets will be transferred to UK Athletics or another local running club with similar objectives.
Changes require a majority vote at an AGM or EGM. Any proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to the Secretary at least four weeks before the relevant meeting.
All disciplinary and appeals matters are handled in accordance with the Club Disciplinary and Appeals Procedure, published on the club website and available from the Club Secretary on request.
All members must comply with GDPR legislation. Any misuse of personal data will result in immediate suspension from all club activities, pending a formal disciplinary process.
Sessions & Events

Training & Events

Mon
6:45
Club Run
South Hill Park, Bracknell
📍South Hill Park, Bracknell · ///score.stick.galaxy →
👥Multiple pace groups
Approx 1 hour
🅿️Please avoid the Aldi car park — use the area furthest from the building or Leppington car park
Wed
7:00
Speed
Bracknell Athletics Track, RG12 7NN
📍Bracknell Athletics Track · ///many.alert.margin →
🏃Coached intervals for all abilities
📱Please sign in via the QR code on arrival
New to BFR? Join up to 3 trial Wednesdays before committing to membership
Sun
9:30
Long Run
The Lookout, Bracknell
📍The Lookout, Bracknell · ///riding.lasts.mock →
🌲Relaxed forest run
Lights & visibility

During autumn and winter, reflective clothing and a head or body torch are mandatory for all evening sessions. Members receive a discount on Proviz kit — see the club newsletter.

Dogs at sessions

Dogs are not permitted on Monday night club runs due to insurance requirements. One dog per runner may be permitted on off-road sessions. Dogs are not permitted at races or events.

6:45 – 7:00pmArrive and meet7:00 – 7:10pmAnnouncements, set explanation and warm-up7:10 – 7:50pmTrack set (approx)7:50 – 8:00pmCool down and stretching

Suitable for all — beginner to experienced.

With up to 60–70 athletes of mixed ability, these guidelines keep everyone safe:

1
Briefing — please be quiet during the coaching briefing and stretches.
2
Lanes — Lane 1 for effort (everyone). Lane 2 for overtaking. Outer lanes 3–6 for recovery.
3
Passing — always pass on the right. Wait until safely ahead before cutting in.
4
Merging — check behind before changing lanes. A hand signal right helps others.
5
Awareness — always run counterclockwise. No headphones please.
6
Stopping — move to outer lanes first. Look both ways before crossing the track.
Track Schedule

Wednesday Night Track

Every Wednesday at 7:00pm · Bracknell Athletics Track, RG12 7NN · what3words: ///many.alert.margin
Please sign in via the QR code on arrival. Questions? coaches@bracknell-forest-runners.org.uk

DateWorkoutCoach
22 Apr 2026Combination Set
600m broken down as:
400m @ 10k pace
200m @ 5k pace
200m recovery
Repeat for 40 minutes
A good set for working on a fast finish or picking up pace in the second half of a race.
Jules
29 Apr 2026Ramping up the gears
4 x 8 mins with 90 sec recovery. Each 8 min block: 2 min steady, 2 min HMP, 2 min 10k pace, 2 min 5k pace.
Bernice
6 May 2026No Track Session
13 May 2026TBCJames
20 May 2026No Track Session
Club Championship

Club Championship 2026/27

A points-based race series across four distances — 5km, 10km, 10 mile, and half marathon — with three race options per distance. Complete at least one at each distance to qualify. Points awarded by BFR finishing position: 100 for 1st, 99 for 2nd, and so on.

Club kit required to score points.
Members raising money for charity who wish to wear a charity vest are welcome.
Distance
5km
20 Jun 2026
Bracknell Samaritans Run
13 Aug 2026
Barnes Fitness Dinton Summer Series Race 4
Oct/Nov 2026 (tbc)
Parkrun
Distance
10km
17 May 2026
Binfield 10k
18 Oct 2026
Henley 10k
Mar 2027 (tbc)
Barnes Fitness Siren Brew 10k
Distance
10 miles
18 Oct 2026
Cabbage Patch 10
28 Dec 2026
Gut Buster 10
14 Feb 2027
Bramley 10
Distance
Half marathon
9 Aug 2026
Burnham Beeches Half Marathon
4 Oct 2026
Basingstoke Half Marathon
21 Feb 2027
Wokingham Half Marathon

You must be a first claim member, fully paid-up on the date of each event, and complete at least one race in each of the four distances. If you run more than one race in a distance, only your highest-scoring result counts.

Points are awarded by BFR gender position: 100 for 1st, 99 for 2nd, etc. Races must be run under your own name. Your age category is fixed as of 1st April each year.

Awards for overall male and female champion, plus age category awards for Senior (under 40), V40, V50, and V60+ for both genders. If the overall winner also wins an age category, no separate age category award is given.
Separate to the main championship, the Marathon Championship recognises the male and female with the fastest age-adjusted marathon times across the season. Age-adjusted times must be enabled on your profile and the result must be on the BFR results database.
Results

Results

Race results from our members. Had a great run recently? Submit your time and we'll add it to the results page.

Submit your results

Completed a race recently? Fill in the form below and hit submit — it will open your email client with the details pre-filled for the results team.

Paste the link to the official race results page
Club Records

View the all-time club records across a range of distances, from 1 Mile to the Marathon and beyond.

View Club Records
Common Questions
Don't worry — we never leave anyone behind. Our club run has multiple pace groups from around 10 min/mile upwards. For quicker runners, our Wednesday speed sessions will keep you challenged. We have members who run sub-3 hour marathons and members still building to their first 5K.
Absolutely. You're welcome to join a few sessions before committing to membership. Just turn up, introduce yourself, and our run leaders will take care of the rest. Wednesday track sessions allow up to 3 trial evenings.
Sessions are typically up to 1 hour in length.
There's no obligation to wear club kit for training or racing. Wear whatever is comfortable. That said, many members are proud to wear the BFR vest — kit is available to order through the members' area.
Membership is open to those aged 18 and over. Under-18s may occasionally join club runs if accompanied by a parent or guardian who is already a member.
Yes! Many of our members belong to more than one club. You can join as a second claim member for £30/year. If you want to race for BFR, you can transfer your first claim via England Athletics — our membership secretary can help.
Find Us

Come and join us

We'd love to meet you. Just turn up to a session or drop us a message first.

Meeting Points

Monday — South Hill Park · 6:45pm
///score.stick.galaxy →

Wednesday — Bracknell Athletics Track · 7:00pm
///many.alert.margin →

Sunday — The Lookout, Bracknell · 9:30am
///riding.lasts.mock →

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New to BFR?

The best session to try first is our Monday Club Run (6:45pm at South Hill Park) or Wednesday Speed session (7:00pm at Bracknell Athletics Track). Both are friendly, welcoming, and cater for all paces.

Just turn up in running gear — no need to book ahead. Introduce yourself to one of our run leaders and they'll take care of the rest.

Policies

Our policies are in place to ensure all members feel safe, respected, and well looked after.

Privacy Policy

How we collect, use, and protect your personal data as a member.

Read Privacy Policy →

Subject Access Policy

Want to see the data we hold about you? Find out how to request a copy here.

Read Subject Access Policy →

Inclusion Policy

Our commitment to making BFR a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of background or ability.

Read Inclusion Policy →