Unless otherwise announced the main Thursday training session is the “Muster”.

We run together using a system that allows people to run at different speeds but keeping us all together as a group.  To keep everyone together, we have points every mile or so at which we all turn around and run back to the slowest runner who is always accompanied by a back marker.  We call these "muster points".  The back marker changes at each muster point so he only has to run slowly for one muster leg.

This system allows everyone to run at their own speed without anyone being left behind.  Some of us treat the runs as interval sessions, running different sections at different speeds, or perhaps some sections as training runs and others as social runs.

Main muster

There is a single route for the Summer Muster run and three different Winter Muster routes.  The length of the routes is between 6 and 7 miles.  Quicker runners who muster back to the back marker will run further than this.

To view any of the muster routes, click on one of the pictures.  The muster points are marked on the maps.  Many thanks to Michael & Angela Bradley for the route maps & risk assessments, also to Bill Bradley for the shorter alternative routes.

Alternative runs

Several alternative shorter mini-muster routes for those who don't feel ready to tackle the full muster are being trialled in early spring.  Routes are on the right of this page.

Some runners prefer to do a separate faster pace run, although many faster runners run the muster.

Muster etiquette

Please try to follow these guidelines, for courtesy & safety and to make sure the muster works well.

• Always run on the left, whether you're running forward to the next muster point or back to the back marker.
• Please don't run two or three abreast when people are mustering towards you, especially when the path is narrow.
• Please don't just stop and congregate at the muster point.  If there are a large number of runners it gets crowded and possibly dangerous.  If you want a break, just jog slowly back to the back marker, then start running at full pace again.
• Please volunteer occasionally to be the back marker.  You won't need to do it every week but it does help if we don't have to persuade people.
• You are responsible for your own safety, especially if you choose to run in the road!
• Be courteous to other road & path users, both pedestrians & cars.

To sum up, be courteous to other people and you are responsible for your own safety.

Back marker

The back marker has an important role.

• If someone is hurt or has to stop, the back marker will make sure they are not left alone.
• When front runners reach a muster point, they should turn round and run back until they reach the back marker, then turn again and continue running forward.
• The muster is designed to allow runners of all abilities to safely cover the route.  The back marker should always stay with the last runner.  If you are running slowly, you are not holding the back marker up - that is what they are there for!
• Finally, if you are the back marker then you MUST stay at the back for that section of the route.  You should run alongside or behind the slowest person at their pace, not encourage them to run a bit faster by keeping up with you!