In 2005, a group of like-minded individuals came together with the ambition of forming a new running and fitness club in Saxmundham as one of the sporting sections of the Saxmundham Sports and Recreational Club.
Gordon Merfield, a qualified athletics coach and 11 times British Triathlon Champion wanted to set up the club to offer running and exercise opportunities to adults of all ages and abilities from beginners to experienced athletes.
Speaking at the time, Gordon, now 86, explained his motivation for setting up the club: “Running is known to be a good way of exercising, but not everyone wants to run on their own around the streets where they live. This initiative will give local people the opportunity to learn how to do it correctly and with other people, so it can become a social occasion as well as a sporting one.”
After a successful application to register the club with the Eastern Region Athletics Association, the club appointed Gordon as Chairperson and Club Coach along with other people who kindly volunteered their time.
The inaugural club session was held on the 6th of March 2005 and covered training and running techniques. Members were advised to obtain a pair of proper running shoes with Gordon’s top tip to get a copy of Running World magazine where shoes could be bought for half the price of High Street stores!
In 2025, the Saxmundham Running and Fitness Club, known as the Saxons, are celebrating two decades in operation with an impressive membership of more than 75 runners who meet twice weekly at the Carlton Park sports ground.
Club nights are Tuesday and Thursdays, and a team of seven friendly and dedicated coaches, led by Head Coach James Wilson, voluntarily pass on their expertise to members who want to improve their running and fitness or achieve their goal of competing in some of the most significant races in the running calendar.
Above all, they remain true to the club’s original ethos of providing the opportunity to exercise regardless of age and ability and enjoy fitness.
A beginner’s course which runs for 8 weeks starting in May, brings new faces to the club, keen to experience all the benefits of joining a running club.
In October, the Saxons host their annual Five Mile Race, a family-friendly event comprising a junior fun run and adult race, which this year takes place on Sunday 5th October 2025. Race director Sarah Vick, one of the original members of the club, expressed her delight that the race will be part of the Suffolk County Athletics Association Grand Prix Series, that attracts competitors from across Suffolk.
Gordon remains a regular figure at the club, and as Lifetime President his passion for running and the opportunities it brings to local people remains undiminished. He will be seen on race day proudly watching 250 competitors running past the club house at Carlton Park, and presenting trophies to the winners.
For more information on the race visit the Five Mile Race page.