Image: Nick Boulter
A Suffolk running club is marking its success in attracting older members – by awarding extra prize categories at its annual 5-mile race this October.
Saxmundham Running and Fitness Club – known as The Saxons – will introduce the extra age categories to accommodate a big increase in the proportion of runners over 50. Half the club’s members are now in that age category, and there is a strong contingent of runners over 60 and 70.
The club has decided to recognise a growing trend for races to be attended by older runners. Instead of competing in 10-year age brackets with a single prize group for the over-70s, this year prizes will be awarded in five-year age brackets for those between 40 and 75.
Around the world, more people are continuing to take part in running races as they grow older. The number of over-60s competing in the New York Marathon increased by 88 per cent between 2015 and 2025.
And locally the trend is similar – last year one in seven runners at the Framlingham 10k race was over 60, while one in 11 at the Southwold 10k was in that category.
However, The Saxons have an even more impressive record: last year three out of every 10 entrants in the club’s annual five-mile race, which takes place every October, was over the age of 60.
The move to change the prize categories for this year’s race, which takes place on Sunday October 4, was led by club member Gary Lowe, who is 68.
Gary said: “We wanted to recognise the fact that while lots of people carry on running after the age of 60, the decline in performance does accelerate at that point. The new age categories should enable runners to compete against their true peer group.”
“It’s great to see more older runners taking part in our race and in our club, and we hope this change will encourage them to come and join us.”
Sue Pearson, aged 65, was recently made ‘Saxon of the Month’ after a perfect attendance record at the Suffolk 5-mile cross country series last winter – she competed in all the six events between October and February.
“Saxons is my happy place,” she said. “As an older runner I feel completely included, never judged – everyone is recognised for what they achieve. I’ve made so many friends, and the club has fantastic coaches who are committed to getting the best out of you regardless of ability or age.”
The Saxons 5 Mile Race takes place at the Saxmundham Running & Fitness Club, Carlton Park, Saxmundham, IP17 1AT. The adult race is open to runners aged 15 and over and is a chip timed, multi-terrain run on sports field, footpaths and off-road, fully marshalled and sign posted. There are winner’s prizes for each age category and every finisher receives a memento.
The Junior Fun Run starts at 10.15 am and is one lap of the field (1km) for ages 8 and under, or two laps of the field (2km) for ages 9-14. Entry for the Junior Fun Run is £3 – registration and payment will be cash only on the day. All finishers in the junior fun runs receive medals.
For more information on The Saxons 5 Mile Race visit https://thesaxons.org.uk/5-mile-race/
Read more about The Saxons success on BBC Look East News