If your kids are obsessed with running – from watching their heroes on tv at the commonwealth games or just joining mum and dad at the local park. Whatever their age from prep school through to high school – it could be worth considering looking into after school running clubs and athletics programs to accelerate and hone their talents beyond the school yard and PE lessons. They don’t need to be a star athlete for you to get them signed up, but a love of running is essential!

If you’re considering signing them up for running clubs but you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide below to finding out everything you need to know about extra-curricular running clubs.

Research running clubs in your area

It’s worth making sure that you have a running club within your area, whether it’s one arranged by your kids’ school or offered by an institution like Little Athletics. Whilst running can technically be an all year-round sport, you’ll often find that clubs like Little Athletics tend to run their sessions from October through March. Some clubs might also have a waiting list, so it might be recommended to sign up for any impending waiting lists in good time.

You will also find that free weekly events like Park Run host junior runs at select locations, so it’s worth checking out what’s happening where you live first.

Time commitment

Make sure that your kids feel comfortable with running and athletics programs taking up their time outside of school. For high school kids, you’ll want to account for things like regular homework and socialising with friends. It’s a big commitment to make and whilst some running clubs will allow taster sessions, we’d definitely recommend that you check with your little ones that they are happy to take on the extra classes.

Similarly, remember the extra time you need out of your own schedule and make sure that getting to and from running clubs is factored into your regular plans and work timetables.

If you do have to miss a class, some clubs will offer make up tokens.

Cost and budget

Don’t forget that running classes incur a cost, and these are often charged in advance in blocks rather than on a week-to-week basis, so you’ll need to factor this into your budgets. In addition, you might need to pay out for club jerseys plus additional travel costs as well as extra snacks for when they get extra hungry post session.

How can parents help?

You’ll find that some clubs like Little Athletics are 100% voluntary when it comes to certain roles, so you might find yourself helping out with things like officiating races or even recording results.

Get the right running shoes

Once you’ve picked a running club, now it’s time to find your kid a perfect pair of running shoes .  If you’re still struggling to pick the right ones, our guide to choosing the right pair of runners for kids is ideal reading. However, some of our current favourites include options from Asics and New Balance. In particular we love the New Balance 76t for its comfort and durability. The Asics Gel Kayano 30 comes jam packed with all the same Asics technology you find in its adult counterparts but this one is specifically tailored to kids’ feet. Your kids will discover the softest iteration of Asics Gel technology to date, the interior gel providing enhanced shock absorption, softer landings, and smoother transitions.


SHOP NEW BALANCE 76t

SHOP ASICS GEL KAYANO 30

We hope you enjoyed reading our guide to after school running clubs as much as your little ones enjoy running! See them at the finish line!