Motivation
When it’s pouring down with rain, it’s dark or you're busy, going out for a run might seem the last thing on your mind. By being part of a club you'll be in the company of others who understand that at times, you can find any old reason not to run; but by being part of a club network you'll have the encouragement to get up off the sofa and out onto the roads and you may actually enjoy it!
Safety
For women and men, it's not great fun to run in the dark alone. By running with others you'll always have companionship and we try to ensure that no person will be left to run by themselves (unless on request!) especially in the winter time.
Encouragement
Plenty of runners that approach the club have never run before, whilst some are seasoned Welsh representatives. However we know that everyone has to start somewhere and a new year might bring resolutions to get fit, break a PB(personal best) or even get over an injury. Whatever your goal, the club will do its best to help you achieve it.
Fun!
Once you've achieved your goal, we'll be there to congratulate you with a pint or a well earned congratulations. Belonging to a club isn't just about running. There are social nights, trips, races and other events that you can get involved with…
And also...
Its Cost Effective… San Domenico Road Runners is a fully affiliated club and as a member you will be affiliated to Welsh Athletics which entitles you to enter a race as a "club runner" and pay £2 less race entry fee. You can also get discounts at sport shops including MOTI and Run and Become in Cardiff.
Guaranteed places in certain races... If you are competitive then being in a club means that you can get reserved places for big races including the London Marathon. It also means that you can compete as part of a team in the Gwent League - the regional cross country competition for South Wales and the West Country, plus inter-regional and national championships.
Can I just come along and run?
If you are uncertain about committing then no problems, anyone is welcome to come and try us out. If it is for you then by all means join. However, there is no pressure and we would encourage you to contact us beforehand if you are uncertain about what we do.
What if I don't want to race?
The club does organise club championships but again, there is no pressure to participate in races. Many runners come along just for the training runs.
However a lot of newcomers do find that as their confidence and strength grows then a race is a welcome challenge. Club members are there to provide advice and with their experience make sure that you get the best out of being part of the team, and most importantly helping you to stay injury free.
We organise a 'free to enter' club handicap series, where the slower runners will start first with faster runners following at appropriate intervals. With the objective that all will finish at about the same time. It's all very informal and the key objective is fun allied with some exercise.
What does it cost?
If you decide to become a member, then the annual subscription is £20 per year, plus mandatory membership of Welsh Athletics, which is £5. For details of the membership of Welsh athletics, click here. The membership year runs from 1st April with reduced club rates (£10) for students and un-employed people, although the WA membership remains at £5.
As a member you will need to purchase a 'club vest', these are available in both mens and ladies sizes at a cost of £15. When you have run three races wearing your vest wel give you a refund of £7.50.
A downloadable membership form is available here, but we suggest you come and run with us first.