"I was a late starter to running 40+ and had entered a few local races and noticed how many club vests were out and the support they were getting from the crowd shouting out the club name. A neighbour said to try Penny Lane Striders. The group running was so inclusive and it felt like I had been missing out on a secret feel good club . Met the best running/ drinking/ messing around buddies ever" 
"I joined Penny lane Striders as I was looking for a family type running club like my old running club in North Wales. It's great to be a part of a friendly club and to compete in races together like one big family, and train together and to encourage each other" 
"The thought of joining any club was a daunting prospect, however the club has always made me feel welcome. I have made loads of friends through being part of the club" 
"I thought it was a pub crawl group. Like freshers for working people. Next thing I knew I was running up hills and round funny parks I never knew existed. Someone gave me a medal at the end of my first 10k, being a magpie, I decided I fancied a few more. I'm still working on a breakaway Group Beer" 
"It’s a good club. You can get into formal structures of sport, but there are other possibilities - running with the dog, ultras, unconventional races which don’t fit into the athletics scene as such. It’s not macho - men and women compete together. There’s incredible diversity which seems to have happened naturally" 
“Having run solo for years I joined PLS for some company. Never did I expect to meet such amazing people and smash my race times! The club has become a big part of my life and every training session boosts my mental wellbeing. My only regret…not joining sooner!” 
"I loitered by a group of them at the Sefton Park 5 miler. They seemed a decent bunch" |
I joined PLS in 2012 and it was definitely one of my best decisions. I have made some lifelong friends at the club who are not only amazing but also incredibly supportive. Every training run is never short of a few giggles, and my running continues to improve! 
"Penny Lane is friendly and well structured. I met quite a few Striders at Princes parkrun. I like the fact that the club is inclusive, and that no-one gets left behind" 
"One day as I plodded my way around Garston Park doing C25k I saw a happy group of gazelle like, lycra clad runners sprinting through the park smiling… and I decided I wanted to do that too (minus the sprinting), so I did" 
"When I was choosing a running club PLS was the only one I'd heard of in Liverpool, no question which one to choose...great club to be part of, dare I say it feels more like an extended family" 
"In all seriousness the best thing I've ever done in my life. To be part of a running club with the most famous name in the world. I've loved every minute of it, from those who've come,gone and stayed, I've loved you all. The people in this club have given me the most magical moments. Hats off to you all!" 
"I am glad I am in Penny Lane Striders where running is the reason for the club existing. We have a committee that gets on and puts the club and it's members first, and a membership of lovely friendly runners" 
"I joined because I needed to do more in my life than sit around. It's really helped me improve my running and it's great to be part of such a great club. One thing I've learnt from the club is "nothing is impossible" train hard and anything is achievable just believe in yourself" 
"I loved it from day one, I've made some great friends and the social side is just as important as the running" |
"As I was walking to the finish line I saw a Strider with about half a mile to go. She was smiling from ear to ear and waving at the crowd who were all cheering her on. There was something very inspiring about that moment and I knew from then that PLS was for me" 
"I joined about 10 months ago after a little bit of convincing from friends and family (always though running clubs were for the "fast sporty types") I have had an amazing time with group 5 and can't believe how much my stamina and distance has improved!" 
"Penny Lane isnae a bad wee club" 
"Joining is one of the best things I've done. My running has improved massively in just 8 months and I have made loads of good friends. Everyone in the club is really supportive and helpful" 
It was 2011 and I wanted to get fit, but found myself stuck in a perpetual cycle of joining the gym, hating the gym and then quitting the gym. At the same time I kept on seeing these gangs of runners charging around the local roads and parks, seemingly having the time of their lives. So I did some digging, found out they were Penny Lane Striders, and decided to try them out. I'm still here, having run 3 marathons, 20+ half marathons, become fitter than I ever was and found a large, weird and wonderful bunch of friends who I couldn't be without. 
"After years of playing football it was time to hang up the boots! I needed a new team who didn't take themselves too seriously" 
"I have made so many new friends at Penny Lane Striders and I'd like to thank them all for being super supportive all the time, and giving me lots of tips to improve my running. I think you are all fantastic!" |