About FVS

Fairlands Valley Spartans is primarily a road running club based in Stevenage, but our itinerary also includes track and off-road activities. We have around 400 members. Originally formed in 1984 the Spartans were named the ‘UK’s Best Running Club’ by Runner’s World in 2010.

The Spartans meet for various sessions through the week. On Mondays and Thursdays there our ‘New Starter Group’ meets and on Tuesdays there is a choice of training runs to suit a wide range of abilities. Thursdays see speed training sessions; on Saturdays, there is usually a track session and a Sunday sees many members who are not participating in races heading out for a longer, social run in the local vicinity. All sessions are fully supported by excellent coaches who are always on hand to offer advice and friendly support.

In fact, friendliness is very much a theme for the Spartans who try to support a wide range of members with a variety of abilities. We cater for everyone, from those wishing to just run with others for company to those training to compete in various races over a range of distances. Many of our members regularly run the London Marathon and we organise a half-marathon each November around the traffic-free cycle tracks of Stevenage catering for around 1,000 runners, the proceeds of which go to local charities.

Each July, we arrange both an off-road challenge event with distance options from 12 miles to 50K, and a 3k relay event. We also organise a 5 mile and a 5K race each year.

The Spartans participate in a mid-week evening 10km league each summer and enjoy taking part in a Sunday morning cross country league over the winter months.

We also play an active role in organising and supporting 3 major mass participation events in Stevenage. The Sport Relief 1 mile attracts hundreds of runners of all ages, sizes and abilities to the local athletics track and raises a huge sum for the Sport Relief Charities. And then, in the summer, we support the Race for Life which sees around 2,000 local ladies run, walk, and enjoy a 5k through the Fairlands Valley, from which the Club takes its name. Again, a huge sum was raised for Cancer Charities and saw many local ladies feel a real sense of achievement from taking part. Then, in September comes the Rotar-Run which raises money for the local air ambulance and which sees many Spartans helping at.

Running is only a part of the story at Fairlands Valley Spartans where the focus is on participation and fun, as well as on excellence. We organise various social events throughout the year including our annual dinner & dance presentation evening, Christmas celebrations, and anything else we can find an excuse to celebrate we do!

Of course we are very proud of the achievements of all our members who are encouraged to set their own personal goals on an annual basis, and then helped on an individual basis to achieve them. Many have surprised even themselves by winning medals at County and Regional levels – others are regular winners at such events.

We continue to thrive and compete and, most of all, enjoy our running. We are always keen to welcome new members of whatever age (our current membership ranges from teenagers through to 2 active members who are 75 years young!), gender, shape, size or ability. For fitness, fun, health and competition, Fairlands Valley Spartans provides a friendly and supportive environment for all.

Come and find us at 7.30pm on a Monday, 7pm on a Tuesday or Thursday at Marriotts School, Brittain Way, Stevenage or at Ridlins Track 9.30 on a Saturday morning.