IN SPRING of 1998 a few of Truro's local runners were preparing to do battle with 26.2 miles of London's finest roads and paving,

In the course of their training, Adrian Tyas, Chris Duckham, Kevin Harding, Liz Lusty-Hoye and Bill James were meeting regularly, often accompanied by several other local runners.

At this time they had no regular gathering point, but, as you can no doubt imagine, thoughts of forming a club were never far away, basking in the afterglow of a successful assault on the Marathon.

Ideas of a club began to look like a real possibility when contacts with Truro Rugby Club indicated they would be happy (for a small annual fee) to let the runners use their premises.

With the details and small print agreed on, Truro Running Club was born.

The founding members then went to work publicising the club, achieving a very healthy membership in a very short time.

Today the club supports a regular membership of 80 or so runners, many of whom compete frequently in events such as the Cornish Grand Prix series and often further afield, in events such as The Great North Run, The London Marathon, The Morlaix Half and The Jersey Half to name but a few.

Many come along to run purely to keep fit. Kevin Harding, the club coach and founder member, has always tried to organise club nights (Wednesdays 6.30pm) to cater for all the different requirements of members – both old and new plus newcomers and occasional visiting holidaymakers.

The club now has a membership of around 130 with an approximate 50/50 split of male and female members.

The club hasn't got the biggest of trophy cabinets but has some fine athletes and triathletes within its numbers.

The club is not elitist and prides itself on being very sociable and welcomes runners from all backgrounds and of varying abilities.

The chairman, Rob Cockings, counts himself very fortunate to be part of such a friendly club.

He never envisaged five years ago when he joined the club to get fit and lose weight that he would end up being so active in such a rewarding sport.

For more details about the club take a look at its website www.trurorunningclub.org.uk