Our Running Groups

Endurance Sub 8:15 min/mile (Sub 5:08 min/km)

Led by Teresa Baverstock.

The Endurance group offers steady-paced 6-7 mile (10-11 km) runs on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with the bulk of the group running at around 7:30-8:15 min/mile (4:40-5:08 min/km).

The group aims to run at a steady pace and keep moving continuously, with faster runners looping back to keep the group together. Some members are also working towards championship or good-for-age marathon qualifying times.

During the lead-up to targeted races, Thursdays may incorporate longer interval training sessions, which is the opposite to the usual pattern for many other groups, where intervals are more commonly done on Tuesdays. This gives runners options.

Racers Sub 8:30 min/mile (Sub 5:15 min/km)

Tony Conway and Kate Lewis have the pleasure of leading the Whacky Racers.

The Racers are one of the speediest groups at PJC, and our schedule is typically:

• Tuesdays: Speed work, such as 800 metre reps, pyramids, or hill reps.
• Thursdays: A longer run, usually between 7-9 miles.

The group pace is sub 8:30 min/mile (sub 5:15 min/km). Faster runners will loop back so that we all stay together.

Starting in January, we typically target our training towards running a spring marathon, working to a structured plan to build endurance and stamina. You are, of course, welcome to join in whether you are signed up to a spring marathon or not! 😀

Whatever we're doing, we always aim to have fun, so come give us a try!

Pacers 8:30-9:00 min/mile (5:15-5:35 min/km)

Led by Pete Birch.

The PJC Pacers are positioned just behind the Whacky Racers in terms of speed within the club's training structure. We often train as one group, especially during our Tuesday speed work sessions.

• Tuesdays: Speed work. We go through a series of speed work sessions designed to give your running that extra kick. Anyone can join in these sessions, as the pace is determined by your own race goals.
• Thursdays: We typically run 6-8 miles (10-13 km) at a group pace of 8:30-9:00 min/mile (5:15-5:35 min/km). The goal is to be able to maintain this pace without pushing yourself to your maximum effort. It's all about building up stamina.

Pace Cadets 9:00-10:00 min/mile (5:35-6:15 min/km)

Led by Gina Reeve, Richard Sullivan and Scott Andrews.

The Pace Cadets training sessions are structured to cater to a variety of running needs and goals.

We operate a mix of interval and speed sessions, designed to improve pace and endurance, and longer runs typically ranging from 5-7 miles (8-11 km). These longer runs are paced between 9:00-10:00 min/mile (5:35-6:15 min/km), providing a steady and enjoyable run for all participants.

In the summer, the Pace Cadets usually embark on a 14-week training plan for the Great South Run (GSR). Our goal is to help members complete the race in a target time of between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 40 minutes. We may train for other events during the year, depending on what group members are looking to achieve.

Join us for a supportive and motivating running experience, whether you're looking to improve your speed, increase your distance, or train for a specific event. We look forward to running with you!

Inbetweeners 10:00-11:00 min/mile (6:15-6:50 min/km)

Led by Steve Hyson and Katie Hall.

The Inbetweeners are for those running at around 6:15-6:50 min/km (10:00-11:00 min/mile), meaning you can complete parkrun (5 km) in around 31-33 minutes. Anyone is welcome to run with the group regardless of their pace, as we all look out for each other.

• Tuesdays: Interval training of some type which lasts an hour and normally covers 6.5 to 7 km (4 to 4.5 miles)
• Thursdays: A base run of 8 to 9 km (5 to 5.5 miles). Occasionally the group joins up with other groups for a joint run, typically this is when we do an away run i.e. the groups choose somewhere else to run other than our home location of Lakeside.

The group also joins in with the annual training plan in preparation for October's Great South Run.

Next Step 11:00-12:00 min/mile (6:50-7:30 min/km)

Led by Sue Clarke and Sue Hyson.

Next Step is the ideal group for those who have completed Couch to 5K and want to continue their running journey, or for those who want to enjoy a chatty run at 11:00-12:00 min/mile (6:50-7:30 min/km).

• Tuesdays: On alternate Tuesdays we do interval training, designed to help you increase stamina and staying power. On the following week we do a 4-5 mile (6-8 km) run, the same as Thursdays.
• Thursdays: We typically run 4-5 miles (6-8 km). The group aims to run this continuously without stopping to walk.

Beyond 5K Around 12:50 min/mile and slower (around 8:00 min/km)

Beyond 5K is our newest group, which started on 20th October 2026.

This group is designed for people who can already run 5 km continuously and want to keep running, build their confidence and gradually go further without feeling under pressure to run faster.

The group will be based on continuous running rather than run/walk, at a comfortable pace of around 12:50 min/mile and slower (around 8:00 min/km).

The important bit is the ethos: nobody should ever feel they are holding everyone else up, that they need to apologise for their pace, or that they are “not fast enough” to run with a club.

No pressure to speed up. No one left behind. Your pace belongs here. 💙

The group will not initially have a dedicated leader. There will be a rotation of leaders, but it will always be led by a qualified England Athletics Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF).

Social Group

The Social Group is led by Ally Smith and Celia Oxley.

This group is mainly aimed at slower runners who like to run and chat and for those who need to walk from time to time. We do loop backs, if needed, to keep the group together.

It's an ideal first step for those people who are not quite sure if they are confident enough to move on to the Next Step after completing Couch to 5K.

During the summer months (June, July, August) we venture out to explore the beautiful countryside and seafront that we are fortunate enough to live near to. Runs will start at 6:30 p.m.; please refer to the Portsmouth Running Group Facebook page for details each week.

During the rest of the year we run from Lakeside. On Tuesdays we run at 7 p.m. and on Thursdays at 6 p.m.

If you fancy a run/walk or gentle plod with a group of like-minded people, why not come and join us?

Other Qualified Run Leaders

When the standard group leaders are not available (due to illness, injury, holidays etc) the run leaders below will stand in. This ensures that there is always a qualified person leading the run.