Cool Runnings
Cool Runnings is the University of Birmingham’s social running club, providing a welcoming and pressure-free environment for anyone who enjoys running or wants to get started. With opportunities for both beginners and experienced runners, the club encourages members to run, socialise and be part of a supportive community.
President: India Farrant
Vice President: William Scott
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Rep: Kate Stephenson
Our Club
We offer training sessions for runners of all abilities, from complete beginners through to those training for longer-distance events. Each term, we run a successful Couch to 5K (C25K) programme alongside a variety of sessions including group runs (3k, 5k and 8k), circuit training, track sessions and long runs.
The club has a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, with weekly socials that help members get to know one another and build a strong sense of community. We also organise an annual abroad trip during the Easter break.
Alongside running, members can take part in Campus League netball and football. Outside of the club, we attend a range of events and races, including Cannon Hill Parkrun, the Birmingham 10K and Half Marathon, Warwick Cross Country Relays and the Coventry 10K.
Facilities
Athletics Track
Built in 2017, our athletics track has hosted a variety of world-class competitions including the European 10,000m Cup.
Dojo
Our Dojo is a purpose built facility within Sport & Fitness.
Indoor and outdoor Netball courts
3x indoor courts with one showcourt and bleacher seats as well as 10x outdoor courts.
Areas Surrounding the University Campus
Sometimes the club train on local roads around campus and surrounding areas.
Training Times
- Monday: 6.15pm Group Runs & C25K
- Tuesday: 6.00pm-7.00pm Netball Training (biweekly)
- Wednesday: 5.00pm Group Runs & C25K
- Thursday: 5.00pm Track
- Friday: 3.00pm-4.00pm Circuits
- Saturday: 9.00am Parkrun
- Sunday: 10.00am Long Run (biweekly)
Competition Opportunities
We compete at many local races around Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region such as Coventry 10K, Winter Warmer 5k,10k & Half Marathon.
For the last 2 years, Cool Runnings have been the host club for Birmingham 24 hour run against Homelessness. A unique opportunity for all to get involved with a fantastic cause and give back to the local community.
Cool Runnings also takes part in Campus league every week, which is a social sport competition between different teams within university. We have a Netball and football team that compete once a week. We encourage everyone to give it a go regardless of experience level.
Membership Price
Term One & Two: £30
Term 2: £20
As part of signing up to a Sports Club you are agreeing to the Sport and Fitness Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, Sports Club Code of Conduct and other UoB Sport & Fitness policies. Click here to head to Sports Club Benefits to read them.
*This is an approximate list of what the club membership may include. This can change at any point, so please confirm with the club directly on what this membership includes.
Inclusion, Accessibility and Disability Practices
Cool Runnings is the most affordable club at the University, ensuring accessibility for individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds. The club does not hold trials or selection processes, making participation open to all. Members can take part in a fully coached “Couch to 5K” program designed for beginners, helping them build confidence and fitness at a comfortable pace. With flexible training schedules, members can attend sessions that suit their circumstances.
Running is inherently accessible, and the club maximises inclusivity by designing sessions to accommodate all ability levels. Experienced runners and committee members provide support to ensure that no one is left behind. By training around campus and minimising costs, the club remains accessible to students with travel constraints. Through these efforts, the club creates a welcoming space where financial barriers do not hinder participation.
