Club History

 

Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners was formed on 17th January 2001.

The idea was hatched when Shaun Moran met husband and wife Joanne and Mark Riches whilst watching their kids play rugby at the local club. Shaun would talk of his idea to start a local running club and although happy to sort out training schedules etc. he asked if Joanne and Mark were happy to get involved and help with setting up the Club officially.
A number of venues were considered for the Club base but the warm welcome extended by The Miners Welfare Institute at Gin Pit Village seemed to make it the perfect home for the Club to start its life.

Another current member, Craig Bradbury came on board and the hard work in the early days by these four to establish the club reaped rewards. The club in their royal blue and white vests, to mirror the local rugby club Tyldesley RUFC, were soon making regular appearances in local competitions.
With the wonderful trails around Gin Pit for training, word soon spread and the membership grew.

Sadly one of the Club’s keen supporters, Gill Pimblott, lost her battle with cancer and it was in her memory that the Club hosted its first race, a fun run for the kids followed by a 5K race for the more experienced.
The ‘Gill Pimblott Memorial Race’ continues to be held annually and raises much needed funds for a local cancer charity.

The club has gone from strength to strength and we currently have over 130 members.

In addition to Gill’s race we also host the popular Gin Pit 5 race twice a year.