We are a very enthusiastic group of people who love running and enjoy the company of other runners. We think we have a great balance between all types of runners: fast and slow; old and young; male and female; experienced and newcomers.

If you are new to running, if you want to run simply to get fitter, if you just want a gentle walk or run once a week or if you just want to come for a beer, this is the place for you. Despite the name, we also cater for more serious competitive running, with teams competing in the Surrey cross-country and road leagues and various championship events.

We have plenty of activities to suit all tastes. As well as the regular weekly gatherings, our members and teams enter and organise various competitions through the year. We always have a large contingent entering the London Marathon and various other spring marathons and we make sure that all running events are combined with proper social events.

We were founded in 1981 and have been pounding the streets and parks of South West London ever since. Our distinctive footprint and eye catching yellow shirts can be seen from a long way off. Many of the founder members are still with us and we have members in all parts of the world. Currently we have nearly 500 paid up members of whom about 100 turn up on Thursdays.

So, if you have moved to the area and want to find a new running club; or if you run a bit on the treadmill at the Gym but want to get outdoors; or if you are just taking up the sport, please read on.

And if you have a question, please feel free to log onto our chat forum "Stragchat" - see the link at the top of the page.

Benefits

As we promised, there are some tangible financial benefits from belonging to the Stragglers.

Race entries:

• You save £2 on most race entry fees because we are affiliated to UK Athletics.

Discounts:

• The Sweatshop in Teddington: you get 15% off non reduced items when paying by cash or debit card.
• Max Sports in Twickenham: 10% discount.
• Moores Cycles in Teddington, Twickenham and Isleworth: you get 10% off all bikes and accessories, including bikes in the Sale.

Other sports shops: always worth producing your membership card and asking what discounts they give to members of running clubs.

• Sports Injury Clinic, Surbiton: 10% off treatment fees.

One of the great intangible advantages of membership is that you will always be able to find a Straggler to help you with your training, advise you on a particular event, commiserate with your latest injury or discuss what sort of socks you should wear for your first marathon. It really does help people's running to have plenty of contact with other runners.