endurance at leamington c&ac
Middle Distance, Long Distance & Cross Country
Leamington C&AC’s endurance programme welcomes runners at every stage of their journey — from those just beginning to those chasing competitive times from 800m to marathon. We have two dedicated endurance groups, each designed for a different level of experience and ambition.
Both groups train at Edmondscote Athletics Track on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with cross country competition forming a key part of the programme as the autumn season arrives.
Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, run your first race or break a personal best, there’s a group for you at LC&AC.
Note for junior athletes: All U14 athletes joining LC&AC are expected to begin in the U14 Run Jump Throw group before progressing to specialist event groups. [Find out more about the junior pathway →]
find your group
Which group is right for you?
Welcome Group
New & Developing Runners
For adult runners of all abilities who want to improve their fitness, build endurance and be part of a supportive club environment.
No experience needed. Sessions on Thursday evenings.
All abilities welcome
Faster Endurance Group
Experienced Competitors
For experienced athletes targeting faster times from 800m to marathon.
Athletes should be capable of running sub-18 minutes for 5k. Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Sub-18 min 5k and above
Junior Endurance Group
Junior Endurance
For junior athletes from U12 through to U18 looking to develop their endurance running alongside their track and field training. Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with dedicated junior coaching.
U12-U18
your coaching team
Coached For Your Level
Our sprint coaching team brings both coaching expertise and personal competitive experience to every session
covering the full range of sprint distances from 60m to 400m hurdles.
Simon West
Endurance Coach · Welcome Group · Thursday Evenings
Simon coaches Leamington C&AC’s Welcome Group — the ideal starting point for new and developing adult runners. Sessions run on Thursday evenings at the track and are structured around building running fitness, endurance and general wellbeing in an inclusive and encouraging environment.
All adults are welcome regardless of ability. Simon and his team provide tips on training, injury prevention and running faster — in a group that genuinely welcomes everyone from all backgrounds, abilities and ages.
Faster runners under 18 minutes for 5k will typically be signposted toward Jim’s faster endurance group as they develop and progress.
“If you’d like to improve your running fitness, get tips on training and injury prevention, and be part of a club that welcomes everyone — come along and give it a go. We offer four free sessions without obligation.”
Training:
- Thursday: 19:00–20:00 at Edmondscote Athletics Track
Jim Rothman
Endurance Coach · Faster Endurance Group · Tuesday & Thursday
Jim coaches Leamington C&AC’s faster endurance group, working with experienced senior athletes and older juniors (U17 and above) who are targeting competitive times across distances from 800m to marathon.
Sessions follow a structured format — athletes arrive ready warmed up, with most running to the track. A dynamic warm-up, drills and strides precede the main session, which alternates between longer strength endurance reps and shorter speed endurance reps depending on the week.
The group is aimed at athletes capable of running sub-18 minutes for 5k who want to push their times further in track, road and cross country competition.
“We welcome experienced athletes who are targeting faster times in distances from 800m to marathon.”
Training:
- Tuesday & Thursday: 18:30–20:00 at Edmondscote Athletics Track
the Endurance groups
What to expect from endurance training
Two Groups, One Club Whether you’re new to running or targeting a marathon PB, we have a group for you. Athletes naturally progress from the Welcome Group to the faster group as their fitness and confidence develop — and our coaches will support that transition every step of the way.
Structured Sessions Both groups follow planned sessions appropriate to the time of year. Expect dynamic warm-ups, drills, strides and main sets mixing strength endurance and speed endurance work — carefully balanced to build fitness without overloading athletes.
Cross Country Season As the track season ends in autumn both groups increase their cross country focus. Cross country competition is a core part of the LC&AC endurance programme and a brilliant way to maintain fitness and competitive sharpness through the winter months.
Experienced Coaching Both coaches bring personal running experience to their groups. Simon focuses on building fitness, enjoyment and injury-free running. Jim works with athletes targeting serious competitive improvement — from track PBs to road race results.
cross country
Cross Country at Leamington C&AC
Cross country competition is a natural and important part of the Leamington C&AC endurance programme. As the outdoor track season ends in autumn, both endurance groups increase their cross country focus — with athletes competing in a range of leagues and events throughout the winter.
No separate cross country group is needed. If you train with either of our endurance groups, you are already preparing for cross country season.
Cross country competitions our athletes enter:
Junior athletes
- West Midlands Young Athletes Cross Country League
- Warwickshire Schools Cross Country
- English Schools Cross Country
Senior athletes:
- Birmingham and District Cross Country League
- Sutton Park Road Relays
- Warwickshire Road Race League
- Warwickshire Cross Country Championships
competition
Where our athletes compete
Welcome Group athletes typically compete in:
- Warwickshire Road Race League
- Local cross country leagues
- Parkrun
- Local 5k, 10k and half marathon events
Faster Group athletes typically compete in:
- Midlands Track & Field League
- Birmingham and District Cross Country League
- Sutton Park Road Relays
- BMC events National road races — marathons, half marathons, 10k
- Warwickshire and Midland Championships
- National Championships
Junior Pathway
Junior athletes please note: All U14 athletes joining Leamington C&AC are expected to begin in the U14 Run Jump Throw group coached by Tom Gould before progressing to specialist event groups. This ensures every young athlete develops a strong all-round athletic base before specialising in endurance.
Interested in Endurance?
Not sure which group is right for you? Come along to a Thursday evening session and introduce yourself to Simon — it’s the perfect starting point for any new runner at LC&AC. Experienced runners looking to push their times should come along on a Tuesday or Thursday evening and speak to Jim.
Or contact us using our general enquiries form. [Get in touch →]