Wimbledon Windmilers Running Club is London's second biggest running club and we think it's the most friendly and welcoming with over 700 members of all ages and a wide range of abilities.  Whether you're an experienced runner or you've just starting out and want to meet people of the same level then you'll be in great company for training (and socialising!).  The best place to start is our Sunday morning (see photo-story) club runs.  The club competes at all levels in a variety of races including county cross-country, club relays, marathons, triathlons and adventure racing.  Our coached training sessions are as follows: Tuesday evening (speedwork), Thursday evening (hill training), Saturday mornings (track - see photos), and Sunday mornings (3, 5, 7, 11 miles and longer).  As you'd expect when we're not running there is also a very active social side to the club.

If you would like to come and find out more then feel free to try out any of our training sessions.  If you like it then you can decide to join.  Or if you'd like to ask us any questions before you come along please drop us a note to enquiry@windmilers.org.uk and we'll get back to you asap!

New Runners

If you're thinking about joining a running club and not sure what to expect then hopefully we can put your mind at rest.  The first thing to understand is that not everyone is going to be super-speedy!   We cater for all abilities, and if you are new to running the best place to start is at our 10am Sunday morning 3 Mile social run starting from the Windmill Car Park on Wimbledon Common.  There's always a large group for this session and the run starts with an introduction from the coach followed by a group warm-up.  This session also offers 5, and 7 mile routes for those progressing to longer distances.

The social run/jog is taken by a qualified coach and about 3 miles in distance with several stops to re-group and stretch legs.  Please note that no-one gets left behind!   As long as you can keep up a gentle jog for 5-10 minutes you'll be absolutely fine. 

Longer runs: 5 and 7 miles

If you're used to longer distances run - we have two other Sunday morning sessions that extend into Richmond Park.  These are 5 or 7 mile courses.   Again, they're taken by a qualified coach.  You decide at the start which group you want to join.  

Once the running's over most head for the Windmill Cafe to catch up over a mug of coffee and flapjack!

Experienced Runners: 11 miles upwards

If you're marathon training, or feel up to running 11 miles upwards, then we offer an uncoached session starting at 9:30am from the Windmill.  There's typically a group of anywhere between 25  - 50 people that run this route (depending on conflicting races).  

The route takes you from the Windmill, down through Wimbledon Common and onto the Thames tow-path - then along to Mortlake (near the brewery) and up into Richmond Park via Sheen Gate.  The 11 mile route heads straight across and out Robin Hood Gate and back into Wimbledon Common to the Windmill.

For longer routes, there are numerous options - such as stay on the tow-path until Richmond then head back up the hill and into Richmond Gate.  Or instead of cutting directly across the path, a good 13 mile route is to head anti-clockwise around the park (past Richmond Gate) and turn off at Pembroke Lodge heading into the middle of the park (Pen Ponds) and then back out Robin Hood gate.

We'll be publishing maps of all these routes shortly! 

Changing facilities and leaving bags at the Windmill

If you arrive by public transport then you'll have to ask one of the runners with a car to leave your bag/clothes in their boot.  There are no facilities to leave personal items at the Windmill Cafe unfortunately.   There are toilets but they don't really have facilities to get changed.  So its best to arrive ready to run with a few warm clothes for afterwards. And don't forget to bring some change for coffee and toast afterwards in the cafe.

Parking is free - but the car-park does fill up rapidly (i.e. by 10am) and we strongly encourage you to lift-share, cycle, or take public transport.