Chessington Unity Running Club (CURC) has equal access at its heart. We hold weekly and annual events and sessions, accessible to everyone.
The club was started by a small group with a wide range of experience in different clubs and groups, who wanted to start something that belonged to Chessington, and anyone who wanted to try running for themselves.
Our goal is to make this club a big part of the community in Chessington. Our motto is ‘run as one’ as we really want everyone of all abilities to feel welcome; and supported. Join us and we will support each other, whether it’s first steps into running, coaching sessions or social runs. You can expect to hear from us about events and sessions that will suit you throughout the year.
Although recently established, we have an EA trained coach, two welfare officers and run leaders within the club. So if you’re keen or just curious about joining the club or would like more information, please get in touch with us at info [at] unityrunningclub.co.uk and join us at one of our weekly club runs..
Meet The Committee
Tom Arkle – Chairperson
Pace: on my own 5.45 mins/km; having a chat – anything from walking upwards
I started running when I was about 20 or so, mainly because I was rubbish at other sports and it seemed like anyone could do this. I set myself a challenge to get to a half marathon in a year, it took a whole year to gradually increase my distances to get that far but the year after I completed 3 half marathons in one summer. I’ve also run with my wife which was a great team activity, although she prefers Yoga! The thing that amazes me about running is that voice in your head that tells you you can’t; can be proved wrong by simply doing it. After a few months my 1k goal became an easy run for me, then my 5, 10 and so on. I now run for pleasure and for my mental health, it gives me space to think.
I talk too much and am happy to run with anyone at any pace!
A Limerick for Tom
There was a fit guy called Tom Arkle
Who caused a hell of a debacle
He founded a club
Now here’s the rub
Its success has outdone others’ sparkle!
Beverly Gow – Captain
Pace: run at the speed of chat
I am a middle-aged menopausal woman that took up running for the first time 7 years ago. I soon became a running bore and will shoe-horn that I have run 5 marathons into every conversation (did you see what I did there 😊!). I love running and would love everyone to give it a go. I often hear my peers say ‘I couldn’t even run for a bus’, and my reply ‘but what if you could?’. I have a life goal to get as many people running as I can. I am a massive fan of parkrun and am North Surrey Events Ambassador, as well as Event Director and Run Director for a number of parkrun events. I trained as an English Athletics Coach in running fitness (CiRF) and now lead regular core strength training classes for all ages, abilities and fitness levels. If you have a goal I would be happy to help you get there.
A Limerick for Bev
Our own Captain CURC Bev Gow
Should properly take a deep bow
You’ll agree that no one can do better
At producing our weekly newsletter
Thanks Bev, for all you have done for us, and do now
Nicola Fickling – Membership Secretary
I’m not a sporty person. I’ve tried swimming (drank more water than swam through), boot camp (felt like I died every time I did it) and tennis (fairly sure I broke some strip lighting) but nothing worked for me until I discovered running.
I tried the couch to 5k plan and slowly built up confidence, and ran my first 5k in 2013. Without a support network I lost confidence again, but then joined the Zero to Hero programme and haven’t looked back.
I now run regularly 3 times a week, and can run up to 10k (slowly!). I want to help others find out the difference running can make.
A Limerick for Nicola
There was a young lady called Nic Fickling
Whose smile was so wide and beguiling
Her laughter so tinkled
While the sawdust she sprinkled
One could hear her in Horton Park cycling
Robert Wells – Welfare Officer
Pace: 6:00 – 7:00 per km
Running has been a consistent companion for many years, helping me to keep my mental health positive. Running with CURC has been a brilliant way to maintain my running journey, resulting in countless PBS and my first marathon.
As the Club’s Welfare Officer, I am also on hand to lend a supportive ear to any concerns you may have.
A Limerick for Rob
A drama teacher called Mister Rob Wells
Family man, softly spoken, never yells
Our club’s male welfare officer
A discrete, caring listener
Knows when not to tread on eggshells!
Meg Lewis – Associate Welfare Officer
I’m Meg Lewis; mum of two, South African, running enthusiast and Assistant Welfare Officer for the awesome CURC. Running has helped me through some of the most challenging and emotional times of my life and what I love the most about it is… it’s always there for you, it doesn’t need an appointment or expensive gear.. just shoes, a road and you!
The community we have created at the club is incredible, supportive and inclusive of everyone, no matter your pace or experience, everyone is welcome.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our meet ups soon.
A Limerick for Megan
A South African lady named Meg for short
As our welfare officer a really good sport
Talking of sport, she runs fast as hell
Mother of twins, she’s busy as well
But never too busy if you have a problem to report
Carol Smith – Treasurer
I am Carol Smith (aka “Lippy”), retired Chartered Accountant, wife, mother of four grown up boys, a grandmother and one of Kevin Stone’s Zero to Hero graduates. I ran my first Kingston parkrun in October 2016 and I have since achieved new running goals, from 10K, through 10 miles to half marathons, and more recently my first 16 miles. I like combining races with a bit of foreign travel and sightseeing with my running friends. I love the social side of running in a group and I love my club’s diversity and inclusivity. Running boosts my mood, gives me energy and allows me to have the odd glass of fizz without worrying about my weight!
Nicola R – CURL Co-ordinator
It’s me, Nicola, enthusiastic supporter, leisurely runner, “back of the pack” advocate and expert ‘jalker’! (A mix of jogging and walking, a bit like jeffing, the Jeff Galloway technique.)
The title of my proudest running achievement is my family and I have completed over 1250 parkruns between us. Something special about us all sporting our green milestone t-shirts on a Saturday morning.
Running to me is about getting regular exercise in a safe and fun environment with friends. For others, it may be about speed, distance or other crazy challenges. CURC offers this all with members who become teammates and friends.
The CURC League (CURL) is a great opportunity for everyone (supporters through to runners) to get involved, earn points and show their competitive streak! If anyone spots any exciting events which meet the CURC ethos, let me know, it may just be perfect for featuring in the league!
Fiona Leicester (Watters) – Run Leader Coordinator
I started running in 2016 after completing the Zero2Hero course and haven’t looked back since. Running has helped me reassess my life and make lots changes for the better! It has also introduced me to a whole new group of amazing people. I have completed 2 marathons with 3 more planned, numerous halfs and 2 virtual ultra weekends. I am a run leader and an RD at Kingston parkrun. Running has completely changed my life and I enjoy helping others on their running journey
