Crawley runners stay on track with sports grant

Runner, Mark James, secured a Team Sport Award from his employer UK Power Networks to support training and a fun run at his local running club, Crawley Run Crew.

Mark, a manager in income management, based in Hazelwick Avenue, Crawley, started running with Crawley Run Crew a year ago, loved it and wanted to show his support. The sports award scheme encourages staff to volunteer in the community, support grassroots sport, promote healthy living, teamwork and develop sports opportunities.

Mark said: “This was the first time I had applied for a Team Sport Award and the club welcomed UK Power Networks’ support with open arms. The club is financed through membership fees and occasional grants, so they are reliant on our members.

“I really enjoy running with the club and wanted to give something back. Before joining the crew, I was running on my own in the evening and didn’t enjoy it. Now I’m running with a friendly and enthusiastic bunch of runners, and it rubs off.

“You can run on your own, but it’s so much better in a group chatting. The fitness is great too and you notice how much better you feel, that’s a genuine benefit. When I started running, I wanted to get it over with, but I began trying to beat my time and got the bug!”

Shelley Meyern, chair of Crawley Run Crew, said: “Support from organisations such as UK Power Networks goes a long way in helping community clubs like ours to provide for our members. The track is a key attraction for our training sessions but is a big outlay and we really appreciate the grant we have been given. It has also supported our recent ‘Run Your Heart Out’ fun run which attracted 500 people to Crawley from across West Sussex.”

Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from UK Power Networks’ grants since the scheme was set up. During 2023, 104 teams benefited from a share in £30,600 which provided a welcome boost during the cost of living crisis.

Crawley Run Crew is an all-ability running club that meets outdoors at varied spots across the town weekly, including parkruns across the year and pavement runs in wetter conditions. Membership is £12 a year and covers training sessions throughout the week, including interval training, hill training, trail runs, track session, indoor sessions and road running. For further information visit Crawley Run Crew website www.crawleyruncrew.co.uk.