The Isle of Wight Road Runners are a friendly running club founded in 1988.
The club was originally based in Ryde. A summer series and 10K championship were completed in 2005, and then decided upon to re-locate to Medina Leisure Centre and again in 2016 to The Riverside Center both in Newport.
In 2006 there was no summer series or club championship as the club concentrated on building membership numbers and helping those new members work towards their own running goals, with Simon Wray and Dave Cass leading the way in this support role.
In January 2007 twelve Isle of Wight Road Runners completed the Stubbington 10K. Additionally, it had been a very long time since the IOWRR had so many athletes competing in a single race. The rest of the year saw IOWRR members compete in numerous races with club membership levels increasing. This year also saw the reintroduction of the summer series and 10K Club Championship.
In 2008 the club had a new addition, Paul Cameron, one of the best male runners in Hampshire. The IOWRR athletes proved to be capable of winning team events at many local races, with the first major success for the Men’s team in the Newport to Ryde race at Easter.
Due to the increasing numbers of runners representing the IOWRR it was decided to enter teams into the Hampshire Road Race League, following an absence of many years. The first season saw the Men’s and Ladies A teams promoted from division three to division two.
2009 belonged to Paul Cameron, who won every major race on the Island ranging from the 10K to the full marathon. This unique achievement was recognised by everyone at the club with a presentation by Chairman Keith Ruth.
Whilst the club continued to expand in 2010, and runners continued to compete in races near and far; the year is best remembered for the achievements of one our stalwarts. In completing the Isle of Wight half marathon in August 2010, Dave Cass achieved the incredible feat of completing his 200th half-marathon.
A special award followed for Dave at the official post-race presentation with many other competitors from across Hampshire and beyond recognising the scale of his achievements. In true spirits of the IOWRR Dave has overcome some significant injury problems over the years and always been there to encourage runners of all abilities, often sacrificing his own performances to help them achieve their own goals.
2010 also saw the introduction of awards for individual runners as nominated by their fellow club members.
2014 saw the well received introduction of a club away day, this remains a ‘staple’ on the club’s running schedule today.
2017, and with the help of the IOWRR’s, saw the introduction of the first Needles Cross Country Marathon. Although the Marathon only ran for a couple of years, to date, the XC Half Marathon continues a successful event on the running calendar. This year also saw the introduction of the St. George’s 10 Mile event, held and organised by the IOWRR’s and still a popular race to date.
What’s next?
The club continues to go from strength to strength and has seen increasing membership numbers and participation in a wide variety of races and leagues. The IOWRR’s have an increasingly structured running schedule, encouraging new and old runners alike to improve their abilities.
The foundations of IOWRR’s has always been on encouraging everyone to take part and to enjoy running. If this sounds like a club you would like to get involved with, whatever your ability and experience then please apply.