At Ashington Hirst Running Club, we run a year-long Grand Prix series that warmly welcomes every member to take part and contribute to our shared success.
The Grand Prix brings our club together through a varied programme of running events, internal club challenges, and two VO2 max races.
Points are awarded not only for participation but also for volunteering, recognising the vital role every member plays in supporting one another and making our events possible.
It kicks off every September, with the first qualifying event always being the opening Harrier League Cross Country race. The series includes:
● All North East Harrier League Cross Country events
● A selection of external relays (Good Friday, Signal, and others)
● Our own internal club relays (Spring and Autumn)
● The Fell Em Doon 5 Mile and Festive Fell Em Doon
● The Hirstie parkrun Tour
● Margisons Miles
● All Club Time Trials
● Two recently added VO2 Max race events (with a discount for club members)
We also award points to members who volunteer at any internal club events organised by Ashington Hirst Running Club, as well as any volunteering stints on the Hirstie parkrun tour. Every act of volunteering strengthens our club community.
Why we run the Grand Prix
Above all, the Grand Prix is about bringing our club together. It creates opportunities for us to run as a team, wear our club kit with pride, cheer each other on, and build lasting friendships through shared experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or brand new to the club, you’ll find support, encouragement, and advice from fellow members every step of the way.
By coming together for these events, we foster a strong sense of community spirit and teamwork. It gives everyone — especially newer members — the chance to feel truly part of something special, to run with the backing of the whole club, and to grow together.
The series also provides clear, motivating targets throughout the year, helping us all stay committed to our training and celebrate each other’s progress.
At the end of the Grand Prix year, we come together at the club Christmas Party to celebrate every member’s contribution, with trophies awarded for individual effort and commitment to the club.
Important note:
For any external races, we ask that members please follow the race organiser’s rules, particularly regarding number swaps or transfers.
If someone both volunteers and runs at one of our internal events, we award points for either one but not both (so you will receive 10 qualifying points rather than 20). From 2026, any member volunteering at a parkrun on the Hirstie parkrun tour will be awarded volunteer points towards their Grand Prix total.
As always, we warmly welcome any suggestions or feedback from club members to help us continue building an even stronger, more united club.
Happy running! 😊
