To celebrate the incredible community at Heyford Park, we have spoken to different community group leaders and asked them questions about the group / activity they run.
Heyford Aardvarks Running Club is a fantastic running club based at Heyford Park. It is such a friendly and inclusive group of people, encouraging all to get involved! They cater for all experience levels, from beginners through to Ultra-marathon runners on both trail and road routes in and around the Heyfords. We asked the Nichola Whelehan and the rest of the Aardvarks Running Club committee some questions…
Tell us a little bit about Heyford Aardvarks Running Club:
Heyford Aardvarks Running Club is a friendly, encouraging group of likeminded people who want to run and have fun. We delight in getting people started and hitting personal goals all the way to Ultra runners.
We have two structured group training sessions a week, one on a Monday and one on a Wednesday. We pride ourselves on supporting individuals in both competition and to achieve their personal goals.
How was Heyford Aardvarks Running Club set up?
HARC was started by a few local chaps who had moved to the village and were looking for likeminded people to train with. We are called Aardvarks after the last plane to be stationed at the airbase.
What is the aim of the club?
We started out with the aim of improving overall physical, mental & social well-being of all our members whilst also bringing a sense of camaraderie within the community. Plus, to crush the occasional running PB by inspiring every member to be their best and to get better.
Why do you love the club and what is your favourite memory?
The group is so friendly and inclusive. You are encouraged and supported with every step literally and figuratively. My favourite memory is running my first 5k non-stop with the support of the club.
We also asked a few of Heyford Aardvarks Run Leaders what their reason for joining was along with their favourite memory.
Why did you join Heyford Aardvarks Running Club?
My reason for joining was a simple one – to improve my physical fitness, but I’ve got that and much more on top, my mental well-being has also improved and making some really good friends along the way.
What your favourite memory with Heyford Aardvarks Running Club?
As a run leader I love seeing people do something that surprises them – whether that’s running further or faster than they’ve done before or entering a challenging race and exceeding their own expectations.
Why did you join Heyford Aardvarks Running Club?
I moved to Heyford and decided I wanted to lose weight and get fitter and saw a running group was starting in the village and offering a beginner’s night, so I went along. I turned up in my school trainers – that’s all I had – having never really run before. Everyone was so welcoming and after a couple of sessions I’d managed to run/walk a 5k – something I never thought I’d be able to do. Things then seem to escalate… started increasing distance and hitting PBs regularly.
What your favourite memory with Heyford Aardvarks Running Club?
Alongside another one of our fabulous run leaders I completed my first ever marathon on my birthday in lockdown – a memory I will never forget. I now am honoured to be a run leader supporting our wonderful members achieve their goals and making great friends along the way.
Why did you join Heyford Aardvarks Running Club?
I joined the club when I moved to Heyford, I was talking to one of our neighbours and they said about coming to join so I did and have never looked back.
What your favourite memory with Heyford Aardvarks Running Club?
I have met lovely people and have made good friends and been able to help people reach their goals which gives me great pleasure.
Why did you join Heyford Aardvarks Running Club?
I wanted to improve my running and it improved after joining and I’ve had some great moments in the club vest, but London Marathon has to be the highlight.
What your favourite memory with Heyford Aardvarks Running Club?
My first run with the club was a trail run with a lovely sunset, I absolutely loved it. I was a bit anti running clubs until I joined so that broke down some barriers!
For more information about Heyford Aardvarks Running club, visit their website at www.heyfordrunningclub.com or email them at [email protected]
