Sometimes it feels like running has its own language entirely! Our glossary of terms will hopefully help navigate the different terms used on the calendar and across the site

Club night -

Our main weekly get-together in Ryde. This happens every Tuesday, starting at the Rowing Club at 6:30pm. Please arrive for 6:15pm for the pre run briefing.
Most weeks there's a choice of distance, so you can pick what suits you.
White tops and reflective bibs are a must for our winter series.

Sandown Track -

Coached 1hr training sessions held every week at Sandown Track. Training begins at 6pm with warm-ups from 5:30pm

Thursday Training -

Led by one of our club run leaders, Thursday Training sessions start at 6:30pm in Ryde. Usually meeting in and around Appley Park. These include a mix of training sessions and are designed to help strengthen and support your running. You'll get a real mix of training types such as hill repeats, file running, pyramids and fartleks. Always fun and social, Thursday training is one not to miss.

Winter/Summer Series -

Our two seasons of Tuesday club nights.
The Winter Series (October to April) stays on lit roads around Ryde.
The Summer Series (May to September) heads off-road onto footpaths and trails, plus monthly track races at Sandown.
Each series mixes nominated runs, handicaps, races and relaxed group runs.

Nominated -

A run where it's not about being fastest. Before you set off, you predict ("nominate") your finish time. Then you run without checking your watch; GPS watches are fine but the display must be covered. The closest prediction wins, so a first-timer has as good a chance as anyone.

Multi-Terrain (MT) -

A route that mixes road, footpath, field and trail. Most summer club nights are MT, so trail shoes are a good idea.

Handicap -

A run that gives everyone a fair shot at getting back first. Each runner gets their own start time based on their recent results, so slower runners set off first and faster runners chase. If everyone runs to their time, the whole field finishes close together, and the first person over the line wins. Your handicap is set from a 5km run at the end of the summer or you can nominate your predicted time on the evening and be slotted in to the field.

Group run -

A no-pressure club night run where we stay together, with no timing or points. Perfect if you're new, coming back, or just fancy company.

Let's all run together -

A special group run where runners from across the Island's running clubs are invited to join us. Each club on the Island hosts at least one Let's Run Together a year. Everyone runs as one, whatever your pace.

Intermediates -

A shorter option (usually 4 miles) offered alongside the longer route on many club nights, plus reduced-version track sessions. Ideal if you're building up.

5 Mile Race -

A timed race on a set route. Your best time across the series counts.

Club Championship -

Our own races where Harriers compete for club titles: a 5 mile road championship in September, and a cross-country championship in January.

Track Races -

Thursday evening races at the Fairway track in Sandown through the summer, from 1 mile to 10,000m. Entry is free online.

Hampshire Road Race League (HRRL) -

Twelve mainland road races from September to June. Any member who runs one counts towards the club team score, and the club helps with travel costs. Ryde 10 mile race is part of the HRRL series

Hampshire Cross Country League (HXCL) -

Five mainland cross-country fixtures from October to February. Free to enter: just turn up, run in club colours, and help the team.

Social Runs -

Relaxed runs outside club night, and organised by members for members.