New to Running?

Welcome to the Stanton Steamers — a friendly, social running group in Stanton, Suffolk.

If you’re thinking about joining a running group for the first time, or you’re nervous about turning up alone, this page is for you.

We’re not a club, there’s no committee, and no one is “in charge.”
We simply meet up, run together, and enjoy it.

Who can join?

Anyone who can run and wants some friendly company.

Most new runners worry they’ll be “too slow” or “hold everyone up.”
You won’t.
We run at a sociable pace and we always regroup so nobody is left behind.

When do we run?

Every Tuesday at 6:45pm in Stanton
We run 5km, with a regroup halfway for everyone to catch up.

You don’t need to sign up — just turn up and say hello.

What do I need to bring?

Very little:

• Trainers

• Comfortable clothes

• A drink if you want one
  
  

If you’re thinking about buying a running kit but don’t know where to start, budget-friendly options include:

• Sports Direct (Bury St Edmunds)

• Decathlon Online

• Vinted / eBay for second-hand bargains
  
  

Absolutely no one needs to buy a special group kit.
Some of us have blue Steamer tops, some don’t — it’s totally optional.

Winter Running

In winter, our Tuesday runs are mostly in the dark.
We recommend:

• Something reflective or bright

• A head torch, chest light, or clip-on light
  
  

A few locals have mistaken us for glowing UFOs jogging past their houses — but so far none of us have been abducted (we regroup just in case).

Does it cost anything?

No.
There is:

• No membership

• No fees

• No forms

• No commitment
  
  

Running is completely free, and so are we.

Will I feel out of place?

Not at all.

We’re a mix of ages, paces, and experience levels.
Some people race, some never do.
Some chat all the way around, some save their breath for the pub.
Everyone is welcome.

If you’re nervous about turning up alone, you can message us first and someone will meet you at the start.

Do I need to record my run?

Not at all. Many people just turn up, run, and go home happy.

If you do want to track your runs, there are easy options:

• Phone apps like Strava, MapMyRun or Nike Run Club

• Watches such as Garmin, Fitbit or Apple Watch
  
  

You can also keep it simple and jot down the distance and how you felt.

Some runners like stats, some prefer “naked running” — which just means running without a watch or app.
No pressure either way. The only thing that matters is enjoying the run.

Why run with us?

• Fitness and motivation

• Fresh air and headspace

• Friendly local faces

• Exploring the village and countryside

• It’s simply more fun than running alone
  
  

Ready to give it a go?

Just turn up on Tuesday at 6:45pm and say hello. 

We look forward to seeing you on a run soon.