'I'LL wait until I'm fitter' is often the response when non-club runners are asked to come along to Chorley Harriers.

The fact is if they join Chorley Harriers, it will help them to become fitter and faster.

Chorley Harriers, founded in 1985, share their facilities, Windsor Park in Sandringham Road, with Chorley Cricket Club.

Martin Harrington, chairman of Chorley Harriers, said: "It's important to have an established headquarters where people know where we can be found. We are very pleased to be associated with Chorley Cricket Club. With shower and bar facilities, what more could a runner ask for".

The club has a good solid membership with a number of stalwarts going back to the formation of the club when the running boom was at its peak.

The past two years has seen the interest in running increase and the club is proactively seeking new members of all abilities. It is the depth of its membership that helps to make Chorley Harrier a vibrant club.

There is a thriving junior scene with at least 40 youngsters training every week. Junior coach Rick Bennett likes to put variety in the training. He said: "We try to encourage the boys and girls to enjoy their training. That way they keep coming back. This is why we have had so many youngsters progress through the ranks and continue up to senior level."

It can be very dangerous and worrying for ladies to train alone or even in pairs in the dark at night. At Chorley Harriers, there are female runners of all abilities. New runners will not be left or made to feel unwelcome. There are also separate changing and shower facilities.

Chorley Harriers meet at The Cricket Club every Thursday evening at 7.15pm. Summer runs may include a trip over the Nab or along the canal. Winter evenings are obviously a little more restrictive. Wherever the run takes them, the club runs together and does not allow new or slower runners to be left behind. It is this camaraderie that makes Chorley Harrier such a popular club.

Runners for runners run Chorley Harriers and no one ever loses sight of why people join in -- to run and have fun. With a regular newsletter, training weekend's, day trips and nights out, the social side of the club is an integral part of the club. Running is like life itself, you only get out whatever you put in.

For further details on Chorley Harriers contact either Martin Harrington on 01257 412759 or for the juniors, Rick Bennett 01257 270506. Check our the website www.chorleyharriers.co.uk