[Gareth Pemberton writes:]

The Club is about running competitively and now holds regular weekly coaching sessions. It is also about fitness, health and feeling good about yourself. It is about having fun and achieving goals in the company of others. It is amazing how so many members have improved their performance over a short period of time simply by running regularly with other people.

Membership is open to any runner, male or female, who meets the above criteria and can cope with being called an 'Oddball'!

The Club formed originally as the male equivalent of the Epsom Allsorts, which is an all-ladies club. However through the wonders of evolution, social change and 'political correctness' the Club now encourages all ladies to join and also has Family Membership to allow for other family members, to participate at a reduced membership subscription rate. (Family membership is referred to later in this pack).

We have strong relationships with the Allsorts, and we meet quite frequently on social, training and race events - it is not surprising that quite a few Oddballs have partners who are Allsorts (and vice versa of course!)

If you are interested in running with us, why not come along to a few of our training runs. There's no obligation to join the club at this stage, but we are sure that you will find the effort worthwhile.

Alternatively why not drop an email to one of the committee members. The names, roles and email addresses of the committee are provided further down this page. If you're not sure who to direct a query to, then start at the top with Martin Day our chairman.

If you've got any feedback on this website, then please use the 'Feedback' link on the left menu or click here!

Anybody wishing to run with the Oddballs may do so on the training sessions without having to commit themselves to joining the Club. Infact, we encourage people to 'try us out' on a free trial period basis before making such a commitment. However there are certain benefits to be gained by joining the Club and paying the annual subscription - currently £10 * (plus £5 for members requiring competing status) and paid at the end of February each year. Apart from receiving a membership card and official 'welcoming' letter (and being part of an inspirational running club!), you will benefit from discounted rates on race entry fees (typically £2 per run) and kit purchased from most running shops (5 to 10%) - just flash your membership card. Additionally you will benefit from a very attractive family membership scheme at minimum cost - an extra £2 for the immediate family.

In return we ask you to participate, compete in races of your choice (representing the Oddballs of course) and simply 'have a go'. Of course, we recognise that not everyone will be able to train on a regular basis or want to enter races - and that's fine as well. We ask, however, that you make every effort to attend the Annual General Meeting held in June so that you are made aware of the financial position and can have a say in the running of the Club.

For further details regarding membership, you should contact the General Secretary, Gareth Pemberton

* Please note that membership fees may change from time to time.

On joining the Club, we encourage members to purchase (and wear!) either a Club running vest or Club tee-shirt. The advantages are:

• This makes members easily distinguishable to other members and supporters
• We get some subtle (!) advertising and branding
• We then "officially" comply with English Athletics rules

Members of affiliated running clubs (like the Oddballs) qualify for discounts to race fees. On race days the runner should wear a Club vest (we regard the tee-shirt as being equivalent).

Please see the Club kit web page or contact the Kit Secretary Steve Howson if you wish to purchase Club kit.

Needless to say, you need to ensure that you have a comfortable pair of running shoes (not tennis shoes, plimsolls or football boots!)and sufficient shorts, socks, leggings, T-shirts and waterproofs to last you through the year. There are other accessories which you may find useful such as a sports watch, water carrier (for the longer runs) and something to keep you warm both before and after a run (if you wish to use a fellow Oddball, or, better still, an Allsort for this latter purpose, then that's fine!). A towel, chewy bars or chocolate and some drink are also always useful following a run. Such kit is a matter of personal taste and it is up to you to decide what you need and what you want. However, keep a number of safety pins handy as these are always needed to pin your number on your vest for a race.

When buying new kit and accessories we would recommend local shop ‘Run to Live’, 200 Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead. Owned by fellow Oddball Alan Burrows and Allsort Nicky Donbavand they offer well known specialist brands in a warm friendly environment with specialist knowledge, video gait analysis and for the ladies, a bra fitting service. Check out the website at www.runtolive.co.uk or contact them on 0845 263 8801 or e-mail info@runtolive.co.uk. A good alternative is the 'Sweatshop' which is based in Woking (01483 729221) or Teddington (020 8943 0239). Not only do you get a good choice but you also get good advice on shoes (especially at the Woking branch).

Additionally, we would recommend that you subscribe to 'Runner's World' which can be purchased from bookshops like Smiths. Not only does this magazine provide a mail order facility for all kinds of kit but provides a comprehensive service on just about everything associated with running.

[Thanks to David Jackson and 'Phil's Welcome Pack' for this section]