Our aim is to provide a platform for people of all ages and abilities to develop and improve their fitness and running ability in a friendly and sociable environment. We are based in Woodstock, Oxfordshire (map shows location of our usual run starting point at the Town Gate) and welcome members from the town and surrounding villages.
Woodstock Harriers train throughout the year. Please feel free to view our training programme. Come along and join in. All abilities are catered for and all are welcome. The club also runs WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram groups.
Training is fun and training with a group usually makes things easier. We look forward to seeing you soon. Any questions, please do Contact Us.
Once again we will be starting some sessions specifically for new and improving runners. Some of our new runners from last year’s sessions will be on hand to join in and help lead the sessions.
Woodstock 12 – Resurrected!
The Raymond James Woodstock 12, cancelled due to Storm Amy, is back on and will be run on its historic course on Sunday 16th November 2025 at 10 am. It is assumed that the majority of the entrants for the original date will wish to compete on the rescheduled date, although the option is available for those who are unable to take part to receive a refund. The event is sponsored by Raymond James Oxford, investment management services. Beer is provided by Tap Social, Oxford brewery. Online entry has resumed at England Athletics and entries will also be available on the day, subject to the race limit. Further details and entry link
AGM, Christmas Party and Annual Awards
Notice is hereby given that the club Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, 11th December at 8-15 p.m. at the Woodstock Bowls Club (the far end of Cadogan Park, OX20 1UW). This will follow the usual training run around Blenheim Park. Hopefully there will be beer to drink, left over from the Woodstock 12. The agenda has already been emailed to members. Additional items for discussion as well as nominations for the official roles are welcome.
The following day, get your glad rags on for the Christmas Party on Friday, 12th December at 7 p.m. at the King’s Arms in Woodstock. The club will subsidise the cost by £5 each as usual, limited to 60 places. We will present our annual awards and hold the draw for the club London Marathon place. The male and female achievement awards, together with the club member of the year are selected by the votes of members. We’ll do this via a Form distributed on the WhatsApp group. Christmas Party sign-up
Cross Country Season
As the evenings draw in and the weather becomes increasingly chilly, thoughts turn to the delights of running up and down hills, and through mud whilst avoiding tree roots. The club enters teams in the local Oxfordshire Cross Country (XC) League, which takes part on the first Sunday of each month from November to March. Senior races are approximately five miles and the race dates are 2nd Nov – Cornbury; 7th Dec – Swindon; 4th Jan (2026) – Horspath (includes county championship); 1st Feb – Cotswold Farm Park; 1st Mar – Henley. The cost is £20 for all five events. There are races for all age groups and the club runs a handicap competition, which rewards those who perform above expectation. The club also provides a tent, free hot drinks and cake, as well as that all important morale support. Also upcoming is the Berks, Bucks and Oxon (BBO) XC championships, first run in 1911. This year’s BBO will be at the Englefield Estate, Reading on Sunday 23rd November. Entries close Sunday, 9th November. BBO Entry
Research Corner
If you’re a fan of surveys, you will like this one. Blake Westwood is a PhD student from Newcastle University who will be conducting a three-week study in February investigating whether changes in self-critical thinking enhances recreational runners’ vulnerability to disordered eating – an important and under-researched question (their opinion). If you decide to participate, you’ll be asked to complete a brief 7-minute questionnaire each week for three weeks assessing your eating behaviours and thoughts over the past week. Everyone who takes part will be entered into a prize draw (on March 5th) to win gift vouchers. If you have any questions please contact Blake at B.Westwood2@newcastle.ac.uk
To sign up to this study and for more information please use the below link:
https://qualtricsxmskhqg5hl4.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGesfqAKWRqW2bA
After the research is over, everyone is invited to an optional online educational workshop where the findings and practical exercises for addressing body image and eating issues will be shared. Please find the sign-up link for this event below:
https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bg828WOWdLsVYq2
Find Your Place at Woodstock Harriers
No matter your goal – your first 5K, a competitive marathon, or an extreme ultra – we have members who share your passion. Join us for training, friendship, and the thrill of running in a supportive community.
New to Running?
Running can be daunting, but we’re here to help. Our Couch to 5K program is designed for beginners who want to build confidence, fitness, and friendships. With supportive coaches and a welcoming group, you’ll progress at your own pace. Remember – no one gets left behind! Details
Moving to Woodstock?
If you’re relocating and looking for a new running club, Woodstock Harriers could be your new home. We cater to all levels, from casual runners to serious competitors, offering structured training, social runs, and plenty of club spirit. Details
Seeking Something Different?
Maybe you’ve been running for a while and want a new challenge. Whether it’s a shift from roads to trails, solo runs to group camaraderie, or simply a fresh approach to training, we provide variety and motivation to keep running exciting. Details
Performance Runners
For those focused on speed, endurance, and competition, our structured sessions help you improve and hit your goals. We celebrate PBs, race wins, and major breakthroughs, but we also value the journey and the effort it takes to get there. Details
Adventure Running
If you love pushing boundaries and tackling epic events, you’ll find like-minded runners here. If you dream of conquering an ultra, navigating tough trails, or just finding adventurous spirits to share your journey, Woodstock Harriers is your perfect running tribe. Details
Officiating, Coaching and Organising
Gain the knowledge of how running operates in the big picture, as well as giving back to the sport. Opportunities exist to complete a wide range of training courses and progress upwards as an official, coach or organiser. Develop yourself and become a better person. Details