A Growing LFR
In the year 2000 membership was still low at only 34 members but as the years went by membership was on the rise. In 2003 as the Club celebrated its 20th Anniversary, membership broke the 100 mark for the first time, but it wasn't until 2018 that we broke the 250 milestone, soon followed by 300. 2019 the trend was reversed when Covid hit and 2020 membership unsurprisingly took a hit and we dropped to 220. When membership came around in April 2021 we saw a flurry of new members join bringing our numbers to over 240, and we seem to be growing weekly. While in the early days the majority of members were male, the number of ladies joining rose and eventually balanced out. In fact in 2022 we now have significantly more female members than men, hopefully showing how inclusive and welcoming the Club is.
To recognise those with long Club service, who have also helped at the Club, LFR created the ‘Lifetime member; these are some of our original members who are still with the Club today.
- Patrick Waring
- Martin Walker
- Bob Dunham
- Pete Bolton
- David Cooper
- Colin Larkins
For over 25 years the Club used Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre as its base, however as membership grew it had become quite impractical to use a squash court for Club nights. A search for alternatives took place and eventually the Cricket Club in Bell Close was chosen for the new HQ. LFR has been at Bell Close since July 2008 and this remains our HQ today.
Why LFR raises money for charity
One of the founder members of LFR was a lady called Carol Haslam. Sadly, in 1992 she succumbed to cancer and passed away. Being an enthusiastic and committed runner it was decided that an annual running race would be held in her memory. This was 10km, a multi-terrain run based at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre and began in 1993. It was a small event attended by her brother Clem to whom a cheque for Cancer Research was presented each year. Over the years £25,000.00 was raised for Cancer Research before it was agreed that a new charity would be chosen annually.
For many years before the AGM in February members have the chance to nominate a local charity who they would like LFR to support for the forth coming year. There are normally about 5 nominated charities, at the AGM and one is voted in by the members. To see who LFR are supporting this year click HERE.
A look through the years
1991 - A new overseas trip venture was tried; this was to The Hague with just a handful of members participating. However, this did establish an annual event and many were organised in the ensuing years. Visits were made to Reims, Cologne, Jersey, Majorca, Paris, Amsterdam (twice) and Brussels. 3 trips were made in the UK; two to Race the Train in Tywyn and another to Dartmoor Vale near Torquay. Eventually as membership grew individuals and small groups began to make their own arrangements.
1992 - The Golden Boot Award was introduced! More about that further down...
1994 -The 1994 AGM was a memorable affair. The Chairman was a local councillor and at the last minute was unable to attend. The Captain took over the Chair and raised an AOB that the Club should join with LBAC. This almost caused a riot resulting in the Captain walking out of the meeting. The Secretary took over and managed to cool things. There wasn’t support for the idea although over the years meetings were held with LBAC to discuss merger but there was insufficient common ground to make this move a reality.
1994 - The club took over running the London Marathon Coach for its runners and spectators, including offering spaces to LBAC. It was a good start to the day and gave everyone a chance to rest weary limbs and share stories on the way home.
1997 - Martin Walker has been LFR's longest standing Captain and stood for 13 years!
1998 - Coaching sessions were introduced
2002 - In the absence of Google Maps, Strava, Map My Run, etc., Martin Walker produced a running map of Leighton, which is in the style of the London Underground. Distances in between road junctions are in 100ths of a mile e.g. 75 = 75/100 of a mile. This map shows how much development Leighton Buzzard has seen over the years!
2002 - The first Xmas Treasure Hunt started and this is still something LFR still does to this day; a Xmas Hunt Quiz, which finishes with a tipple or 2 in the Black Lion!
2007 - Paul Dimmock Memorial 2 Mile Fun Run/walk and 5 mile run. Paul Dimmock was a well respected and fast runner, a member of both LFR and LBAC, who sadly died one club night. This race was held on the Leighton Bypass (between Soulbury Road and Bletchley). The race raised over £5000 for three charities and prizes were presented by Paul's widow. (Several members of the Dimmock family took part).
2009 - Introduction of "Beginner's night", which was designed to attract newcomers. Over the years this led into our now very popular Couch to 5K (C25k), which is run twice a year. Many of our existing members have come through this program.
2016 - To celebrate opening of the Dunstable bypass we were able to hold a 5km run on it. This was the first part of the bypass that goes to Woodmans' Estate from the top of Houghton Regis.
2021 – The Club won the EA regional club of the year award and in the final came 2nd nationally.
