Running clubs I have been involved in Running clubs in SA and here in Ireland, and they are a critical aspect in running in both countries. I wont focus on what our club does here, but needless to say we run 2 events that generate approximately 10000 euro to our preferred charity each year. My old club in SA organises the Capital Climb in Pietermaritzburg. This event has been going on my entire life basically, with the first one starting in the early 80s. Each year we spent an inordinate amount of time organising sponsors, marshalls, drinks and snacks and prizes. With all this we were able to keep the entry fee at a point where every south african can partake in the event. Without the effort of the club the majority of the entrants would not be able to enter and the evnent would die. Sure, Trail running does not need club entry, and is organised by private organisers, but have a good look at the demographics of those participants. The price point of entry is just too high for a large percentage of the population. Clubs are crucial Second point - Clubs also offer annual couch to 5km and 5km to 10km etc programs that get hundreds of runners into the sport of running. One might argue that the park run has taken a lot of this responsibility, but you will be amazed at how many people make use of the club programs. Third point - the inter club social interaction. (In KZN at least), clubs host social events after their time trial events and each clubs has a turn doing this ASA I hate ASA - it is a corrupt organisation, but, we still need to support it because if we dont then our poor athletes will have even less opportunity
