The Tour 2026 spotlight: Mossley Running Club

Ahead of this year’s Tour - the iconic four-day running event which gets underway in June - we’re shining a light on some of the local athletics clubs taking part.  

This week, we’re focusing on Mossley Running Club.  

Founded in 2015, the club caters for runners of all ages and all abilities, with something for everyone on offer. 

Despite their short history, the club is widely recognised throughout the borough, and has a number of talented local athletes. 

With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and three sessions per week, Mossley RC is the perfect place to begin your journey, or hone your existing skills. 

“We’ve had a lot of beginner runners, but we still do have some faster runners as well,” said club chairman Louis Brierley. 

“There’s a bit of a stigma that it’s only a club for beginners, but that’s not the case - we’re building our way up. 

“The club has gone through a few changes over the years, but it’s in a really good place right now. 

“Speed wise, we don’t have any restrictions. We have runners who take 40 minutes to do a 5k, and some runners who can do one in 17 minutes, so we’ve got a broad range. 

“But there is that competitive element as well – we have a few runners that have done the 47-mile ‘The Lap’ race, which is not to be taken lightly, and we also had a few take part in the recent London and Manchester Marathons.” 

When asked what sets the club apart from others, Louis told the Reporter: 

“I think it’s just the general atmosphere. 

“Anyone can come in and have a brew, get to know us – we’re a friendly bunch. 

“We’ve just tried our best to take away that initial fear.  

“Coming into a running club, you think everyone is going to be running really fast and competitively, but we just wanted to create an environment that everyone can come into, because there will be a place for everyone that comes here.” 

For more information, visit the club’s website: mossleyrunningclub.com. 

Along with the iconic Mossley 10k, the annual Tour is one of the main races in the calendar for Mossley RC,  with their black and orange vests often pictured at the prestigious four-day event. 

“The races are good individually, but doing all four together is special,” revealed Louis. 

“You do one race, and wake up the next day with your legs aching, but you’ve got to push again. 

“You surprise yourself - by the end of it you’re really shocked by what you’ve actually done. 

“It’s really tough, but you learn a lot about yourself.”  

The Tour 2026 gets underway on June 18 with Thursday’s X-Trail 10k, and concludes on June 21 with Sunday’s Dr Ron Hill Hyde 7.  

Full-Tour entries are now sold out, to join this year’s waiting list, visit the following link: https://www.thetourevents.co.uk/