They're off! New running track a 'massive boost' for Gosport clubs

Runners have called a new track a 'massive boost' for Gosport clubs and keen joggers.

A 400m grass track has been created by Gosport Borough Council in Gosport Park, and it's already proving popular with people of all ages.

Gosport Road Runners, Absolute 545 RunClub and Fareham Running Club are among those already putting the facility to use, while youth runners from Runner Beans are also utilising it.

"It's a massive boost for all us local runners," said Ken Eaden, Gosport Road Runners Chairman. "Having a proper track to use has given us a new dimension to our training. It's not just clubs that are using it, we see kids and adults running on it too.

"Running is something that brings everyone together, it doesn't matter what age you are, anyone can enjoy it. This is something we've wanted for a long time, we're really thankful to the council for providing it."

The new track has been laid out around the existing rugby pitch, around the outside of the raised circular bowl of what was formerly an asphalt cycle track. It's been designed to benefit from the existing floodlights so that joggers can train on it at night.

The popularity of the local parkruns in Lee-on-Solent and Fareham, which both attract hundreds each Saturday, shows how popular running is locally for all ages, clubs say.

Gosport's Lily Baggott is an England international athlete who coaches youngsters as part of Runner Beans. Lily said:

"The club was started in the first place to inspire the younger generations to move and to show them their own potential.

"Having the chalk marked track really helps them vision what they hope to become as young athletes, it shows them what's possible. That's all everyone needs."

Gosport Borough Council Leader Cllr Peter Chegwyn said:

"We're delighted to have worked with our local running clubs to provide this new track, which is being widely used already.

"By being creative and using the old 400m cycle track, just a small amount of funding has made a big difference to people of all ages.

"And this is just the start, the council has agreed over £1m of funding to create new community sports and leisure facilities for residents this year."

Published: 21 February 2025