New Eltham Joggers Community Running with a Sustainable Focus
New Eltham Joggers
New Eltham Joggers (NEJ) is a friendly and inclusive running club based in New Eltham. Alongside its regular club activities, NEJ organises the annual Eltham Park 5 (EP5) — a popular five-mile race that takes runners through the beautiful local parks and woodlands.
From the outset, the club’s mission has been simple: to create an inclusive environment where runners of all ages and abilities can take part, improve their fitness, and enjoy being part of a supportive community.
An Inclusive Running Club for All Abilities
New Eltham Joggers truly is a mixed community of runners.
Their youngest member is 19, and their oldest is 77 — a testament to the club’s welcoming atmosphere and broad appeal.
Members join for many different reasons. Some are training for marathons and other long-distance events, while others are looking for a social and supportive way to stay active. The club embraces both goals equally, ensuring that everyone feels valued and encouraged.
Supporting New Runners: From Couch to 5K and Beyond
Supporting runners at every stage of their journey is central to NEJ’s ethos.
The club offers a variety of running routes and structured programmes to suit different abilities. For those new to running, the Couch to 5K programme runs throughout the year, providing a clear and supportive pathway into the sport.
This structured approach allows beginners to build confidence gradually, while more experienced runners can continue to challenge themselves through varied club sessions and training plans.
Weekly Training and Club Activities
On a weekly basis, New Eltham Joggers organises:
Club runs
Interval training sessions
Regular participation in parkrun
The club also makes a point of visiting a different parkrun each month, adding variety and encouraging members to experience new courses and communities.
For anyone interested in joining, the best way to get involved is simply to attend a club session and see what’s on offer.
The Eltham Park 5: Running with Environmental Responsibility
The Eltham Park 5 is a highlight of the club’s calendar. The five-mile race takes runners through local parks and woodland, offering a scenic and challenging route.
When the current race director took over the organisation of the event, one of the key priorities was ensuring the race did not have a negative impact on such a special environmental setting.
As passionate runners who value their local green spaces, the club made a conscious decision to adopt a more sustainable medal design. This aligned with their aim of reducing environmental impact while still delivering a memorable experience for participants.
Choosing sustainable medals was one practical way to reflect the club’s wider commitment to protecting the beautiful woodland setting that makes the EP5 so unique.
Supporting Local Charities Through the EP5
One of the aspects the club is most proud of is the positive impact the annual race has had on the wider community.
Over the years, the Eltham Park 5 has raised thousands of pounds for local charities, including:
The event has become not only a fantastic running experience, but also a meaningful way to give back and support important local causes.
Looking Ahead: Marathon Season and the Next EP5
There’s rarely much rest for New Eltham Joggers.
Following a muddy cross-country season, marathon training is already well underway. A number of club members will be running the London Marathon this year, while others are heavily involved in volunteering — another important part of the club’s community spirit.
And before long, attention will turn once again to organising the next Eltham Park 5.
With its inclusive ethos, community focus and commitment to environmental responsibility, New Eltham Joggers continues to show how grassroots running clubs can create meaningful experiences while caring for the spaces they run through.
Learn More
If you’re interested in joining New Eltham Joggers or taking part in the Eltham Park 5, the best place to start is by attending a club session and meeting the community first-hand.
To see examples of the sustainable medals used at events like the EP5, explore our range of eco-friendly wooden medals here:
https://sustainablemedals.com/eco-medals/