Our History

The club began in 1981 when local runner Bob James discovered that the Somer Valley had no local running club.  After an advert in the Somerset Guardian, 30 running enthusiasts met and Somer AC was born. Val, Bob’s wife, put her sewing skills into creating prototype vests to distinguish the club; black with a yellow stripe continues to be the distinctive Somer design.

 

Our club’s foundations are well established with affiliations to England Athletics and the Association of Running Clubs. Reflecting our professional approach to safety and welfare, several club members became qualified club coaches to support members in developing their running.

 

The club held their own race events with road and fun runs; a tradition that continues with our award winning Jack and Jill Challenge. Members helped marshalling the Bath Half Marathon; a tradition that continues today.

 

Over the years, the club has supported local running events and participated in road and trail running events locally, nationally and even across the world….and we still do.