Our Story

We believe that running can improve people's physical and mental health, and supports a healthy lifestyle.

We aim to:

• provide a supportive and inclusive environment that can help people improve their fitness and achieve their goals
• provide a running club that can help people feel part of a community
• ensure that people of all running abilities have access to a friendly and supportive club
• be an integral part of our local community
• help increase the number of people in the area who are passionate about running, and staying fit and healthy
• support our members with their running and fitness goals
• ensure all our members feel part of a supportive and enjoyable community club

Clapham Pioneers was founded in 2008 by Tim Slee, son of Ian Slee, a passionate runner who ran not to break records or be the fastest but for the love of running and inspiring others to do the same.

In 2007 Tim's father Ian set up the Looe Pioneers in his hometown in Cornwall. Tragically, Ian lost his life to a brain tumour and in tribute to their inspirational founder Looe Pioneers incorporated Ian's initials in lower case into their club logo PiONEERs.

Tim also opened the Clapham Pioneers running shop in 2010, in memory of his late father. Sadly, after a number of years of tough retail trading the Clapham Pioneers shop shut its doors in 2012. Clapham Pioneers running club continued on, and is now run by a group of volunteers, ensuring Ian's legacy lives on in Clapham. The club still meets less than 300m away from the original shop!

Clapham Pioneers is an entirely not-for-profit organisation and all membership fees are invested directly back into the club and its members.

Watch out for our distinctive orange vests and unique club logo dashing around Clapham Common. Join us and help a legacy live on!