The club which is affiliated to the Association of Running Clubs, was formed by Rita Vanes in July 2002 and it has now become the largest women-only road running club in the Midlands, accommodating ladies from absolute beginners up to seasoned marathon runners.

The youngest member is about 12 and the oldest is over 65. The smallest is about 8 stone and the largest is over 18 stone. Some are housewives, some are career women and some are students. In fact everyone is different and they all have a story to tell.

The clubs success originates from it's ability to nurture absolute beginners and develop them into knowledgeable, confident and proficient runners.

Beginners Courses, are run every year for women who have either never run before or else haven't run for some time and within 10 weeks, they are taught all they need to know about running safely. Their Body Fat is monitored and advice is given on what shoes to buy, what clothes to wear and what foods to eat etc while coaching them to run a minimum of 3 miles. Many go on to do much more and some of the more dedicated ones have even gone on to do the London Marathon. To find out more about the Beginners Course, click on the "L" plate on the right.

At its peak in the summer, the club has around 250 established members, women are joining the club all the time and the way the group is organized guarantees that whatever your standard, you will fit in somewhere and judging from the picture on the left, you will see that they get up to all sorts of tricks, even Calendar Girl style charity photo-shoots.

You don't have to be a world beater, it's not a club for poseurs, there's no little clichés or cattiness, you don't have to fit in to a size 8 leotard and nobody ever leaves.

There is no stress and no pressure to compete or race and no men around to make you run faster or further than you want to.

You graduate to your own level, in your own time and make the move to go faster or further when you're ready. No one is ever left to run on their own!

Women use the club to meet and  make friends, to socialize and run in the dark or countryside together, surrounded by the safety and security of like minded people.

The club thrives on it's active social side and evenings out to baltis', restaurants, skittles nights, discos and anywhere else that the girls can let their hair down and dress up are regularly organized to ensure that everybody has a good time.

If after a couple weeks of running with us you think that Dudley Ladies is for you, then you pay your subs, which is currently £25 for the year.

On top of that, you get a free tee-shirt and discount card, plus loads of help, advice and support from some very experienced and very friendly runners and coaches

So what are you waiting for!!!

If you are an eager beginner that can't wait or someone who is already running at the moment then just come along to Wombourne Leisure Centre on any Tuesday or Thursday evening before 6.45pm or email Rita on the link below for more information.