A running group which is open to people of all ages (12 and above) and abilities. The group is led by Joe Watts, who is an England Athletics qualified Coach in Running Fitness & Personal Trainer and supported by Claire Henry, an England Athletics qualified Leader in Running Fitness.
Joe’s aim is to get the best out of anyone who would like to improve their running, whether it be their technique, speed, frequency or if you just want to meet, chat or run with other like-minded people. So, whether you’re a first timer, returning from injury or want to improve your fitness & endurance, come along to one of our sessions and you’ll be in safe hands.
Founded in 2016 and originally operating out of Southborough, Kent, the group has since expanded and is now offering group sessions in Forest Row, East Sussex.
Joe Watts (group leader & founder of RTW runners)
From an early age Joe was always active and he spent a great deal of his time outside – cycling, playing football, tennis and cricket as well as exploring the area in which he grew up. At school he studied Sport at GCSE level and played various different sports during that time.
Fast forward to University and alongside his studies, Joe was an active committee member of the DJ Society, where he would organise events at the Student Union as well as himself playing out at various bars and clubs across the City of Plymouth, Devon. Joe continued with his DJ’ing upon graduation and decided to study audio production at college, where he gained a distinction. He went on to complete a Ministry of Sound superclub training day from which he was enlisted to provide several warm-up parties for the Worldwide dance music brand. Toward the end of his DJ career, Joe held a residency at TN4 bar (now The George) in Tunbridge Wells before he realised that his foray into running was of more significance in his life.
Joe’s running endeavours began following the London 2012 Olympics, from which he was so inspired by the success of Team GB that he decided to make an enquiry to attend the local athletics club – Tonbridge AC. From there, Joe’s training and racing experiences grew steadily over the years. In April 2014 Joe was responsible for starting up Royal Tunbridge Wells parkrun – a free, weekly event. In the capacity of Event Director, Joe led a team of core volunteers on a weekly basis for a total of 5 years before making the decision to step down and allow a new person to take on the role. During the time with parkrun, the event was awarded “Best Group” at the local “Love Where We Live” awards in 2016 and was runner-up in the same category in 2017.
In 2016 Joe qualified as an England Athletics, Leader in Running Fitness and decided to start up his own running group (RTW runners) to cater for people of all ages and abilities. In 2017, Joe qualified as a Coach in Running Fitness and has gone on to attend and complete further coaching workshops. The group has grown significantly over the years and there are now a variety of sessions available during the week which provide speedwork, drills & social runs as well as specific beginners running groups.
Joe Watts has been qualified as a Level 3 Personal Trainer since 2017 and is also qualified in indoor cycling, exercise referral, group outdoor instruction & circuit training. He is a member of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) – an independent, public register which recognises the qualifications and expertise of health-enhancing exercise instructors in the UK.
As well as a running coach and personal trainer, Joe is a member of Lingfield Running Club for whom he competes on the road, trail and cross country over distances from the mile to the marathon.
Joe’s running personal bests are – 5km 18:06; 10km 37:12; Half Marathon 1:25.27; Marathon 3:08.05
Joe has learnt a lot during his time as an athlete and coach and is keen to share his love and experience of running, health, fitness & nutrition with others. Joe operates an athlete-centred approach where his aim is to get the best out of anyone who would like to improve their running, whether it be their technique, speed, frequency or if you just want to run with other like-minded people.