New 300 metre running track proposed in Chichester

Runners in Chichester will have a safe place to train during the winter if plans for a new track go ahead.
Chichester Runners under 13s groupChichester Runners under 13s group
Chichester Runners under 13s group

Proposals for a three-lane, 300metre training track, which would be built on the grounds of Chichester College and would be available for the whole community to use, have been submitted to the council.

The plans were put forward by Chichester Runners and Athletic Club which, in partnership with Chichester College, is seeking to raise funds for the track.

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Rob Wiggins, from Chichester Runners, said there was currently nowhere safe and well-lit for members to run during the winter months, forcing them to use roads around the college.

“Having somewhere for people to go that’s safe, especially during the winter, is really important,” he said.

The track would be located next to the hockey pitch and would be close to the other sports facilities at the college, helping to create a ‘sports hub’ for the community, Mr Wiggins said.

Chichester Runners and Athletic Club has been running for 34 years and has grown to around 500 members.

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“There’s been quite an upsurge in people wanting to get out and go running,” Mr Wiggins said.

The club’s popular eight-week ‘Get Active’ course, which has taken place at least three times a year since 2012, has seen more than 400 runners train to run from zero to 30 minutes.

It also organises a number of events each year, including with local schools.

Shelagh Legrave OBE, Chief Executive of Chichester College Group, said: “We believe being able to provide an all-weather training track at Chichester College will be of great benefit – not only to the college and our students, but also to the wider community.

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“The ambition is that this will be a facility which can be used by local schools, groups and organisations.

“It will be training track for the community.

“Dedicated, safe areas for runners are limited in Chichester, and this will help more people be able to discover and tap into their passion for running in a safe environment.

“It’s why we are working with and supporting Chichester Runners & Athletic Club on the development of this facility and to hopefully see these plans come to fruition.”

To see the plans for the track in full, search 20/02254/FUL on Chichester District Council’s planning website.