The Far Runners & England Athletics: A Simple Guide
Affiliation
At Far Runners, we want to make sure you have every opportunity to grow as a runner, whether you’re just starting out or looking to compete. That is why we are an officially affiliated club with England Athletics. This sounds technical, but it essentially means we have a professional stamp of approval. Because we pay an annual affiliation fee as a group and operate within defined Group Policy, our club is fully insured, and our leaders have access to formal training and safeguarding resources. This helps us keep our runs safe, organized, and connected to the wider world of British running.
What This Means for You
Because Far Runners is an affiliated club, you have the choice to become a Registered Athlete with England Athletics. Think of this as an optional “pro-tier” membership for your running life. While you are always a Far Runner regardless of whether you sign up, choosing to pay the individual registration fee unlocks a suite of personal perks that can actually save you money if you plan on racing.
The Perks of Being Registered
The most immediate benefit is financial. Registered athletes receive a £2 discount on entry fees for almost every licensed road and multi-terrain race in the country. If you run a few races a year, the membership practically pays for itself. Beyond the discounts, being a registered athlete is often a requirement if you want to compete in official county championships, track and field events, or cross-country leagues. You also get a unique runner’s portal to track your progress and access to exclusive discounts, such as significant savings on Garmin watches and SportsShoes.com.
The “Big One”: The London Marathon
One of the most popular reasons our members choose to register is the Club Ballot. Every year, England Athletics allocates a specific number of guaranteed London Marathon entries to affiliated clubs like ours. To be eligible for our internal club draw for these coveted spots, you generally need to be a fully registered member. Additionally, your individual registration grants you access to the national registered-athlete ballot, giving you an extra bite at the apple for the world’s most famous race.
Supporting the Sport
Finally, it’s worth knowing that about 80% of your registration fee goes straight back into the grassroots of the sport. It funds the development of new coaches, supports volunteer networks, and keeps the national running infrastructure alive. Whether you choose to register for the race discounts, the marathon dreams, or simply to support the running community, it is a fantastic way to take your hobby to the next level. If you’re unsure how to sign up, just chat with one of our leaders at the next run!
Affiliating with Far Runners
Affiliating with the Far Runners is easy – click the link below and complete the form. Far Runners charge £27 for affiliation (2026 fee), with £23 covering the affiliation fee charged by EA, and £4 going towards covering the cost of the clubs affiliation.
Affiliation runs from April to March annually. An invoice will be sent when you first sign up and then annually in April. Fee must be paid by the end of June. By affiliating with Far Runners you agree to adhere to our Group Policy.