Andover’s running community is continuing to thrive, with growing participation in local run clubs and increasing excitement surrounding this year’s Andover Half Marathon.
Jamie Batchelor, founder of Seasons Run Club and race director for the Andover Half Marathon, spoke about how the town’s running scene has rapidly expanded over the past two years and why community remains at the heart of everything they do.
Jamie launched Seasons Run Club after moving to Andover from Basingstoke in 2023. Wanting a more relaxed and community-focused running environment, he decided to create his own club after struggling to find something that suited what he was looking for.
He said: “I was looking for something that was low pressure but had a really strong community vibe. I didn’t really find anything like that, so I thought I needed to make my own.”
After initially worrying nobody would attend, six people turned up to the first Wednesday evening run. Two years later, the club regularly attracts between 30 and 40 runners each week.
Seasons Run Club is free to join and welcomes runners of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced athletes. Weekly runs typically cover between five and seven kilometres, with three separate pace groups designed to make everyone feel comfortable.
Jamie explained that the club focuses on far more than just fitness.
“It’s very easy nowadays to get caught up in your own mind,” he said. “Seasons Run Club is there for people to de-load, de-stress, enjoy being outside and make new friends with people who have similar interests.”
Alongside the weekly runs, the club also organises social events throughout the year, including summer meet-ups, Christmas events and pub gatherings.
The growth of the running community in Andover has also led to collaboration between local clubs. Jamie praised the work of Willpower to Run, founded by Will, who was previously part of Seasons Run Club before creating his own Monday evening group.
Jamie said the partnership between the clubs is helping make running more accessible across the town.
“It’s really important that we’re getting as many people out there and as fit as possible because you’re building community,” he said. “If you get a healthier Andover, it’s a better place to be.”
The town’s running boom is also reflected in the success of the Andover Half Marathon, which enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2025. Jamie took over as race director following the work of previous organiser Mark, who had managed the event for many years.
Now preparing for the next race, Jamie says plans are already underway to make the event even bigger, with discussions taking place around sponsorship opportunities and additional support from businesses.
One of the main aims, he said, is to continue bringing people into Andover town centre and supporting local businesses.
“Last year you couldn’t even move on the high street at some points because it was so busy,” he said. “All of the cafés, restaurants and businesses do really well off the back of it.”
This year’s event will once again feature both the traditional half marathon and a 12km route, offering an option for runners not quite ready to tackle the full distance.
The 2026 Andover Half Marathon & 12km, organized by Seasons Run Club, takes place on Sunday, 25 October 2026, starting on Andover High Street. This scenic, mixed-terrain event features a 13.1-mile route through Hampshire villages
Jamie encouraged residents to support the event, whether by taking part, volunteering or simply helping spread the word.
“Without these things, if you don’t use them, you lose them,” he said. “Support it while it’s there and make it a great day for everyone.”
The Andover Half Marathon currently has an early bird entry price of £35. More information can be found by searching online for the Andover Half Marathon.