A section of a red running track with numbered lanes from 0 to 5, and a curved white line marking the starting point. Green grass is visible at the bottom of the image.

What is track?

Track Sessions at Sandown Running Track

Our weekly track sessions are one of the most supportive, welcoming, and effective ways to improve your running — whatever your ability or experience level. You don’t need to be a member of VA.

We meet every week at 7:00pm at Sandown Running Track, The Fairway, Sandown, PO36 9JH. Most runners arrive about 10 minutes early to say hello, have a chat, and jog a few easy warm-up laps together before the session begins.

Each session starts with a 15-minute group warm-up, designed to prepare your body, reduce injury risk, and help everyone settle into the session.

The main session is always coach-led and built around structured interval training. That might sound intimidating, but it really isn’t. Sessions are made up of manageable blocks of running time or distance, followed by recovery periods (usually walking or very easy jogging). It’s a proven way to build fitness, speed, confidence, and running technique — and it’s far more varied and enjoyable than just running continuous laps.

Our sessions are designed so everyone can take part together, regardless of pace. We regularly welcome runners targeting their first 30-minute 5km parkrun, alongside experienced runners aiming for sub-16 minute 5km performances, with all abilities in between. The session structure allows everyone to work at their own level while still feeling part of the team.

You do not need to be a Vectis Academy member to attend track. Everyone is welcome to join individual sessions, although members benefit from discounted session blocks.

First Time at Track? Here’s What to Expect

If you’re feeling slightly nervous about coming along — that’s completely normal and very common.

Track sessions are friendly, social, and supportive. There is no pressure to keep up with anyone else, and nobody gets left behind. Sessions are designed so runners naturally regroup during recovery periods.

When you arrive, simply introduce yourself to one of the coaches or runners. We’ll explain the session, help you find your pace group, and make sure you feel comfortable before we start.

All you need to bring is:

• Comfortable running kit
• Suitable running shoes
• A drink if you want one
• A willingness to give it a go

That’s it.

Most people quickly discover that track sessions are not nearly as scary as they imagined — and often become one of the most enjoyable parts of their running week.

Book Now

Track Sessions – Pricing & Structure

Our weekly Sandown track session is the only structured, coach-led endurance session on the Island that non-club members can join on a pay-as-you-go basis. You don’t have to join the club.

The session is now operated directly under Vectis Academy as a club session. Over the past few years, facility hire costs have significantly increased — effectively doubling — and the pricing structure has been adjusted to reflect both the cost of track hire and the delivery of high-quality, coach-led training.

What You’re Paying For

  • Professional, structured coaching

  • Planned interval sessions designed to improve performance

  • A safe, supportive training environment

  • Access without needing full club membership

  • A consistent weekly session delivered to a high standard

This isn’t just track access — it’s coached performance training.

Our Commitment

We remain open and welcoming to runners of all abilities. The updated pricing ensures the session is sustainable long-term while maintaining the quality and structure that make it valuable.

If you want casual laps, the track is available to the public for £2.00 - Mon & Wed 1915-2015
If you want structured improvement and shared effort, we’re here every week.

Some friendly faces you will see at track…..come say hi

Mark, Simon, Giorgio & Gabriela
Becky
A man running in a race outdoors on a foggy day, wearing a green and black athletic tank top, black shorts, and neon green running shoes, with tattoos on his arms and legs.
A man wearing athletic gear, including a green tank top, lime green shorts, black gloves, and a backwards cap, running outdoors on a path in a park, giving a thumbs-up with both hands, smiling, with a race bib numbered 58.
A male runner with a green vest and black shorts competing in a race on a paved pathway, with a female runner in a red shirt and black shorts behind him, both outdoors on a cloudy day.
Two male runners participating in a race on a cloudy day, wearing race bibs, with green grass and a fence in the background.
Older man running in a race, wearing a blue athletic shirt and shorts, waving his hand. Behind him, a young woman with a high bun, wearing a green and black athletic outfit with the number 369, giving a thumbs-up. Other runners are visible in the bac
Male runner in green tank top, black and gray shorts, wearing a race bib number 538, running along a riverfront pathway
A group of nine runners poses outdoors on a damp, paved surface near boats and parked cars on a cloudy day. They are dressed in athletic gear, some with medals, and stand close together, some with arms around each other.
Group of 15 runners in green and black athletic wear, posing outdoors on a paved surface with a marina and boats in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.