Wreake Beginner Runners started up earlier this month and now has regular members who are following a running programme set by their Group Leader towards completing their first 5k in just ten weeks.
The Group Leader is Beverley Hooper, who started running just a couple of years ago and is now training for her first half marathon. Beverley valued the support offered by her local club Wreake Runners when she first started running and wanted to help others by offering a similar experience of joining in with a fun, friendly group as they begin their running journey.
Beverley said: "The club made a real effort to encourage new runners graduating from beginners by offering chaperones and shorter, slower runs. That and the friendly faces improved my confidence no end.I'm sure there are many people who would like to start running, but would find joining a club quite daunting. This group provides entry-level support and plenty of encouragement."
Group member Billinda, who is new to running, added: "I was buzzing this morning just thinking that I'd actually taken some proper action to start running. I was a little apprehensive at the beginning of the session, but Beverley really put everyone at ease and the session was very relaxed and so enjoyable."
Wreake Beginner Runners meet on a Monday night at 6.45pm at Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. Sessions are pay as you go and cost £2. For more information, please contact the Charnwood Borough Council Active Together team on 01509 632535 or email active.together@charnwood.gov.uk.
If you live in Leicestershire and are interested in joining Run England or setting up your own Run England group, please contact the Run England Activator for Leicestershire John Skevington.