New opportunity to take up running in Whiteley
A new beginners running group is about to be launched in Whiteley. This follows on from the success of the new Winchester and Bishops Waltham groups which have already encouraged over 30 beginners to get fitter.
The group is part of the England Athletics ‘Run in England’ scheme which is launching hundreds of groups across the country aimed at newcomers, or anyone who hasn’t put their tracksuit and trainers on for many years. It will provide everyone with the opportunity to take regular exercise in a safe, friendly, and non-competitive environment.
The groups are run by qualified Run in England Leaders and for an annual membership of £20, all members receive a technical running T shirt, water bottle, training log and quarterly newsletters, plus discounts at local running shops.
Run in England Group Leader, Lisa Williams, said: “We have been helping people to achieve distances and speeds that they would never achieve on their own; people overcome personal challenges and conditions to succeed in running, health and fitness. In general it helps people build confidence in a safe environment.”
Councillor Lucille Thompson, Winchester City Council Portfolio holder for Active Communities, added: “This course provides another opportunity for the residents of Whiteley to become more active and will provide participants with the support and motivation they need to run for the first time or return to running. The structured course will help participants to improve their fitness, whilst discovering the many green spaces Whiteley has to offer.”
The Beginners course in Whiteley will take place on Monday mornings from 9.30 until 10.30am between Monday 18th October and Monday 20th December. The group will meet outside Meadowside Leisure Centre. The cost of the course will be £2 per session plus the £20 Run in England membership fee.
To book a place, please phone 01962 848 725 or email Lydia Lockhart on llockhart@winchester.gov.uk To find out more about the Run In England scheme, whether it’s finding your nearest Hampshire group, or perhaps attending a one day Leaders in Running Fitness course to become a qualified Group Leader, contact Katharine Jones on 07889 178538, email katharinejones@runinengland.co.uk