Praise for Northamptonshire Running Group

Qualified Jog Northants group leaders give up their time voluntarily each week to help new beginners learn to run, and the last six months has seen them help the 'Body Magic Marvels' group make huge strides.

Here are a selection of comments from those involved with the group:

Tina Moss Deathridge: "I never thought in a million years I would ever jog. I told myself I’m not built for jogging. Matt the leader said 'give me one session and see how you get on' and since that one session I was hooked and haven’t looked back. I think I am addicted!"

Run Leader Matt Robey: "My only regret is that I didn’t start sooner!"

Group leader Corinne Wilson: "I am so glad I made the changes in my life to learn to run, to lead a group and to make some lifelong friends. This group has changed my life and many others, the support and inspiration never fails to amaze me."

Group member Sara Patterson: "I joined the group to run but found some amazing friends too. You don’t have to do this alone, there’s always someone from the group you can meet up with."

Group member, Neil Allen: "Running doesn’t just give you something to do. Running gives you a passion, a new family, new levels of respect. Everybody that runs struggles but there is always someone there to help you along the way. I am so grateful for the chance I got."

New mum and group member Leanne Cooper: "The group was perfect. Free exercise, finding friends and keeping fit. Life-changing and healthy."

Group leader Tracey Shepherd: "It's always been about more than just running: it's about making new friends and hearing inspirational  stories at every turn! It's also just about having some fun, with running and with each other."

Group member Karly Tink O’Hare: "Having my little girl say 'This was the best night ever' yet all we did was run around a park all evening. Before this group there was no running around a park because I was embarrassed I couldn’t keep up with my six year old daughter, but now I don't have that problem. The group gave us a lifetime of memory making and that is priceless."

Group member Julia Smith: "I’m into my third year with the group. In that time I have gone from a non-runner to completing a half marathon and have made many friends. I am also much fitter and healthier which is a major thing for me. I now help out with the new runners whenever possible to give back some of the support I received."

Like many beginners, Louise Woollacott, 60, found running tough for the first few weeks. However, with the support of the group, she not only continued running, but this year completed the Virgin Money London Marathon, shortly after her 60th birthday and just over one month since her husband passed away. Read Louise's story here.

Well done to all!