University of Manchester staff set up running group

The University of Manchester have set up a new running group for their staff which will meet twice a week and cater for all abilities.

The official Run England group will be meeting at Denmark Road Sports Hall which is in close reach of the university buildings.

They have planned to meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 12pm to set off for 12.15pm. There are showers and lockers available at a cost of £1, but the runs will be free of charge.

Group leader Alia Pike is currently helping out with quite a few Run England groups within the city and regularly participates in the Heaton parkrun. As well as aiming to improve her own times at the parkrun events, Alia loves to help other runners achieve the same. 

Although intended for university staff, the group encourages anyone within the area who is available and willing on any of the days and times to come and run with them. The group will cater for all abilities – whether someone is completely new to running or a regular runner. There will be a walk to run programme for beginners whilst those who already have a few miles under their belt will run further.

Liam Browne, the Run England Local Activator for Manchester, who will also be supporting Alia, said: “This is another great example of a workplace running group. It’s the perfect opportunity for staff to get together on their lunch hour and enjoy a good social run.”

For more info on the university group, please get in touch with Alia at aliapike@hotmail.com. For more on getting involved as a group leader and setting up your own Run England group in Manchester please contact Liam at lbrowne@englandathletics.org.