Running and walking groups taking off in Sutton Coldfield

If you head down to Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield you are likely to see runners. And thanks to Sally Ellis hundreds of new runners, joggers and walkers are now using the same park where athletes such as Mo Farah are often involved in events such as the National Road Relay Championships.

SE Fitness, a group formed by Sally Ellis has recently registered with Run England. SE Fitness started in 1996. As a semi-retired athlete, Sally loved running and wanted others to get that same feeling - the buzz of being active in the outdoors. Her group has grown gradually over the years and has now become hugely popular with over 500 members. She has 30 leaders who deliver walking and running sessions to those completely new to exercise through to those seasoned runners & walkers. They use their experience and knowledge to motivate and encourage others to improve their fitness.

They offer 29 groups every week during the school term - and also offer a skeleton programme during the school holidays.  Around 400 attend the sessions each week. SE Fitness welcomes all ages over 16 years, all backgrounds and genders (though more women attend the daytime sessions). The groups meet in the mornings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays but also have groups on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

They meet at Wyndley Leisure Centre, with most of their sessions taking place in the beautiful Sutton Park. From January 2012 they are starting new running groups on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. They are also promoting a Free Taster absolute beginner walking group on 18th January. This will allow those people who currently have very low levels of fitness to join - it will be around one mile. They also offer the buggy walk for those mums with new babies. For more information please visit the website: www.sefitness.com

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