Mara Yamauchi set to inspire others to take up running

Mara Yamauchi, Britain’s second fastest female marathon runner ever, hopes to put her experience to good use and inspire others to run after recently completing a Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) course.

The one day training course addresses barriers to participation and is designed to give candidates the opportunity to develop skills in leadership within a running group.

Mara, who has a best time for the marathon of 2:23.12 which places her second only to Paula Radcliffe on the UK all time list, hopes to become an active group leader and use the qualification to help inspire others to take up running.

She said: “The Leadership in Running Fitness course was informative, challenging and lots of fun. I learned a huge amount in just one day, and it was great to swap running stories and tips with the other participants. I feel this course has equipped me very well with the leadership skills I need to encourage others to enjoy running. I would definitely recommend this course – excellent tutors, well-organised, and packed with useful information.”

In becoming a trained leader, Mara joins the likes of super-fit celebrity Nell McAndrew, who went on to run the fantastic time of 2:54.39 at the 2012 Virgin London Marathon shortly after completing her course, and Run England blogger and GB international distance runner Adam Hickey who leads a running group in Southend.

More than 2,000 qualified leaders have registered their running groups with Run England, allowing them to benefit from publicity on Run England’s online group finder map, insurance, useful downloads exclusive to group leaders and the support of the Run England team.

Run England groups allow people to run in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment and take many forms such as beginner groups at affiliated athletics clubs, workplace groups and school run groups for mums – to name just a few.

We wish Mara all the best with her group leading, but remember, you don’t need Mara’s speed to lead! Anyone with the passion to support people who want to take up running can become qualified and register a group.

For more information on the Leadership in Running Fitness course, visit runengland.org/LiRF and to find out more about setting up a group, visit runengland.org/leader. Alternatively, you can contact a member of the Run England team who will be happy to help.