Running group in Sussex off to a flyer with busy first run

A running group in Sussex had to bring in extra helpers after being delighted by a huge influx of beginner runners at their first ever session!

Uckfield Running Club set up a beginners group led by Emma Hyland, who recently completed a Leadership in Running Fitness course aimed at supporting beginners.

Emma thought that the group’s first run at the start of February would be busy, but the sheer popularity even surprised her, with an incredible 41 beginners showing up on the first night.

After warming up, helpers from the club took the group on a two mile walk/jog with varying amounts of walking and jogging depending on the current level of fitness of each individual. They then warmed down together and the group leaders demonstrated some stretches and even got a round of applause for their efforts!

Emma said: “When I got to the gym the girls on reception were beaming and brimming with excitement – they pointed to the chairs in the swimming pool viewing area where there was a large group who were here for the beginners group, they were busy getting to know each other.

“Six Uckfield Runners kindly came along as helpers. Then a few more arrived, then more, then more! I was astonished. There were around 40, the majority were ladies but there were some men as well. The group all seemed to enjoy the session and planned to come back next week.”

Uckfield Runners Beginners Group is aimed at non runners and beginners who are interested in starting running or jogging whether it’s to take up running as a sport, improve general fitness, or as training to benefit for another sport.

The beginners group meets every Thursday at 7.30pm at Freedom Leisure, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield, whilst the main group meets on Tuesday at 7pm, also at Freedom Leisure. If you are interested in joining the beginners group or are already a runner and interested in joining the main group please see www.uckfieldrunners.org.uk for further details or check out their group details page.