Great turn out for new year running group in Kent

A running group in Dartford, Kent, set up in the new year to help beginner runners saw a whopping 34 people wanting to give running a go, despite the typical January weather conditions!

The group - 'So Let's Go Running' - has been set up by qualified group leaders Brian Page and Dawn Annett who take friendly, sociable sessions of up to 5km every Tuesday from outside 'Goals' store in Dartford.

Brian, who has tackled three marathons including the Snowdonia Marathon - one of the toughest in Europe, had the idea of getting the local community running alongside fellow runner Dawn after the onset of osteo-arthritis in his right knee hindered his own running.

Up until May 2009 Brian lived a sedentary lifestyle, but a TIA (mini-stroke) led him to change his ways. His improved diet and exercise regime saw him lose 60 lbs and build up his running from the treadmill, to 10Ks, half marathons and finally marathons.

He said: “I was really pleased to see so many people turn up to our first session. The cold blustery evening didn’t seem to put anyone off and thankfully the rain stayed away! I’m looking forward to leading many more sessions over the coming year and encouraging more people in Dartford to take up running.”

So Let’s Go Running is supported by the Run Kent Project which works with Run England to encourage and support everyone to run, regardless of age, ability, aspiration, background, or location. The Project itself supports over 90 running groups in Kent – all of which are led by qualified group leaders and welcome complete beginners. 

Lucy Tomlinson, Run Kent Activator, said: “For anyone looking to improve their health and fitness in 2014, go along to your local running group. Winter can be a difficult time to stick to any fitness plan but by joining your local group, you’re more likely to stay motivated and with the ongoing support and encouragement from leaders, like Brian and Dawn, you’re more likely to achieve those health and fitness goals in 2014.  And the best thing about it is, anyone can have a go – all you need is a pair of trainers!”

If you are interested in joining a local running group in Kent or thinking about setting up your own group in your local community, please contact Lucy for more information on lucy.tomlinson@kent.gov.uk or call 07730 870696. For more information on So Let’s Go Running, please contact Brian on slgr@hotmail.co.uk.

If you live elsewhere in the country, you can search more than 2,000 running groups using Run England’s Group Finder map at www.runengland.org/groups.