Santas in Training group runners progress to local club

Weston AC recently organised a 10 week 'Santas in Training' beginners' running group with a take up of about 50 runners, with half the beginners transitioning from the group into the club.

About 35 of the runners in the group completed the recent Christmas Cracker run, with those who were injured still being involved with their new friends by acting as marshals at the start and finish.

The group also raised £1,000 for local charity Weston Hospicecare from the training fees and between them they will have raised another £500 or so through a justgiving site that they set up. The group presenting the cheque to Weston Hospicecare on the pier before the race (pictured below).

Jim Wotton from the club said: "We have introduced two sessions on a Tuesday night, plus a new transitional group (number six) on Thursday nights with Weston AC and offered them free membership up until the end of March to make up their minds if they want to join. A fair number have already decided to join and paid their membership fee which will run until 31 March 2016. Some have already entered further races and the rest are talking about future training and realistic targets."

Charlotte Fisher, England Athletics Club and Coach Support Officer, said: "They’ve been a really brilliant example of a club providing a highly successful beginner running offer."

Have you or your group taken part in a Santa Run? If so, share your #santarun pics with @runengland on Twitter!