New funding sets up new Bexhill Running Group
20 January 2015
A successful new running project for beginners is underway in Bexhill using funds from a bid to the Sport England Community Sport Activation Fund.
The ‘Get Rother Active’ Bexhill Beginners Running Course is run in partnership between the Bexhill Runners and Triathletes Club and Rother District Council.
Delivered in Bexhill, Sidley and Rye, the courses are 8-10 weeks long, with the aim for participants to be able to run comfortably at their own pace for 30 minutes by the final session.
No previous running experience is necessary for the gradual walk-to-run programme, which builds up the amount of running bit by bit, to ensure that each participant gets a workout that is suitable for their level of fitness. A Run Leader, qualified by Run England - the recreational running programme which aims to get more people running - deliver all of the courses.
Natasha Fielden, a Run England Group Leader, led the first course in Autumn 2014, which saw 20 new runners ranging from 15 year old to mid-50s take part, with a wide range of fitness levels when they first started. By the end of the course, each participant was able to complete a 5K run.
Natasha said: "As well as improving fitness and ability, learning to run as part of a group is also a lot of fun! I hope this encourages others who are maybe a bit apprehensive about attending a beginners running course, that they really can do it!"
Participant Lorna White added: "At 51, overweight and a smoker, I never really thought I would be able to run. I saw the beginners' running course online and plucked up the courage to see if they would accept me. I was amazed at being able to run for two minutes on week 1, to running 5k without stopping on the final week. The support and encouragement I received was unbelievable - if I can do it, anyone can!"
The next Bexhill Beginners' Running course starting 13 January is now full, but there are still spaces on the next course starting on 14 April at 7pm. To book a place, email natasha@bexhillrunnerstriathletes.co.uk.
More news from RunTogether
