Degree placement leads to new university running group

In October 2015 Hayley went on placement with Nikki Holding the Merseyside Run! Activator as part of her Sport Development degree at Liverpool John Moores University.

The new placement scheme was an opportunity to link students to the world of Sports Development, and this year Hayley would get the chance to see how the GetGoing! project in Liverpool works and learn about Nikki's role as well as the sports development behind running opportunities in Liverpool.

Nikki explained, "Hayley researched the run group opportunities at the university itself and there is only an athletics club and not a run club. Since then she has started the Recreational Running Club which has gathered a lot of interest."

Hayley added, "I have always been interested in running from a young age, however when I came to university it soon became apparent that despite the extensive range of clubs and societies available to students, recreational running was not one of them."

The club itself is a great way to get active and socialise, and welcomes all students regardless of age or ability. This group is not intended to be overly competitive but focuses predominantly on people taking part in order to improve their health and wellbeing, whilst having fun.

Hayley said, "We run twice a week at the GetGoing! Otterspool Promenade run route and down at the Albert Dock. Sessions consist of various runs to accommodate individual needs and wants. In addition to these sessions I encourage and provide opportunities for members to enter running events to enable them to work towards personal goals, have fun and raise money for some great causes along the way."

In the near future Nikki is looking to secure funding to put Hayley through the Leadership in Running Fitness qualification and developing the run group as well as encouraging and supporting the group when they enter events.

In addition, a second student focussed on the business aspect which tied in with his degree – Andrew is now linking with the MCSP insight team to collect data as well as social media information about new and existing runners within the Liverpool area.

Hayley finished by saying, "The successful formation of the club would not have been possible without the help and support of Nikki. I am excited to continue working together on our project and to see what the future has to hold for the progression of the LJMU Recreational Running Group."