November news

Are you looking for a way to start the new decade by learning a new skill?

If you’re passionate about running and want to get qualified to help more people benefit from the joys of running, why not sign up for a one day Leadership in Running Fitness course? There are 59 Leadership in Running Fitness courses being run by England Athletics around the country up to the end of March 2020 as part of the #GoCoach campaign backed by 200m World Champion Dina Asher-Smith and her coach John Blackie.

This one day entry-level course blends classroom and practical activities and is the perfect way to get a grounding in how to lead a group of runners. The Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) course is designed to prepare you to provide a safe and enjoyable running experience for young people over 12 years of age and adults of any ability, size or shape. This qualification will provide you with insurance to lead a group within the limits of the course content and is also a prerequisite course for the Coach in Running Fitness qualification.

With volunteer coaches and leaders playing a vital role in the sport, the aim of the #GoCoach campaign is to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can access running nationwide by introducing 10,000 new coaches and leaders to the sport by the end of 2020. People from all walks of life, not just those with a sporting background, can enjoy a personally rewarding role as a volunteer coach or leader whilst bringing significant value to both individual runners, clubs and groups.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer coach or leader within running can visit www.englandathletics.org/gocoach to find out more about the coaching pathway and qualifications on offer.

Bringing the best of nature to running groups

Are you a run leader, inspired by nature, loves running in extraordinary places and keen to share with runners of all abilities and backgrounds. National Trust Running and RunTogether have been working together to bring the best of nature to run groups around the country and would love to grow this opportunity with more of these dedicated run groups. As part of a National Trust volunteer team, you will have unique access to these special places with opportunities to find out more about these historic and nature fuelled landscapes to engage and share with your runners.

We’re currently recruiting in the these areas; Polesden Lacy Burton Bradstock Kingston Lacy Cliveden Mottisfont Hidcote Dudmaston Ormesby Ickworth Calke Hardwick Hall Dryham Charlecote Petworth Montacute

So if any of these National Trust places have caught your imagination please get in touch - running@nationaltrust.org.uk - letting us know which National Trust place you are interested in and we will get back to you. If your favourite National Trust place isn’t listed, please get in touch anyway listing your preferred venue and we can investigate this for you.

Congratulations RunTogether Ossy Joggers, you are DW Fitness First’s November Group of the Month!

Nominated by runner Sally Woods, she got in touch to tell us about the great work Ossy Joggers do. Hosting a #RunAndTalk sessions every 6-8 weeks, they raise awareness about mental health. Earlier this year they hosted a #RunAndTalk session aimed at supporting men. Sally told us, “we call it ‘for the 12’, as 12 men a day take their own lives. We had 108 people attend…and raised £232.59! Ossy Joggers has been running for five years starting with one run leader now has 14 leaders and runs 4 out of 7 days a week”. Sally is proud to tell us that they bring the community together with their motto being “the hardest step is the out of the front door”, “the volunteers behind this group are just awesome human beings who make this group super special.” We are so thrilled to hear about this supportive group and the fantastic community they have created, we think they are truly deserving winners of this month’s GOTM title!

Courtesy of DW Fitness First and Asics, they have won a pair of Asics GT 2000 8s.

To nominate a Group for the chance to WIN, email support@runtogether.co.uk and don’t forget to include photos.

Congratulations Fiona Hanik you are DW Fitness First’s November Run Leader of the Month!

Runner Tracey from Run In Wirral got in touch to nominate their Leader Fiona! She said “Fiona is one of a kind both within our running community which is made up of around 6 or 7 groups around the Wirral area, but also the wider community”. “Fiona is an amazing person who thinks nothing of helping those try and achieve their goals and she does the majority of it in her own time and without monetary payments. Fiona started Run in Wirral which will be celebrating its 10th birthday in January and she has built it up to be an amazing running club with runners from all ages ranging from 20’s up to 70’s and the running instructors she has recruited over the years all started running for different reasons and some had serious health issues which are no longer prevalent in their lives.” Tracey goes on to add, “Fiona will use her own time to help train and mentor someone doing a distance or run they have never done before and expects nothing in return. Without Fiona and the Run in Wirral family I would not have the life I have today, she is always there with guidance, words of advice and always ready to help. I cannot speak highly enough of Fiona Hanik and that is why I am putting her forward for this nomination.” Run in Wirral is a very socialable and friendly running group who cater for all abilities, we are so pleased to hear how the help of Fiona and the other run leaders who support their runners!

Congratulations Fiona, thank you for all your hard work, courtesy of DW Fitness First and Asics, you have won a pair of Asics GT 2000 8s.

To nominate your Run Leader for the chance to WIN, email support@runtogether.co.uk and don’t forget to include photos.