The winner of our LiRF prize draw is looking forward to putting their learning into practice
13 February 2024
The Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualification aims to prepare you to provide a safe and enjoyable running experience for people of all abilities. In November, we ran a prize draw to win a free place on a LiRF course. The winner selected at random was Peter Forster. We caught up with him to hear his running story and his aspirations through the LiRF course.
Peter described how he was a runner when he was younger and only got back involved about seven years ago.
“I loved running in my younger days. My highlight was running for the Northumberland Army Cadet Force cross country team and finishing 17th in the National Championships in Taunton.
"My running inspiration was Steve Ovett. I loved the Ovett, Coe and Cram races. The rivalry between the three British athletes pushing each other to be the best in the world and break records at the time gave many young runners something great to aspire towards."
“I got involved in running again seven years ago, starting with my local parkrun. Since then, I have run many half marathons, 10ks and 10 milers and got involved in Border Reivers Runners, a local Carlisle RunTogether group.”
He enjoys being a member of a RunTogether group due to the mental, physical and social wellbeing benefits of attending regularly.
"My favourite thing about being part of the group is that you spur one another on to achieve your goals and everyone is so friendly and sociable. I strongly believe that running helps your mental health and not just your physical health."
Having won the prize draw, Peter is excited to attend the LiRF course and put everything he learns into practice at his local RunTogether group.
“I am looking forward to getting stuck in and helping others to enjoy running in the upcoming spring and summer months, both through Border Reivers Runners and parkrun, where I hope to support those setting out for the first time. It will be great to help and encourage people of all abilities to take up running.”
Were you unsuccessful in this prize draw? Are you still wanting to help your local running community? Or have you been inspired to support others on their running journey?
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