“It’s just that togetherness” – why our Run Leader Mentors love being part of a RunTogether group

Run Leader Mentors are experienced at leading RunTogether groups and are available to help other Run Leaders by sharing their expertise and knowledge. They all love running and their RunTogether groups and are keen to share that with others.

We caught up with Fiona, Sue and Ian after the Run Leader Mentor training day in January to find out more about their passion for running and what advice they would give to people looking to start running.

What is your favourite thing about being in a RunTogether group?

“I think the social aspect. We are very much a social running group and have been since the start, so you make great friends. That’s a huge part of it.” – Sue Bennett, West Berkshire Run Together

RunTogether brings together lots of different people of differing abilities and backgrounds, but everyone is really supportive and wants to create and share running opportunities for all.

Ian described how, as a Run Leader, being part of RunTogether makes the practicalities very easy to take care of and ensure everyone can enjoy the runs safely.

“It really is like a RunTogether family! And from a Run Leader’s perspective RunTogether is so straightforward and easy. The backing and help from Danny Tolhurst, Participation Programme Officer, Tracey Francis, Participation Programmes Manager, and other Run Leader Mentors makes a real difference.” – Ian Robinson, RunWallingford

Why do you love running?

Everyone has a unique running journey, which is no different for our Run Leader Mentors. Fiona and Sue have transitioned from either being unable to run or not enjoying it to finding a joy in getting out and running.

“It just makes me feel better in myself. I like to think that it’s making me a little bit healthier and it’s something that I love doing, despite the fact that I’ve spent 50 years saying that I hated it. I came to it late in life and I found that it’s something really nice to do and I look forward to each run.” – Fiona Alderton, Chorley Runners

What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to start running?

Fiona, Sue and Ian may now be Run Leader Mentors, but for each of them their running journey started somewhere and through their RunTogether groups, they will have seen lots of new runners getting started on their journey. Here is what their experiences have taught them to help people get into running:

“I would say ideally find yourself a group, a Couch to 5k to start off with because I think being with a group of people helps to motivate you to keep going. It certainly did for me. And just try to make friends with people that you can then perhaps do some separate running with after you have finished Couch to 5k. Just find a nice group to run with I would say.” – Fiona Alderton, Chorley Runners

“Just have a go! Maybe look up some RunTogether groups around you and make that bold step. Everybody is going to support you and actually at the end of that, you’re going to love it.” – Sue Bennett, West Berkshire Run Together

Have you been inspired by our Run Leader Mentors’ stories?