Wiltshire Council running groups are helping hundreds of people take the first strides to a healthier lifestyle.
The council says its project has encouraged more than 800 people in the past year to pull on a pair of trainers and spend some time on their fitness and wellbeing.
Running offers lots of health benefits; losing weight, reducing risk of illnesses like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes, boosting mental wellbeing.
The free, weekly runs are also a great way to meet new people and socialise.
Some groups offer beginners’ sessions which blend walking with running – ideal for people returning to activity who prefer to build up their fitness slowly. Other runs set off straight after the morning school run. They are ideal for parents and carers – and infants in buggies are welcome too.
John Thomson, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for leisure said, “I’d urge anyone looking to get fit to give one of these courses a go – it could make a real difference to your health and wellbeing.
“We couldn’t support any of these groups without the great work of volunteers who are helping more people to get active.”
Wiltshire Council’s running groups: meeting dates and times;
Melksham School Gate
12th September to 14th November, 9.15-10.15am
King George VI Playing Fields
To find out more about running groups and beginners’ courses contact Amy Chalk, amy.chalk@wiltshire .gov.uk or call 07917 213726.
If you want to start a group, Amy can help with that, too. Find out more at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-cycling-walking-and-running
If runners want to take the next step, Wiltshire Council partners with the Parkrun national fitness organisation, which organises timed running events across the country including in Wiltshire.
Parkruns are available at Southwick Country Park, Salisbury, Melksham and Chippenham and are supported by Wiltshire Council area boards and run by local volunteers.
Find out more and register at www.parkrun.org.uk
