Local social running club Porth Eirias Runners, based in the beautiful Colwyn Bay, have experienced fantastic growth since their group was founded. As we approach the spring marathon season, some runners have recently completed the Manchester Marathon and others are entering the final stages of their preparation before they head south to the capital for the London Marathon 2024.
The club has been pleased to welcome an impressive number of new runners as they held their fifth Couch to 5km (C25k) course, encouraging all members to lace-up their trainers and discover the joys of running.
The eight-week running plan for beginners or returning runners started on 15th January 2024, taking place along the promenade in Colwyn Bay. The course was led by the ever-enthusiastic volunteer Run Leader Catrin Williams, who had weekly support from fellow leaders Melanie Palmer & Bethan Wynne-Jones as well as a number of volunteer run buddies. Runners gradually built up their distance over 8 weeks with a combination of running & walking. They were encouraged to complete 2 sessions each week with the run club and then complete “homework” at the weekend.
Eight weeks later, on the 9th March, they all graduated the course as they completing the 5km Conwy Park Run. Other members of the Porth Eirias Runners were all there to support the runners. As a celebration of their achievement, they were presented with a C25K finishers medal, goody bags, well-deserved cake and a small glass of Bucks Fizz!
Porth Eirias Runners Group Leader, Paula Jones said:
“The course gets more popular each year. In fact we already have enquires for next year and this one has been the most successful to date. Catrin has been a great asset to our Run Leader team and brings so much energy & fun to every C25K session so there is always plenty of laughter!”
The Group also received some fantastic positive feedback about the course:
“Catrin you are a Queen Leader and the run buddies have been so supportive”
“The group is wonderful & so supportive”
“I would never have completed this with out the support of the run club”
The C25k graduates are now encouraged to continue their running journey and join with fellow members of the run club on a weekly basis.
Porth Eirias Runners
We are a mixed run social group that welcome all ages & abilities. You can join us to train for a race or just to get out, meet new people and have a chat while getting active.
We meet every Monday & Wednesday 6.30am both days at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay. Our sessions also include hill & interval training. During the summer months we have strength & conditioning in Eirias.
Everybody can run! If you’re based in or near Colwyn Bay and want to get involved, you can find out more about them on the page on our website!
Many other groups across Wales run their own C25K groups throughout the year. If you want to get into running, check HERE to see if there’s one near you!