North Wales social running group Porth Eirias Runners recently held their fourth ‘Couch to 5km’ (C25k) course encouraging all to lace-up their trainers and discover the joys of running.
The eight-week running plan for absolute beginners, started on 9th January 2023 and took place along the promenade in Colwyn Bay. Led by newly qualified volunteer Run Leader Catrin Williams, they slowly built up their distance over the two months, and by the first week in March they accomplished 5km of running.
“The course has proved to be very popular in the past, yet this one has been the most successful to date. Catrin has been a great asset to our Run Leader team and has brought her enthusiasm to every C25k session, making it fun for all. Supported by the group’s other volunteer run leaders, the course was varied, and helped develop technique, strength and stamina.”
Porth Eirias Runners Group Leader, Paula Jones
On 4th March, they graduated the course, running the 5km Conwy Park Run alongside other members of the Porth Eirias Running Group who were showing their support. As a celebration of their achievement, they were presented with a C25k finishers medal and well-deserved cake!
The feedback for the course has been very positive:
“This course has been amazing. I looked forward to each session!”
“All my life I have said I can’t run, now in my 50’s I have learnt I can! Great program, great leaders, great fun!”
“Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic! Nothing more to say!”
Many of the C25k graduates have now joined the group and can be seen running along the promenade with fellow runners.
Porth Eirias Runners are a mixed social running group for all ages and abilities. Everyone is welcome to join whether it’s to train for a race or just to get out, meet new people and have a chat while getting active. They meet Mondays and Wednesdays at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay 6:30am and 6:30pm.
Congratulations to all the graduates and volunteers who supported them to achieve their goal. If you would like to become a Run Leader and help other people find the joys of running, there are Welsh Athletics training courses held across the country.