Couch to 5K is back

The latest round of FREE Couch to 5k courses are due to start next month across the District. 

The specially designed running program takes you from novice to completing your first 5k in only nine weeks. The course has seen many newbies successfully graduate previously and continue their running journeys.

Starting in the week commencing the 9^th of September, anyone that wants to give running a go can do with the support of a group of enthusiastic fully trained run leaders.

Anyone that wants to ditch the couch and start running are welcome at any session, you don’t need to book, and sessions are completely free:

• Mondays - 6:00pm - Ryland Centre Track
• Wednesdays - 10am - Sanders Park (meet at Bandstand)
• Fridays - 9:00am - Hagley Playing Field (meet outside the community centre)
• Sundays - 9:30am - Sanders Park (meet at the bandstand)

The weekly sessions are led by Run Leaders who hold official qualifications from England Athletics and provide a course which is fully endorsed by the NHS. Participants are encouraged to do homework runs each week following the plan, where they can listen along to downloadable podcast episodes which have been designed to support new runners through their solo runs, as well as having important information accessible in a free app.

Cabinet Member for Leisure and Climate Change, Cllr Bernard McEldowney, said: “Thanks to these sessions, 1000s of people across the District have been coached to achieving their first 5k – a massive accomplishment. Giving residents the opportunity to join the running community for free is a great step towards the people of Bromsgrove having happy and healthy lifestyles. Couch to 5k always proves popular, and we are very honoured to have been a part of so many of our residents’ journeys towards leading a healthier lifestyle.”

Many graduates from local Couch to 5k groups go on to join local running groups, including parkrun, and continue a new healthier lifestyle.

Regular brisk exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, boost mood and control weight.

For more information see https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/active-bromsgrove/health-exercise/couch-to-5k/ or contact Sports Development on 01527 881404 or sd@bromsroveandredditch.gov.uk