Novice runners off the couch

FITNESS is a priority these days in Dunlavin and a group of dedicated local people have taken the plunge to complete the ‘Couch to 5k’ challenge.

Organised by Susan Corrigan, Shirley Carroll and Susan Deering, the free event was started to give novice runners the chance to improve their fitness levels in a fun group setting.

‘Myself and Shirley and Susan did Couch to 5k a while back and we stuck with it and ended up doing 5k and 10k races. We thought we would go back to the start and encourage others to come along. It grew out of Dunlavin Running Club but it is free and whatever your fitness level, you will be able to take part,’ Susan Corrigan explained.

The group simply follows the app on their phones and guides a now growing group of runners and walkers around Dunlavin.

‘We have about 20 people signed up now and after the eight weeks, we hope yo pick a 5k event locally and for all of us to take part together,’ Susan added.

‘It is really easy once you get started and very quickly you realise that it really is very achievable. It only takes half an hour every night and the social element is great.’

The Dunlavin Couch to 5k group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Fridat at the local secondary school. All are welcome and further information is available on the Dunlavin Running Club Facebook page.