First run of the year for 2018

A RUNNING programme designed to help Halton residents keep fit is in its third year and hundreds turned up to the first session of 2018.

Couch To 5k began at the start of January and 264 people attended.

The bad weather did not stop people turning out in their droves to get active and fit in 2018.

Halton Borough Council coaching staff provides support and encouragement along the way and residents can pop along to sessions event Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm at the track behind Saints Peter And Paul Catholic College in Widnes.

The track is open until 8pm for anyone to use.

At the end of the programme participants are invited to attend the Parkrun at Victoria Park, where Halton Borough Council’s community sports coach Stephen Wood is on hand to provide encouragement and congratulations on graduating on the programme.

The run has grown from strength to strength in the three years it has been up and running.

It is a free weekly timed 5k around Victoria Park managed by volunteers.

Recently Victoria Park has opened its gates every Sunday morning for Junior Parkrun aimed specifically for children aged between four and 14.

There is also a Parkrun in Phoenix Park which has grown in strength since starting up.

Phoenix Park will also host its own Couch To 5k programme starting on Tuesday, April 10, which will run alongside the new programme in Widnes starting on Monday, April 9.

Cllr Phil Harris, Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for sport, said: “Probably the biggest challenge a new runner faces is not knowing how or where to start.

“Often when trying to get into exercise, we can overdo it, feel defeated and give up when we’re just getting started.

“Couch to 5K works because it starts with a mix of running and walking to gradually build up your fitness and stamina.”

For more information call 0151 511 8282 or email sports.