FLEDGLING runners are celebrating their success in taking on their first 5K event.

In January 38 people met on the steps of Brio Leisure in Northwich, to be welcomed by club members and run leaders from Northwich Running Club.

The leaders explained how they would be supported on their nine-week programme of training to be able to run for 30 minutes without breaks - the couch to 5k programme.

Then off they went for their first run in the dark together, running for 60 seconds at a time with rests.

“To take this step takes courage,” said NRC chairman Alan Wilcox.

“Many have to overcome personal challenges, juggle home lives and overcome the common feelings of lacking confidence. Many had tried to run previously on their own and had given up.”

Over the coming weeks the club group met twice a week with an additional weekend homework session on their own.

The club sessions were supported by trained leaders Alan Wilcox, Helen Doroszkiewicz, Mark Acton, Amanda Williams and Eli Atkinson.

Alan added: “Many of our C25K group joined together to run the weekly free Delamere parkrun.

“There was also a huge turnout of NRC club members to run in support, cheer on and celebrate the new runners’ completion of their first 5k. Their completion of the programme is a big challenge and their success is to be applauded.”

Amanda Williams said: “I started C25k early last year, and so loved now having progressed with NRC and being able to help these guys start their running journey.

“Our next challenge is to ensure we help them build on their success and continue to make running part of their regular weekly routine in a fun and supportive way.”

Rebecca Pearmaine, who completed in the group day, said at the finish: “I feel on top of the world.

“I cannot believe just nine weeks ago we were all discussing the dread of upping the running from 60 seconds to two minutes mins.

“A huge thank you to all of the NRC runners for supporting us.”