A NEW running club in has exceeded everyone's expectations.

Rock Salt Runners was formed by a small group of enthusiasts in November and is already hosting an action packed programme of events and training courses.

Winsford mum Charlotte Mills who discovered running after conquering serious illness has been amazed that her idea has taken off so quickly.

A new daytime couch to 5k is being launched in Northwich next week in a new partnership with Hotpod Yoga.

"It's very exciting, we have so many things happening," said Charlotte, 42, who was diagnosed with chronic sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease which causes swollen tissue to develop around the organs of the body, six years ago and gained eight stone after being put on steroids.

Charlotte, who struggled to climb the stairs, is now in remission and loves sharing her passion for running.

A month after the club's first run, numbers doubled and they are still growing.

"We've attracted a great group of people who are really gelling together as a team," she said. "Everyone is thrilled at how enjoyable, friendly and welcoming it is. We have a spread of ages from 19 to 51 and a big range of ability."

Members meet every week at six different locations across Winsford for a run.

More leaders are being trained so the club can accommodate runners of all abilities.

Northwich Guardian:

Rock Salt Runners enjoy regular runs across Winsford

Beginners have been amazed at how quickly they have progressed on a couch to 5k. People who have never worn running shoes are already joining in club activities.

"We did a time trial and they all finished a mile in under 12 minutes," said Charlotte, who completed a similar course in 2017. "There's no way I'd have done it that quick. They are phenomenal!"

Experienced runners have also joined the club.

"Our fastest guy did a mile in just over six minutes and the next was not far behind."

The club has teamed up with Hotpod Yoga in Northwich to launch a new daytime couch to 5k starting next week.

"This is an exciting partnership, " said Charlotte. "A lot of mums struggle with tea time sessions and there are people who can't do evenings. Others go to the gym or a spin class in the daytime and would love to be able to run.

"We've been running taster sessions and they've been very popular."

Northwich Guardian:

Charlotte Mills, far right, and Minna Scaife, owner of Hotpod Yoga far left, on a taster session of the new daytime couch to 5k

Novices can sign up for 10am sessions on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

"We can use all the facilities at the yoga studio and they can book a yoga session afterwards if they wish," said Charlotte.

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The club is looking for a businesses to sponsor a relay race on Sunday, March 29 on Winsford Industrial Estate.

"This will be a community event ," she said. "There will be competitive races for juniors, seniors and veterans and businesses or community groups can enter teams. The idea is that everyone can have a fun race.

"Roberts Bakery has pledged to send us gingerbread men for everyone who runs and Rosebank Sports in Northwich are supplying vouchers as prizes."

Winsford Spring 10k on Sunday, May 17, will start at the salt mine and follow the pretty lanes through Winsford and Whitegate to the historic Vale Royal Abbey.

A £1 from every entry fee will be donated to St Luke's Hospice.

Winsford 10k will be held on Sunday, October 18.

"I'm just really excited to bring something to Winsford that clearly has been wanted by a lot of people for a long time," said Charlotte. "We've got a really motivated and proactive committee and everyone is enthusiastic about keeping it going now.

For more details about how to join the club or register for an event visit rocksaltrunning.com/club