A GROUP of people from Droitwich have gone from not being able to run at all to taking part in a 5k challenge.

The nine-week long Couch to 5k challenge started in May with 20 residents keen to try and improve their fitness, and 12 of them recently completed Worcester’s 5k park run.

Club ladies captain, Jas O’Hora said: “We had people of mixed abilities and ages, some already did plenty of exercise but had never tried road running before others just wanted to get fitter and would prefer to exercise in a group environment.”

The course is run through the NHS to encourage people to get fitter, and each of the Droitwich participants buddied up with a member of the athletics club who provided them with support and encouragement throughout the nine weeks.

Club chairman, Pete Robinson, added: “I, together with coaches and volunteers from the club wanted to offer the community a taste of road running and the opportunity to be able to run in a safe, group environment. I am very pleased with the result and the percentage of recruits who completed the course. I put this down to the time and dedication given by members of the club who provided structured training sessions, additional run groups and encouraged fun and laughter along the way and also the hard work and determination of the participants who run in all weathers, even driving rain.”

Due to the popularity of the course, the club is hoping to run the Couch to 5k challenge again throughout late September and early October. For more information, visit droitwichac.co.uk.