Yet to start that new year resolution to keep fit? Our ‘Couch to 5k’ is in its third year in Halton and it’s not too late to join in.

Halton Borough Council’s first programme for 2018 started at the beginning of January and saw an unprecedented amount of people participate with 264 people attending the first session.

The bad weather did not stop people turning out in their droves to get active and fit in 2018. Our friendly coaching staff provides support and encouragement along way. And you can pop along to sessions event Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm At the Track behind St Peter and Pauls.

The track is open till 8pm these days also for anyone to come and use.

At the end of the programme participants are invited to attend the local Parkrun at Victoria Park, where Halton Borough Councils Community Sports Coach, Stephen Wood, is on hand to provide encouragement and congratulations on graduating the programme.

Victoria Parkrun 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 all run by friendly volunteers. Recently Victoria Park has opened its gates every Sunday morning for Junior Parkrun, aimed specifically for children aged 4 – 14 years.

Halton also hosts 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 10 April, which will run alongside the new programme in Widnes starting on Monday 9 April.

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Sport, Cllr Phil Harris, 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 on any of these running activities please contact Halton Borough Councils Community Sport’s Coach, Stephen Wood on 0151 511 8282 or email sports.development@halton.gov.uk.

Find out all about ‘Couch to 5k’ here: https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/get-running-with-couch-to-5k.aspx