We’re pleased to announce that we have a date for the 2013 Gateway Fun Run!
This year’s run will be on Saturday 20th July in Cannon Hill Park.
It’s a 5km course (that’s just over three miles) and everybody’s welcome, whatever your ability. You don’t even have to be able to run the course – you can walk it if you like.
Following the success of last year’s run, when around 70 people took part, we decided to make it an annual event. There were runners, walkers and even mums with buggies! Most people were linked to Gateway in some way – lots were current or past clients of our Health Trainer or Lighten Up services – but some were people who had just seen the adverts and turned up on the day.
The Gateway Fun Run is part of our ongoing work to provide a variety of easy and accessible ways to get active. This is just one option but this gives people the opportunity to do something as a group knowing they’ll draw support from each other.
Last year, Joan was the oldest participant at 80. Following a serious illness, she’d been working with one of our Health Trainers – and increasing her walking was something they’d been doing together. So they suggested she come along and take part, which she did as part of her recuperation. Joan said: “the best thing about today has been walking in company and, of course, the sense of achievement at the end”.
Charlene also took part. She came along with her slimming group, many of whom had signed up through the Lighten Up weight management scheme. She too had health issues, so decided to walk – but was delighted with herself for completing and said: “Coming here today has given me the boost to get out there and do more walking”.
Watch Charlene’s video:
If you’re looking for a way to get more active and you want some motivation, a fun run is a great thing to aim for.
Running is free, you can do it anywhere, and it burns more calories than any other mainstream exercise. Regular running and walking can reduce your risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It can also boost your mood and keep your weight under control.
If you’re interested in taking part in the Gateway fun run, give us a call on 0121 456 7821 or email maxine.brown@gatewayfs.org to register your interest.
We’ll then be able to tell you about the group training we have planned as a warm-up to the July run. We’ll be offering a weekly walking group and a running group to cover different abilities, to help you get into training. We’ll also put your name down for a goody bag!
Ideally, we hope that people who take part in the fun run will get a taste for it and perhaps think about joining the weekly Cannon Hill Parkrun. Around 200 people complete the Parkrun every week – why not you?
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