Running Group Ready to Welcome New Beginners

A free running group which has inspired a number of novice runners to run marathons is about to start its latest beginners’ course. The Swindon Shin Splints starts the new 10-week course on Saturday 28th September and new members are most welcome.

The group was set up almost four years’ ago by Swindon Borough Council and aims to help runners of all abilities to improve and to train regularly.

Many runners who have joined the group have gone on to train for either the 13.1-mile Swindon Half Marathon, the five-mile multi terrain or the two-mile fun run with some members also going on to complete the full marathon distance.

Hundreds of people have registered with the Shin Splints group since its inception and an average of 120 people regularly take part in the running sessions at Coate Water every Saturday morning at 8.45am. The group also attracts in excess of 90 people every Wednesday evening for its training run.

Mentors are always on hand to give out handy hints and tips on how to prepare for all of the three races at the Swindon Half Marathon event. The Shin Splints operate four sub groups including a rolling beginners’ group, so that people can join at any time throughout the year, although it is recommended that to get the best results runners should join at the start of a new course. Regular runners who want to join the group at any level are always welcome.

An open evening is being held on Wednesday 25th September between 7.00pm and 8.30pm in the conservatory of the Sun Inn at Coate Water for anyone interested in joining the group.

Alternatively, people can meet at the Sun Inn every Saturday morning at 8.45am or call Cathy on 07977 915606 or through the Facebook page www.facebook.com/shinsplints