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Running Group Ready to Welcome Beginners

People looking to increase their fitness in the new year can join a free running group for beginners. The Swindon Shin Splints will start their new 10-week course for beginners on Saturday 19th January and new members are always welcome.

The group was set up three 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.

More than 500 people have registered with the Shin Splints group since its inception and an average of 90 people regularly take part in the running sessions at Coate Water every Saturday morning at 8.45am. The group also attracts in excess of 60 people every Wednesday evening for its training run.

Ten 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.

Cllr Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: “The Shin Splints have helped hundreds of runners of all abilities over the last few years and the group is a great way of meeting new friends while at the same time improving your fitness levels.

“The 10-week beginners’ course is a gentle, fun introduction to running with the aim of building up the training so that those taking part can complete three miles by the end of the course.

“The group has a friendly team of volunteers to help and encourage you along the way and it is a great way to fulfil those New Year resolutions.”


An open evening is being held on the evening of Wednesday 16th January between 7.00pm and 8.30pm at the Sun Inn, 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

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