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I was looking for a new fitness challenge but had not considered a running club before as most don’t offer a beginners group. I also have Multiple Sclerosis so was likely to need extra support and having seen how the group supported each other at my local village fun run I was inspired to give them a go. I have not been disappointed and would encourage anyone whatever their fitness level and needs to give HARC a try. It’s great value for money too with no extra costs when moving from the beginners to the main group.

If you are toying with the idea of starting or restarting running for fitness and fun, do it with HARC and the C25K programme.

You will enjoy, improve and succeed with the fantastic group of coaches and supportive members in a safe, inclusive, positive and fun environment! As an unfit and overweight complete non runner 3 months ago, at the age of 36 I now look forward to a lifetime of fun running ahead.

I can’t thank you enough as a club and the support from club members. In 10 weeks, I have gone from no running, to running non-stop 5k – I never thought I could achieve this. It has improved my diabetes; my mental health; and the club has gone over and above to support their members.

I have met the most kind and friendly people I would recommend this to everyone – thank you.

This program is definitely for everyone! As a novice runner, I had my doubts that I’d ever be able to run 5k. The coaching delivers professional, straightforward, encouraging, and engaging sessions, moving through the weekly schedule and achieving the goals set. All under the watchful eye of Chris, who provides support, education and genuine care – it has been a fantastic journey. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program – it’s proven that a total non runner can achieve amazing things in a short space of time! Thank you for the opportunity !

HARC is fantastic. I would encourage anyone who wants to start or re-start running to join. The leaders and members are all so supportive and friendly.

Since joining everyone has been so welcoming and so supportive of each other to keep each other going and not to give up, from people taking part to the coach’s it’s an incredible atmosphere. You become part of a team/family as well as progressing individually which is really beneficial physically as well as mentally. It really helps to improve on your goals at the same time as having fun and going with it and to always believe in yourself. Truly grateful for the coach’s and to my running friends!

Chris was an exceptional coach and motivator. I never thought 8 weeks from starting the course I would be running 5k.

I recently graduated from the Couch to 5K program, and I genuinely didn’t think I would see it through to the end—let alone actually run 5K! But the incredible encouragement, inclusivity, and unwavering belief from both coaches, Michelle and Nick, made it feel achievable. Even on those dark, cold winter nights when leaving the house felt impossible and I had missed several sessions, their support and open-armed welcome back made it easy to return without judgment.
I’m so grateful to the entire HARC team for their encouragement, especially Michelle, Nick, Donna, Chris, Mark and my fellow ‘Couchies’.

I joined the C25K having been away from running for many months, following some personal challenges and an injury. I had very little motivation and this course turned that around for me. At their very core, HARC encapsulate an environment of support, nurture and structure, which delivers results in a programme such as C25K. I cannot thank the coaches of this running club enough, they are all truly inspirational, and have ensured I get back to doing something I love.

Previously I wouldn’t have run from a burning building! As we went into lockdown I realised I really need to get my fitness levels up but needed the accountability of a group. A friend recommended Chris and his virtual couch to 5k. Where you ran as a group using Zoom to connect whilst benefiting from Chris’ expert advice and support. So I started the 9 week course… 9 weeks later I completed my first 5k and found I’d got the running bug. The most important part is that we ran as a group, no one was left behind and the support from Chris and my fellow runners was invaluable. For anyone thinking about starting to run, wanting to improve their run or simply just like a run and chat this is the group for you.

It was a very well informed programme which I feel has given me the tools I need to improve my running and reach my goals. I felt confident knowing that I am supported by a coach in achieving these and how to get there. I would recommend to anybody who is wanting to take steps to get to the next level with their running whether they have small or large goals. It was a really enjoyable weekend spent with likeminded people and the structure of the programme was good.

What a fantastic club to be a part of! From the first session I attended right up until the C25K finale the support and encouragement from the coaches and members has been amazing. At the start of the programme I couldn’t imagine running for more than 5 minutes… never mind 5km, but as the sessions went on my fitness and confidence just grew and grew. Not only have I found a sport to enjoy, I’ve made some amazing friends at the same time!

Joining HARC to complete the C25K has been the best. From the start I have felt part of a team as everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. I like the way the group is organised so everyone is included. Big thank you to Marc and Mike who are excellent coaches, knowledgeable and encouraging. It’s a really fun, relaxed group and a good place to start and/or develop your running journey. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to run in a safe, relaxed and supportive group.

Signed up for the C25k after being out of running for a bit and after an injury, so glad i did, fantastic coaching and support from Mike and Marc our group coaches and the support from other club members was fab. What a fun way to get back into running or starting your running journey, what more can you ask, fun, friendly and lots of laughs along the way with your group. The club makes you feel welcome from day one in a relaxed, supportive and fun environment.

This course is amazing, it helps to focus the mind that no matter what level you are that you have goals and how you might be able to achieve them. Thank you

I was not sure I wanted to do C25K but decided if I was going to it had to be with a club otherwise I would make up all sorts of excuses !! I started on 27th May 2025. I was apprehensive but I had no need to be. From start to finish I felt part of a supportive club , friendly and encouraging all the way to my 5K. I now feel like a runner something I always wanted to be and do.
And best of all I will do Parkrun with my daughter later in August. It will give you confidence, you will make new friends and you will get fit. Thank you HARC

I would absolutely recommend joining HARC. The welcome, support and knowledge provided by the coaches is second to none. The members of the club are such a friendly bunch of people and signing up is the best thing that I’ve done! I never thought I would be able to run 5k and am now thinking about how to get to the next milestone! Thank you all so much for helping me to reach things I never thought I would achieve!

I returned to running after a long time out due to illness & having lost interest in the sport. I finally decided to do something about it and enrolled on the C25K program, which I can thoroughly recommend to anyone thinking of taking up running or returning after a long absence. Don’t worry if you think you’re not going to be as good as everyone else as there are people of all different abilities running together and the club ethos of ‘no one gets left behind’ is fantastic and reassuring as it keeps everyone together, helping to build a close knit team spirit & camaraderie.

All of the coaches and other club runners are a really friendly bunch, offering great support and encouragement and there is also a very good social aspect as well.

Joining HARC is definitely one of the best things I’ve ever done. A huge thank you to everyone in helping me get this far.