Hambleton Athletics and Running Club’s most recent Couch to 5K programme finished with a superb graduation run set in the stunning grounds of Fountains Abbey on 23 July, at the weekly Parkrun held there.
The culmination of the ten week programme offered the newly-fledged runners the chance to run a continuous 5K with the support and encouragement of a number of club members, alongside coaches Alice Inglis and Gemma Wardle – all under the watchful eye of Head Coach, Chris Lees.
It was certainly a beautiful morning for it and emotion ran high as a dozen graduates crossed the finishing line, especially so for those who were first-time runners. Chris Williams explained that HARC’s programme had not only turned a complete non-runner into a runner, but also into a person “that actually enjoys it now!” High praise indeed.
Chris went on to say “If you are toying with the idea of starting or restarting running for fitness and fun, do it with HARC. You will enjoy, improve and succeed with a fantastic group of coaches and supportive members in a safe, inclusive, positive and fun environment!”
Coach Alice Inglis, herself only having graduated 18 months ago with HARC, had this to add: “Being able to coach such a committed group of individuals has not only allowed them to achieve their 5K goal, but has also increased my confidence as a coach – and I thank them for that.”
If this sounds right up your street, look out for HARC’s next programme, or head over to the website for details of what else they have to offer.
Congratulations again, to all concerned – a fantastic and well deserved achievement!