[A]n inspirational and award winning sports business has moved to a new base in Kendal.
Jogging Pals, which has led more than 450 newcomers to take up running, has opened an office on the Westmorland Business Park .
Founded three years ago by Wayne Singleton and Glyn Rose, both England Athletics coaches, the Jogging Pals programme has taken former non-runners from couch to 5k and beyond throughout Cumbria and North Lancashire.
They are now working with England Athletics, the NHS, and the South Lakeland branch of the charity MIND to promote the benefits of running in improving mental health.
Jogging Pals took the Community Club or Group of the Year trophy at last year’s Cumbria Sports Awards, in a tribute to their inspirational team.
The scheme has been so successful that the group now has seven Run Leaders and in addition to couch to 5k, delivers 5-10k, 10-20k and “improvers” programmes for those who want to continue to develop their running. There are also guided runs in association with the National Trust at Sizergh Castle, and regular sessions from Pete Bland Sports in Kendal and Alpkit in Ambleside.
The group also plans to run taster sessions for children during the school holidays called Jogging Pals Juniors.
“The new base at Unit 1 above Mapdec Cycle Works will give us office space, room to store our kit, and a place for class-based activities, particularly if we use the space that Mapdec have as their studio” said Wayne.
“We plan to have an NHS speaker come soon to give a talk about running and mental health.”
Wayne, who is well known on the local sporting scene, and was the commentator at the finish of the recent Brathay Windermere marathon, is a typical convert. A former smoker and drinker, he now competes in triathlons, has run marathons, and is a keen open water swimmer.
“Running changed my life, and I wanted to do something to help others,” he said.
Glyn started running after quitting smoking and has subsequently done the Great Manchester 10k, Great North Run, London and New York marathons. Glyn said “I have learnt a lot on long the way and it’s great to be able share these experiences, both positive and negative, with the Jogging Pals members.”
Jogging Pals charge £45 for an eight-week couch to 5k programme, and members are encouraged to join up together to run at other times. “One of the keys to our success is enabling people to ‘pal up’ as the weeks go by, to train with other people who may live close by, and to make friends,” said Glyn. “The social aspect of jogging is massively important to us, and we make a lot of friends through this. But we also acknowledge that for some people, we are improving their health and fitness, and even saving their lives.”
Jogging Pals will have their official opening on Thursday 5th July for anyone interested in understanding what they can deliver for individuals or businesses
Their website carries testimonials from newcomers who have benefited from the programme, and have carried on running.
For more information email [email protected]