Running hub
Whether you want to race or just do it for fun, running is a great way of keeping fit, reducing stress and anxiety, and boosting your mood.
Why run?
Running in its simplest form, out on the road, through the park, along the seafront or just around the neighbourhood, brings with it a host of physical, mental and in some cases social benefits.
Whatever your aim, be it to shift some pounds, make new friends, or take a mental break, the question shouldn't really be 'why run?', it should be 'why not run?'.
Some of the benefits of running
Physical benefits
Improves cardiovascular fitness.
Helps keep bones and muscles strong and healthy.
Great way to burn calories and help maintain weight.
Social benefits
Inclusive and accessible.
Run with a friend or a dedicated running group.
Run for a charity and meet new people.
Mental benefits
Can help improve memory and mental ability.
Increased confidence and self-esteem.
Boosts energy levels.
Running support articles
If you are new to running and looking to start, we have some useful articles to help you on your journey.
Training for a distance
Once you start running you might want to challenge yourself to completing a specific distance or entering into a running event. View the distance training plans designed by five-time Olympian Jo Pavey.
Zero to 3K
It's fantastic that you've decided to start running. Running provides so many great benefits to both physical health and mental wellbeing. This plan is designed to get you started on your running journey and very soon you'll be enjoying being a runner. It's natural that you may be feeling a little bit apprehensive at first about embarking on a training plan, but don't worry, you'll be increasing your running very gradually. To begin with you'll be combining running with walking and the running sections will be short. The plan also includes walking to warm up and to cool down. It's important to remember that pace is not important in this training plan, run at a pace that feels comfortable and at a pace where you would still be able to hold a conversation.
View the 3K planJo's story
Jo is a British long-distance runner and a World, European and Commonwealth medallist. She has represented Great Britain at five Olympic Games, the only British runner and track event athlete to have done so.
Jo started running at school and has been a member of Exeter Harriers Athletics Club since 1987. Incredibly, she won a gold medal at the European Championships in 2014, just 11 months after giving birth to her second child.
The running club
Joining a running event can be great motivation to keep your training going, as well as being a fun, social and memorable experience. There are events available across the UK for all abilities, from beginners to experienced runners looking to beat their personal best times. If you don't feel ready for a running event or just prefer to do an event at a time that suits you, virtual running events can be a great alternative. A virtual event allows you to join an event online and then choose where and when you run it. Once you have completed the distance or challenge you submit proof online that you have completed it, usually in the form of app based running trackers such as Garmin or Fitbit. You are then added to a leaderboard for that event, with some virtual events also providing medals or certificates for completing.
Find a running event
Let's Do This helps you find upcoming running events based on preferred terrain and distances.
Virtual running clubs
Virtual running clubs can keep you motivated with fun virtual races and challenges.
Castle Race Series
Use code 2025WPA to get a discount on these brilliant family friendly racing weekends.
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