Jogging club wins top award (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Running project wins top athletics award

6:10pm Saturday 20th October 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

A SCHEME which has spurred more than 250 people to start running, has won Project of the Year at the prestigious England Athletics Regional Awards 2012.

The award commends the Run Halton 3-2-1 sites and the jog club at Halton Council’s running track at Wade Deacon High School, Birchfield Road, Widnes.

Officers received the accolade at a ceremony at West Houghton Cricket club in Bolton.

The jog club, every Monday and Thursday, is for anyone who wants to walk, jog or run in the safety of a floodlit environment.

Beginners’ running routes are also mapped out at RuncornTown Hall Park (1km), Phoenix Park, Castlefields (2km), and Pickerings Pasture, Halebank (3km).

Runners can train themselves or consult a coach, who will devise a free personal programme, Many athletes have gone on to take part in organised marathons, raising money for charities.

Clr Phil Harris, board member for sport, said: “The Run Halton project provides running opportunities throughout the borough to encourage you to start, return or carry on running.

"It caters for all types, whether you set walking distance targets or are training for a marathon. Running outdoors is a great way to stay fit and healthy.

"There are numerous benefits including the fact it’s cheap and easy, it helps manage weight, it keeps you fit, it gives you time out and it’s good for your bones.”

The jog club is supported by Widnes Wasps Ladies Running Club which trains on Thursday evenings.

New leaders are now being recruited to start more running groups.

For further details, contact the sport & cecreation team on 0151 510 6000 or e-mail: Sport.Development@halton.gov.uk From left, Craig Blain, Run England north area co-ordinator, Helen Birrell from Halton Council and Stephen Wood, community sport coach