Barnes running group celebrates largest cohort completion

The Couch to 5k group in Barnes, initiated by Cllr Millum and The Barnes Runners, completed its third and largest cohort of runners.

The running group has been a tremendous success in encouraging residents to train for a 5k run. Participants, aged 12 to 70, have faced various fitness or health challenges, and many have reported improvements in their mental health. Even experienced runners have used the group for rehabilitation purposes.

Let’s hear from one of the runners: "I am amazed that I managed to complete the 9 weeks of C25k. I really enjoyed it even though it was hard to head out for a run when the weather was a bit grim but it was worth it for that good feeling when the run was over."

Another participant also shared: "I hadn’t run for many years and had let my fitness slide. When this group came up it was just what was needed. I was nervous I would be the slowest most unfit in the group and didn’t want to hold the group back. I soon felt very reassured, encouraged and pulled along by the camaraderie."

The Couch to 5k Programme is a safe, friendly group with no judgement, perfect for starting your exercise or fitness journey again.

Although the Barnes running group has completed their last session of the current cohort, there is a parkrun at Richmond Park every Saturday. The free running group aims to encourage residents to get off the couch and achieve their goals at a reasonable pace. In this free community event, all are welcome to walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.

Find out more about Richmond parkrun.