Funding for Crawley running club to help get more people fit and healthy

Founded in 2016, local running club, Crawley Run Crew, have been awarded the money from the Sussex Giving Fund from the Sussex Community Foundation.

Crawley Run Crew says it is a fun and all-ability running club for the local community offering weekly training sessions which last around 60 minutes.

Each session is led by qualified UK Athletic Running Coaches and Running Fitness Leaders and start with a short welcome/introduction, followed by a gentle warm-up leading into the main session, and then finally a cool down/stretch at the end.

The club also offers indoor fitness classes, monthly running challenges and is a member of the popular West Sussex Fun Run League.

The club says that in the spring of 2018, for the first time, it delivered a hugely successful 0-5k Crew programme for over 30 beginner runners.

This supported local people to improve their health and well-being and make running part of their lives.

Following this, Crawley Run Crew received demand for further programmes.

However, with the nights drawing in over the winter, sorting something out in a safe and lit environment was harder to plan.

The funding received will help the club to hire the track at K2 Leisure Centre in order to meet this demand for more 0-5k programmes and plans are now being drawn up for a programme to start in January.

The club says that the 0-5k Crew is a structured and supportive programme to encourage new people into running, perhaps those who do not have the confidence or knowledge to get started, need that extra bit of support and, want to do it in a friendly and supportive environment.

A 10-week programme costs £25 which covers two training sessions per week, a technical t-shirt, runners guide and full club membership for 12 months.

This will be the first programme of its kind in the borough and club are excited to get it up and running and welcome new members along.

Alongside more 0-5k Crew programmes, the funding will also support the club to train up more volunteers as both Run Coaches and Run Leaders through England Athletics as well as purchase some equipment to utilise with existing members to help improve their running.

Head Coach and Vice Chair Shelley Meyern said: “We are delighted to have received this funding and are grateful for the support of the Sussex Community Foundation and Crawley

CVS.

“We are aiming to offer a number of 0-5k programmes next year as well as purchase some fantastic equipment to help our existing members to progress and reach their goals. The club is constantly looking at ways to improve and support like this goes along way.”

To find out more visit www.crawleyruncrew.co.uk or follow the club on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Interest in the 0-5k Crew programme can now be taken through the club’s website or Facebook.