Walk2Run offers to help you boost fitness and make new friends
Were you inspired by the Hastings Half Marathon to get into running? Or do you simply need a nudge and some like-minded company to finally improve your fitness levels and mental health? Hastings Runners can help you either way with their Walk2Run course starting soon...
Walk2Run is a free-to-enter 14-week Hastings Runners course led by a dedicated team of Walk2Run coaches. The 2026 version of the course begins on Wednesday 29 April, the third year since the club initiative was launched in 2024.
Runners-to-be meet on Wednesday evenings, usually in Alexandra Park at the southern end by the War Memorial, ready for a one-hour fun and social session that begins at 6.30pm. Led and supported by UKA-qualified coaches, run leaders and club members, this course is for everyone regardless of current fitness level. Participants of all ages are welcome, with groups typically spanning those in their early 20s up to early 70s.
The programme sees Walk2Runners begin by walking a roughly three-and-a-half mile route then, week by week, introduces steadily longer intervals of running within the session, using walking segments as recovery periods.
The sessions are always tailored to the group members who – the club is proud to say – quickly bond as a supportive team that relishes progress and rises above any set-backs. In addition, a dedicated Hastings Runners Walk2Run Facebook page keeps everyone connected and focused.
Last year, come week 10, the group divided into two – a core that was by then comfortable with alternating intervals of six minutes running/60 seconds walking, as well as other Walk2Runners able to complete intervals 12 minutes running/45 seconds walking.
The final Wednesday, in early August, week 14 of the course will see the group “graduate” by stepping up to 15 minutes running with only a 30 second walking interval to complete 5k (3.1 miles) around Alexandra Park at the end of July.
For anyone thinking of joining the next Walk2Run group, remember that every runner starts in this way. To do so affiliated to a supportive running club will make it easier – and you will develop new friends as well as fitness. So... Come along and join the 2026 group!
See “Hastings Runners Walk To Run Group 2026” on Facebook or email [email protected]