The Mile Shy club, based in Urmston, have made waves nationally with their innovative come-as-you-are approach to running.

“Our mission is simple - to bring the sport of running to all.  Mums, Dads, Grandparents, those with two left feet... we want to take the scariness out of the sport and encourage those, particularly those struggling with health issues, to come along and give it a try.  We operate not-for-profit, and any surplus funds are reinvested in the Club, or used to encourage others into the sport of running.” Source: Mile Shy Club website

They recently appeared on BBC Breakfast with Radio 2 presenter and Couch to 5K ‘app trainer’ Jo Wiley.

‘You feel that somebody’s alongside you’ said Michael Harrison, 74.

Joanne, a couch to 5k recruit in Urmston for the charity’s most recent triannual c25k event, said ‘the coaches and everyone involved are so friendly and welcoming. It’s not intimidating in the least, and I would encourage anyone considering it to come and give it a go.’

The charity operates 16 running and walking clubs in various locations across Trafford, Salford and Manchester.