Sidmouth running club are pleased to welcome two new leaders in running fitness into their ranks, writes Terry Bewes.

Both David Lee and Tim Clay have completed and passed the one day course required to achieve the qualification. The course will enable them to deliver fun and safe sessions to multi-ability groups and give advice and support to new runners as well as developing a pathway for those who want to progress.

It focuses on understanding and overcoming barriers to participation in running and how to increase participation by those not traditionally attracted to a running club. David has already had his first taste of leading, stepping up to the plate on Monday night and the feedback I got from those taking part was very positive.

Meanwhile, Tim Mitchell is in the process of working towards a coach in running fitness qualification. This course is about the broad application to non-track based endurance running events rather than specific events or distances.

He will learn how to coach endurance running on a variety of surfaces, how to plan a progressive training programme, and helping participants develop towards their specific goals.

Tim has already completed his first two training days of this very involved and intense course. This will be followed by a third training day and then a further assessment day in the months to come.

The club is also very grateful to Justin Ashby who is organising an eight-week training course that will focus on the Ottery 10k in May.

The course is open to all, beginners doing their first 10k: improvers for those who have done one or two 10k’s, but want a better time and the advanced personal best runners.

Details of the course can be found on the club website or on the notice board at Port Royal.

With Becky Robson and Ian Walker organising this year’s time trials, guess the time of your run coming in the summer and organised Park Run trips there are busy times ahead for club members.

If you are not already a member and would like to give it a go, turn up on a Wednesday night at 6:45 at Port Royal and join us for a two-mile starter run.