A new group for women runners is already making great strides.
In its first three weeks the group at Stanley Park, attracted 60 women of all ages and abilities.
“They are mainly beginners but we have had some more experienced runners and some women who used to run and who want to take it up again, “said Michelle Hughes, the group’s organiser.
“We have a couple of 16-year-olds and some women over 50 but everybody is welcome. Some of the women want to lose weight, others just to keep fit generally and many are in training to take part in the Race for Life at Sefton Park in July.
“All the distances and paces are adjusted to the abilities of those taking part. We usually jog for two minutes and then walk for a minute but if people want to jog further or walk more, that’s fine. It’s about improving stamina and fitness – but it is also an opportunity to make new friends.”
The running group invites those who want to take part to meet outside the Isla Gladstone Conservatory on
Tuesdays – 9.30am
Wednesdays – 6.00pm
Thursdays – 9.30am.
Councillor Peter Mitchell, Mayoral lead on Parks, said: “We are very pleased to see a new group making good use of one of our parks. One of the great ways our green spaces benefit the city is by helping people keep fit and active and this group is a fine example of that. ”
The scheme is part of the Active Women programme, which seeks to improve the health of women in targeted areas of the city. Liverpool’s Active City survey showed that there are areas in Liverpool with poorer health and less involvement in regular exercise, particularly for women.
Liverpool’s Active Women programme was set up to address this need, providing a range of activities around the city. See www.liverpool.gov.uk/lifestyles/find-an-activity/active-women/ for more details or speak to Jimmy McGinn, scheme manager, on 0151 233 5261.
The Race for Life in Sefton Park, to raise money for Cancer Research UK. takes place on 7 July 2013
