From My Sofa to leading hundreds off theirs: Why We're Launching Nottingham’s biggest Couch to 5K!
- Paul Hopkins | Founder & CEO
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Twelve years ago, I was overweight, struggling with my mental health and convinced that running simply wasn't for people like me. If someone had told me I'd be helping people across Nottingham discover a love of running, I would have laughed
That's why every time someone arrives at one of our Couch to 5K sessions saying, "I can't do this,". I smile because I know, Twelve years ago, that was me.
This September, Runspire Together is launching Nottingham’s biggest programme of Couch to 5K courses yet. With sessions taking place across Bulwell, Carlton, West Bridgford, Arnold, Beeston and, for the very first time, a new daytime course at the Forest Recreation Ground.
We've listened to people who told us evenings don't work because of childcare, shift work, retirement or simply because they feel more comfortable exercising during the day.
We wanted to remove another barrier and make our programme available to even more people. Every new course we launch means more opportunities for someone to change their life.
People often tell me they wish they'd started years ago.
The truth is, there is no perfect time.
You don't need expensive trainers.
You don't need to be fit.
You don't need to lose weight before you begin.
You just need the courage to take that first step!
If that speaks to you, you are the perfect candidate for us.
Our newest programme is made just for you! Four weeks. At the forest recreation ground. Perfecting walking to jogging.
Become a part of a supportive community. Become the runner you admire. You are already capable. We know it. Now give yourself the chance to know it too!
At Runspire Together we've seen first-hand how running can reduce loneliness. Improve confidence. Create lasting friendships. Whilst completing a 5K is an incredible achievement, it's often not the biggest success. The biggest success is leaving happier than when you first arrived.
For us, it's about much more than teaching people to run.
It's about giving someone the confidence to walk through the door for the first time. It's about helping people who feel isolated, find new friends. It's about improving mental health, celebrating small victories and showing people they're capable of far more than they ever imagined!
Over ten weeks, complete beginners gradually progress from walking and gentle jogging to successfully completing their own 5K. Nobody gets left behind, nobody is judged and nobody is expected to be fit before they start. However, everybody is expected to become a couch to 5k winner!
I've witnessed people arrive convinced they'll never survive thirty seconds of jogging. Ten weeks later, they're conquering the finish line. Smiling, crying, celebrating and hugging their new friends who were once their peers. Runspires members finish and lead with the belief that they can achieve something they thought was once impossible.Those moments never get old.
We want to give everybody the chance to experience this. Book now to take that first step.
September Couch to 5K Courses
Bulwell Tuesdays from 1 September – 7:00pm
Carlton Tuesdays from 1 September – 7:00pm
West Bridgford Wednesdays from 2 September – 6:30pm
Arnold Thursdays from 3 September – 7:15pm
Beeston Fridays from 4 September – 11:00am
NEW – Forest Recreation Ground (Daytime) | Walk to Jog Wednesday 2 September - 11am
NEW – Forest Recreation Ground (Daytime) Couch to 5K Starts Wednesday 7 October - 11am
Places are now available.
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