Local people urged to get on the ‘Road to Running’ in 5k and 8k challenge

The ‘Road to Running’ initiative has been developed by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Everybody Active Programme in partnership with the Public Health Agency and Sport NI.

It is targeted at beginners and those relatively new to running and will prepare them for a virtual 5k or 8k event.

An online weekly training programme will guide runners through each​ step of the challenge while expert advice will also be available from Council’s Everybody Active coaches.

Participation in the programme is free but participants can sign up for a t-shirt and medal for a fee of £10, with proceeds going towards the chosen charity of Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, Aurora Counselling.

Speaking at the event launch at the Foyle Arena, Mayor Tierney urged the public to sign up for the initiative and give themselves a challenge to work towards for the remainder of the month.

“The ‘Road to Running’ challenge is an ideal way to encourage people of all ages to get active over the summer and set themselves the challenge of completing their first 5k or 8k run,” he said.

“The restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid 19 have led to the cancellation of scores of athletics events locally so this is a great change to give yourself something to prepare for and a challenge you can complete at a venue and time that suits you.

“Our EBA team have set out a detailed weekly training programme that will guide you through each step of your training and they will be on hand to offer expert advice if needed during your training.

“I would appreciate if people can sign up for the t-shirt and medal option as a portion of the funds will go to my chosen charity Aurora Counselling who have lost many of their revenue streams during the current crisis.”

Sports Development Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ryan Porter, added: “This initiative follows the success of our EBA Family 2k Challenge earlier this year where hundreds of local families completed a 2k run during lock down,” he said.

“The 5k run is targeted at beginners and those relatively new to running while the 8k challenge is for those who have maybe completed a 5k and are now looking for the next challenge.

“The 8k challenge is perfect for those looking to complete a 10k or even a half marathon in the not too distant future.

“As well as the weekly training schedule which will be posted on our Leisure Centre Facebook pages, our coaches will also offer expert advice of getting the most out of your warm ups and cool downs, effective stretching techniques for runners and nutrition advice.”

Both training programmes start on the 20th July. The 5k virtual race will take place between August 29th and 7th September.

The 8k virtual race will take place between September 12th and 21st.

For further information visit www.derrystrabane.com/running.

The challenge is open to anyone and you can register now at 5k - www.dcsdcroadtorunning5k.eventbrite.co.uk 0r 8k www.dcsdcroadtorunning8k.eventbrite.co.uk