Middleton Harrier goes from Couch to 5k to marathon

A Middleton Harrier who began running four years ago on their Couch to 5k course has completed the Manchester Marathon.

Janet Hunt took part in the beginners’ running programme – which sees people build up their ability to run over 10 weeks, culminating with the goal of five kilometres (3.1 miles) – in 2019, and has now completed the 26.2-mile distance.

Janet completed the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 16 April with a time of 05:25:37.

The Middleton Harriers Couch to 5k course follows a 10-week training plan that gradually increases distance. Everyone can go at their own pace as it’s designed for people of all abilities.

Following the sessions, participants are encouraged to take part in the 5km parkrun which takes place weekly at Heaton Park on Saturday mornings.

 

 

When Janet joined the group, she never believed she would take part in a marathon.

She said: “I hadn’t really run that much before but when I joined the programme, I felt immediately welcome in the group.

“We all worked together to complete the programme and complete the parkrun. I didn’t want to end my journey, so I became a member of Middleton Harriers. A couple of years later, I welcomed the next intake of new members and shared my story.

“I was nervous about taking part in the marathon but the support I received from Middleton Harriers has been unbelievable. It was a tough challenge, but I had a great time along the way, meeting people and listening to their advice; it made all the training much more enjoyable.

“What I would say to anyone who is thinking of taking part in the programme is just leave your worries behind, warm up and get moving: you could be the next ‘couch to marathon’ runner.”

The Middleton Harriers running club – associated with England Athletics and the Association of Running Clubs – is based at Middleton Arena.

In addition to the Couch to 5k programme, the club provides opportunities for members to compete in road races, cross country, and fell races.

The next Couch to 5k programme for beginners starts on Monday 15 May for 10 weeks.

More information about the course is available here: www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/72325/couch-to-5km