A YORK school has been overwhelmed by the popularity of a girls running group.

More than 30 girls at Huntington School have joined a running club inspired by the ‘This Girl Can’ campaign which celebrates active women no matter what their ability.

Set up as an England Athletics Satellite Club, organisers said they have been surprised by the take up of the group, which meets for a hour every week.

It has been specifically set up for 13 to 16-years-old girls - an age when many stop exercising.

Natalie Elliott, run leader from Huntington School, said: “The running club has been a huge success at school and there was a much greater take up than I and the PE department would have ever expected, with 40 girls in attendance some weeks. As a fitness enthusiast myself, but someone who doesn’t find running easy, it has been great for pushing both the girls and the staff in to regular running challenges. It has also helped to develop confidence and relationships as we have all been in it together. The girls have grown in confidence and have experienced a real sense of achievement as we have increased the distance week on week. A great thing to set up and to see develop; we will be continuing it as a long-term summer club with the aim of a charity event at the end of each year.”

Typically, fewer females exercise than their male counterparts. British Heart Foundation research in 2012 found that 14 per cent of boys aged 13 to 16 achieved their recommended hour a day physical activity, whilst the comparative figure for girls was only eight per cent.

The team was supported by City of York Council to take part in York’s Pretty Muddy Race for Life.

Nick Settle, of England Athletics, said: “This project has been a massive success and we would like to thank Huntington School for trialling this initiative. To get over 30 girls participating on a weekly basis through running is a great achievement”.