A team of novice runners from York have gone from walking to running 5km in weeks. KATE LIPTROT reports.

NOVICE runners in York are celebrating after going from walking to being able to run 5km.

Many of the 15-strong team on City of York Council’s Walk 2 Jog programme have vowed to continue running after successfully jogging 5km along York’s riverside without stopping.

The ten-week programme has been hailed a great success and has resulted in two new groups being set up.

Dean Sharp, sports participation officer, said: “Most were delighted they had done it, they didn’t think they would get there. It’s been a really positive course.

“In the first couple of weeks they were a bit nervous and thought they wouldn’t manage it. Then as the weeks go by they really started to buy into the programme.”

The group first met in Rowntree Park back in February, and with the support of trained instructors went from walking 3km to jogging short to longer distances.

The team was aged from 18 to almost 60.

The Walk 2 Jog Programme is organised by City of York Council and delivered by Jonathan Nyman, a qualified England Athletics run leader along with expert council officers.

Those who took part and want to carry on have been given options including details of other jogging and running groups held across York.

For details of future courses will be published on the website at york.gov.uk/justjog

For further information please email dean.sharp@york.gov.uk or telephone 01904 553377.