A NEW running group aimed exclusively at women has already attracted 50 members in Teesdale.
The Sisters R Doing It group was started in Barnard Castle last month by Emma Campbell-Critchley, who has successfully run a similar scheme in Darlington for the past five years.
The group of beginner runners meets every Monday evening at Teesdale Leisure Centre and is completing a ten-week programme, with the aim of being able to run three miles at the end of the course.
Ms Campbell-Critchley, who is a personal trainer and has 25 years’ experience in the fitness industry, said: “I decided to take it on as a way to help people with their fitness and wellbeing.
“We teach them breathing and posture, and everything needed to be a confident runner.”
The Barnard Castle group is being led by local runner Tina Robson. Ms Campbell-Critchley said: “People ask if it is sexist to have a ladies-only group but there is huge demand for it because women feel more comfortable being in a group with other women, especially if they are beginners.”
Ms Robson, who took her two groups of female runners on their fourth session last week said the programme was running well and many new friendships were being formed.
She added: “It has been really good and we have had a lot of interest. In the first couple of weeks we just used the industrial estate and now we are moving around the town.
“They are all getting to know each other and some of them having been meeting up to do their homework together, which is great.”
While the next group of beginners will only be taken on in January next year for the ten-week course, a new group has been launched for intermediate female runners.
Ms Campbell-Critchley said: “This is for ladies who can already run a few miles and it will be weekly, so people can join at any time.”
For more information ring Ms Campbell-Critchley on 07787 992675 or search for Sisters R Doing It group on Facebook.
