Washington Running Club hits its stride as group gets back on track post lockdown

Washington Running Club members are celebrating being back on track as the group welcomes new members and a return to group running following lockdown.

During lockdown, the running club was unable to meet for several months due to the restrictions in place but now members are delighted to be running together again.

Since returning in April, the group have been holding organised social runs, strength and conditioning training and are preparing for a return to track running as restrictions continue to ease.

The restrictions meant members were forced to exercise on their own for several months, missing out on a key social aspect the group provides.

A spokesperson for Washington Running Club said: “I think from a mental point of view it's been tough. Without the physical meet-up I think people struggled hugely with motivation and possibly a bit of cabin fever too, so we’re really glad to be back supporting the community again.

“We’re absolutely loving being back as a club. We kept going during lockdown with virtual events and zoom nights but the support and supportive feeling since re-starting the sessions has been fantastic. I think more than anything it's the supportive and friendly ethos of the club, and you always train harder in a group so it is starting to push people on again.”

As well as organising running events, Washington Running Club also works to support local projects, hosts charity fundraising events and social events including a Santa run, litter picks and summer barbecue.

Washington Running Club was established in 2014 and since then has provided vital mental as well as physical health support for members of the community.

The club spokesperson added: “The mental health benefits gained from training with other like minded people cannot be ignored. All our members are a very sociable and chatty bunch!”

The club are currently recruiting for new members and aim to be open to all with the only requirements being able to run at least three miles without stopping and being over 16 years of age.

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