All for one and run for all; Warwick group prepare to celebrate first birthday in style

Run England-affiliated Run Warwick was set up with the aim of offering runners of all abilities a friendly, informal and welcoming group with which to run.

Group leader Ros Brooks said: “It’s been an amazing year. More than 70 different people have joined us since we started with just three runners on our first outing last July.

“Sometimes just a few people join us, sometimes nearly 20, but we always try to make sure people have someone to chat to and leave having enjoyed the experience.”

This Sunday, the group has a special route in mind, using GPS tracking devices to ‘paint’ a giant ‘ONE’ across the town.

The route adds up to five miles in all, though there is an option for new runners to run just a mile - and join in the social get-together afterwards.

Existing members of the group have taken part in events such as the London Marathon, the Great Welsh Marathon and, closer to home, the Warwick Half and Two Castles run.

Brooks added: “Some newer runners have joined us having only run a few miles previously, or as part of their training for their first-ever races. It’s great to help them succeed and people are always grateful for the support we offer.

“There’s a great social side to the group - we often enjoy a tea or coffee after our runs, and even visited five pubs on our ‘Twelve Miles of Christmas’ last December.”

Run Warwick sets out from the Market Place, Warwick every Sunday at 10am.