The Radstock based running club have several experienced coaches who created a structured programme to take non-running novices on a journey with a target to complete a 5km run in just ten weeks.

Under the guidance of Tracey Holborn, and Des and Ali Rabbitts, our students embarked on a course that provided a mix of practical guidance, in-session training every Thursday, and “homework” in the form of weekly training targets to create a comprehensive and achievable training plan. Joining a running club may seem daunting but Ali, Des and Tracey ensured that the group had the support to allay those fears.

As the weeks passed, the training plans evolved to reflect the abilities of the runners group as they progressed from non-runner to new runner. The target was to finish with a flourish in Frome and undertake the weekly “free forever” Parkrun held at the Old Showfield. Saturday morning came and, to provide moral support, several of the more experienced Somer club runners also turned out, running with them and cheering them on as they completed the final part of their training programme.

Having successfully completed their beginner’s course, a few of the new group have continued their journey becoming enthusiastic members of Somer Runners, representing the club at events over longer distances.

Somer Runners is keen to welcome new members of all abilities. They meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.15pm at the Annex at the Centurion Hotel; in addition, they have Juniors (8-12 years) and Youth (13-17) branches that meet on Thursdays. They would love to see you and help you achieve your running aims in a friendly, social and supportive environment.