Try Running celebrates 2nd birthday!
30 June 2026 marks the second birthday of our volunteer-led free running sessions for beginner runners! This group is a great success story as it has gone from strength to strength, gathering a dedicated following of runners who appreciate the inclusive and encouraging nature of the group and its leaders.
Volunteer leader Jo, talks here about the sessions and what they aim to achieve.
Our FREE Try Running sessions are helping people of all abilities take their first steps into running in a relaxed and supportive environment. Designed with beginners in mind, these sessions provide a friendly and encouraging space where everyone can build confidence and progress at their own pace.
Since launching in July 2024, the sessions have attracted an incredible 860 sign-ups across 150 sessions, held weekly on Tuesdays and twice monthly on Sundays. What started as an accessible introduction to running has become a thriving hub for people of all abilities, particularly beginners who may never have considered themselves “runners” before.
Each session is led by two qualified run leaders, certified through England Athletics via the Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) programme, and the team of six enthusiastic leaders are all are first aid trained and hold a DBS certificate. This ensures every participant feels safe, supported, and confident while building their running journey in a structured and professional environment. These sessions are a real success story for Nene Park Trust volunteers as they lead the sessions and have made the project such a success – helping so many people start their running journey and reach their fitness and wellbeing goals.
The magic of Try Running lies in its inclusivity. There’s no pressure, no expectation – just encouragement, guidance, and a friendly group atmosphere. Participants are supported at their own pace, building confidence week by week, all while enjoying the beautiful and varied routes around Nene Park – from scenic lakeside paths to peaceful woodland trails.
For many, those first tentative jogs have led to remarkable progress. Several beginners who joined with little or no running experience are now completing 10km races and even half marathon events. These achievements are not just about distance, they represent a transformation in mindset, resilience, and self-belief.
Beyond physical fitness, the benefits have been wide-reaching. Participants regularly report improved mental wellbeing, reduced stress, and increased energy levels. Just as importantly, the social connections formed during the sessions have created a strong sense of community.
Try Running at Nene Park is more than just a fitness session – it’s a gateway to a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Try Running sessions are FREE and take place each Tuesday at 6pm (meet at Thorpe Wood car park), and on selected Sundays at 9am (5-mile route – meet at Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre).
