Run Durham provides free running activities across County Durham, helping people to get active, healthier, and happier. It hosts Couch to 5K courses around County Durham. Couch to 5K is running programme for beginners which starts with a mixture of walking and running, to gradually build up fitness and stamina. Hear all about Leanne’s positive experiences of Bearpark’s Couch to 5K below!

“I heard about Run Durham through a local Facebook page. I wanted to start running to improve my physical and mental health, so I decided to attend the Bearpark Couch to 5K course as it is in my village so there’s no travel involved. 

I feel much better physically. I look forward to each Wednesday and the homework that’s set. Getting out and about has improved my mental health so much – I’m more positive and confident. The self-help through the Couch to 5K has also helped. I was a little shy about running where people might recognise me. I’ve soon overcome that.

I enjoy everything about the Couch to 5K course, the help, support, and encouragement every single week. On week 1, I thought I would never make it to the end, but now I’ll be sad when it finishes. I would like to say that with the help from Matty each week, I feel more confident I can achieve 5K. He’s so supportive and very welcoming. Chris has also been great. I will be continuing with running once the Couch to 5K has finished!”