Rookie runners take part in inaugural couch to 5k

SION Swifts Ladies and Girls Football Club has celebrated a successful inaugural couch to 5K programme.

Participants recently ran their first 5K fun run, after eight weeks of training with well-known local athletics coach, Mark Connolly. After the run, the club provided refreshments, spot prizes and a medal ceremony for the finishers.

The programme was sponsored by Specsavers Strabane.

Mark Connolly remarked, “I am so proud of those who came forward and took on the couch to 5K challenge. They have taken the first step to making positive changes to their health, fitness and wellbeing, and I only hope they continue to enjoy a run or a jog – or even get training towards running a 10K race!”

Tony McGinley from Sion Swift Ladies and Girls Football Club added, “Having the support of local businesses is how we develop as a club and as a community. We had over 60 people complete our first couch to 5K programme which inspired our members to do something they hadn’t tried before, alongside our coaches. We are thrilled with the success, and look forward to develop our healthy living programmes even further as we grow as a club.”