Na Fianna Runners return with their couch-to-5k programme

THE Na Fianna Runners in Coalisland have returned with their New Year ‘c25k’ programme, and are eagerly welcoming anyone who may wish to participate and get active in 2024.

Now celebrating their eighth year, the Na Fianna Runners came together in 2016, and are so much more than just a running club.

Speaking with the TyroneHerald this week, the club’s public relations officer Diane O’Neill said, “Over the years, the club has carried out numerous charity events raising funds for charities such as Operation Smile or to help members of the community.

“For instance, we raised funds for local man Johnny Cummings to carry out much needed modifications to his vehicle to address his mobility difficulties.

“One of the founding members of the club, Gerard Devlin, also recently completed 52 marathons in 52 weeks, raising £25k for six local charities and for the club.

“A club trip is also arranged every year to locations such as Budapest, and last year we had a trip to Galway where over 20 of the runners ran the Galway Bay Half Marathon.”

The club run their ‘c25k’ eight week programme twice a year, one in the New Year and the other in September.

SUCCESS

The programme is open for anyone over 18 who wish to join and has proven to be a massive success for the club already this year with approximately 30 new participants already signed up for the programme.

Training takes place three times a week (Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30pm and Sunday at 10am) at and costs only £2 per person for the week. Diane explains that, “New participants are joined on their first 5k run by runners from the main running club and receive medals to mark their achievement.

“Graduates are then more than welcome to join the main running group.

“A number of last year’s participants went on to run as a relay team in the Belfast marathon in May and some completed their first half marathon in Belfast in September.

“Some have now progressed to sign up to complete the full Belfast or Dublin marathon this year.

“Every Christmas we host an award ceremony at our annual Christmas dinner and three of the 2023 c25k participants received awards this year for ‘Most Improved Runners’ in the club which is a fabulous achievement.”

If you or anyone you know are interest in signing up for the ‘c25k’ programme you can contact ‘Na Fianna Runners’ via social media.

However, Diane kindly explained that, “Not everyone uses social media, but they are more than welcome to come along to the Gortgonis Track any Tuesday at 6:30pm where we will be more than happy to answer any queries.”