Summer is the perfect time to don your trainers and take the first strides towards running.

That’s the message from Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR), which holds beginners’ groups with qualified leaders on hand to offer advice and encouragement. 

MSR’s Run Isle of Man, Begin to Run group was formed a year ago in conjunction with Run England, athletics’ official recreational running programme.

MSR, part of the Department of Education and Children, is supporting Run England’s #whywerun campaign to encourage people to take up running this summer.

Trevor Christian, MSR Athletics Development Officer and group leader, said: ‘Running is one of the best ways to improve your health and fitness and, with longer days and warmer weather, summer is the perfect time to start. 

‘Run England beginners’ groups – with qualified group leaders on hand to help you every step of the way – provide a friendly, sociable platform for anyone to turn up and take part.’ 

Sessions take place on Mondays and Fridays at 12.10pm and last 40 minutes – designed to fit into an hour’s lunch break. 

Participants meet at Jaime’s Cafe, opposite the Jubilee Clock on Loch Promenade Douglas.

Trevor said many of those who signed up to his group as novices a year ago have progressed to being able to run for half an hour or more.

‘If newcomers don’t want to run straight away they can walk to start with,’ he said. ‘When they feel ready they can dip their toe in the water with the odd 10-second jog and go from there. The group is friendly and welcoming, so come along and try it out.

‘Some of us want to get fitter, some to lose weight, some to stay healthy or just meet up with a group of like-minded people. It’s amazing how a chinwag in a social running group can take your mind off the effort you are putting in.’  

To find out more about Run Isle of Man, Begin to Run, contact Trevor on 688576, email trevor.christian@gov.im or visit the facebook group www.facebook.com/RUNIOMbegintorun.

Out-of-town groups also exist under the Run England banner. The Southern Striders meet at Thie Rosien, Port Erin, on Saturdays at 9.15am. Contact Janet Bridle on 838180. Ramsey Runs, Walks, Jogs holds sessions at Mooragh Promenade (opposite the northern pool) on Mondays from 6pm. Contact Nikki Boyd on 481194.