A RUNNING club is racing ahead as it approaches its two-year anniversary.

Davenham Running Buddies (DRB) has grown almost beyond recognition since the first nine members met for a jog in September 2013.

Now it has 112 members and organises runs for a range of abilities, as well as talks, curry nights and coffee mornings.

Founder member Julie Rarity said: "I think it's filled a gap.

"People didn't want to join a club – whether it was because of money or people felt they would be left behind, people felt they weren't good enough for a group.

"They wanted to get up and do something but without the motivation they didn't get further than half a mile on their own."

DRB was set up as an informal network on Facebook after Julie moved to Davenham and spotted fellow villagers also out running on their own.

The mum-of-four said: "There had been an incident in Cheshire and I didn't feel comfortable running on my own but when I was out I saw at least five people that I saw at the school gate and that was how it started.

"There were maybe nine of us for a couple of months then they invited their friends and it grew from there – but I never thought it would grow this big."

DRB prides itself on the friendships that are formed between the group and the motivation that creates.

Julie explained that in the past year alone they had helped more than 30 people go from complete beginners to being able to run 5km.

"People come out and say 'I'm holding you back, I can't run as fast as that'," she said.

"But I tell them that the runners they're looking at only started four weeks ago and it's like a light goes on for them.

"Then they will ask, because they never quite believe me, and are told 'yes, this is my fourth run'.

"The motivation is the social support in the group and the friendships that are formed play a huge part in that."

There are enough members so that runs can take place to suit all abilities and runners can battle it out for a DRB T-shirt by pledging to complete a monthly challenge of their choice.

The group has also enjoyed talks on nutrition, physio and strengthening exercises and other areas of fitness like boot camps, as well as a host of social events.

A second anniversary 5k run is being planned for September 23, followed by a fun raffle and drinks at Davenham Cricket Club.

For more information search for Davenham Running Buddies on Facebook.

 

  • THE founder member of Davenham Running Buddies is in training for a challenge of her own in September.

Julie Rarity, who lives in Kingsmead, is running an ultra marathon of 35 miles around the Isle of Tiree, in the Outer Hebrides, on September 6.

She hopes to raise £1,000 for St Luke's Hospice, where she works as a nurse.

"Just seeing the care that's provided and just knowing what the hospice needs to keep going inspired me," she said.

"If I'm running in all these races anyway and people want to sponsor me then it should go to a good cause.

"An ultra marathon is something I've always wanted to do since I first did a 5k.

"I'm not fast but I can keep going so I think it might suit me.

"I don't think I will do many of them though because I think it will be exhausting."

Julie said she was looking to running on the island itself.

"It's absolutely beautiful, unspoilt and rural with beach, trails, forest, hills and the sea on your right all the time," she said.

"There are four nine-mile sections so there's a check-in every nine miles and a party on the beach afterwards."

To sponsor Julie visit virginmoneygiving.com/JulieRarity