Experiencing Running Past 50

Posted on 9 March 2022 by Accelerate Running Company

Running Past 50 is fast approaching it’s 4th birthday. It has gone from strength to strength, not just with numbers attending either. During the recent lockdowns the regulars stayed in touch with each other and even began to meet for a regular runs together. Friendships have been forged and a real sense of community prevails.
The regular Friday morning session takes place at the Olympic Legacy Park, 10:30am and is led by Accelerate Community Coaches Sarah and Simon.

We caught up with a number of the regulars to gather their thoughts on their love of this amazing group.

How did you find out about Running Past 50?

‘I began jogging just after the start of the first 2020 lockdown, initially for health reasons beginning with C25k, and for the first time, I managed to keep at it.

Just before the November 2020 lockdown, I went to Accelerate to get new shoes and Harvey told me about the group and encouraged me to give it a try. I explained I was very slow and poorly coordinated which is why I jogged alone. He said that wouldn’t matter as all abilities were catered for.’ – Karen

Why did you start going to Running Past 50?

‘To improve my running overall, and keep in training for as many races as I can. I did well last year which I’m sure was due in part to the regular Friday sessions’ – Jane

In your opinion, what’s your favourite aspect of Running Past 50?

‘Keeping fit, learning drills and skills to improve technique, and then reinforcing them regularly is great, and so is the social side.’ – Kerrie

What’s your favourite/ funniest memory at Running past 50?

‘My abiding memory is when Sarah persuaded me to run my first 10k at Longshaw. To my delight and surprise, most of the RP50 group came to support me and cheer me over the finishing line.

Humour is present in every session but Simon’s impression of goose stepping or should it be CanCan is straight out of the Ministry of Funny Walks and takes the prize.

It is due to the effort and infectious enthusiasm of Stuart, Sarah and Simon that RP50 is such a success.’ – Harry

Other great responses about RP50:

‘These sessions are very therapeutic in all sorts of ways and I’m very glad to be part of RP50 and very grateful to Stu for setting it up and for Sarah and Simon for all their hard work and good humour.

One of the good things has been the way the group stayed together during lockdown – mainly due to Harry with his weekly bulletins and then later with his running sessions on the green edges of the city in the Peak District – RP50 grew to become more than it started out to be.’ – Christine

‘The funniest part for me is every week watching the intense concentration on everyone’s faces while trying to move more than one limb at the same time. Really grateful to Sarah and Simon for giving up their time every week and persevering with us lame ducks.’ – Paddy

‘We were a bit concerned that we were too old to fit in, but we were treated to Stuart’s full attention whether we wanted it or not. He always treated us as if we had some potential in spite of the evidence against it, and now Sarah and Simon have carried on making Fridays challenging and fun. The group has grown into much more than expected providing support and friendship to us all.’ – Margaret

If you want to find out more about Running Past 50, click here or give us a call on 0114 242 2569.

Running Past 50 will be at the Big Running Weekend!! This is a great opportunity to try the session to get a feel of what its like. Click here to find the timetable for the weekend and click here to purchase a Big Running Weekend ticket.