Northern Training Weekends

20 JAN2012

In light of the inaugural Marathon of the North and the continuing popularity of the Great North events, two runners have designed weekend training sessions to prepare prospective competitors and encourage more people to take part in upcoming races.

The North of England training weekends, formerly aimed at those shaping up for a marathon, are free to attend and open to runners of all abilities. Headed by Tipton Harriers' Mick Hill and Hallamshire's Dave Archer, the sessions take place in Leeds and Manchester over the next three months.

Speaking to northernrunningguide.com, Mick, who boasts a 10k time of 30:02, said the groups haven't been designed to take runners from their clubs: "The idea of this group is to get as many people together as possible to maximise a weekend of training." Mick continued: "Over the years it has become increasingly apparent that larger training groups can raise training performance, so if you are unable to train regularly with a club, this is ideal."

While there is an emphasis on improvement, Mick was quick to stress that the sessions are open to everyone: "The ethos of the group is far from elitism, in fact it would be considered a triumph should runners of any ability attend, Absolutely anyone is welcome, we would love to have as many people in attendance as possible, regardless of gender, age or ability and the coaches would be happy to accommodate any concerns you have."

The next training session begins at 10:15am this Saturday, (January 21), at Roundhay Park. This will by a session at Heaton Park, Manchester, on Saturday, February 18, and concludes at Methley, on Saturday, March 17.

If you are interested in attending any of these or would like to lead the groups, you can contact Mick Hill or Dave Archer.