Group spotlight: North Wingfield Joggers

North Wingfield Joggers is a new Jog Derbyshire group based in North Wingfield, Derbyshire. Leader Lin tells us all about it.

How many leaders do you have? 1

How many co-leaders do you have? 3

Roughly how many participants regularly run with you? Early days but expect about 12

When and where do you meet? The Blue Bell Inn, Station Road, North Wingfield, Chesterfield Wednesdays 18:45. Initially as a beginner C25k program

Tell us a bit about you – your running journey and what motivated you to start your own group?

I decided to start the group after having done C25K in 2017 around the same area, as a complete non-runner. I remember dreading going for runs and not feeling very confident, I also didn’t feel confident to join a jog group.

Being able to run has made such a positive difference to my life personally. The friendships made, the confidence grown, and the health and well-being gained.

I am hoping to give others who may feel the way I felt the chance to make the same positive difference in their lives

North Wingfield Joggers is brand new; we started on 18th January and are open for beginner C25K to start with.

Changing lives one step at a time.

Tell us a bit about the group – what have the first sessions been like?

Too early to tell. The first session was a well attended event about 25 new starters joined us. A lovely chatty group of all abilities.

There are three co-leaders, each with their own style of providing support and are all more than capable of encouraging all participants regardless of pace. No runner will be left behind.

We are all dedicated to ensuring that runners have a safe and positive experience.

What are your hopes for the future of the group?

I would like to be able to ultimately have another leader, once funding is available, so it’s easier to set up a parallel group on the same session times for graduates of the C25K. It would also allow for a higher number of participants and to cover for sessions that I am not available.

What’s the best thing about being part of Jog Derbyshire?

I have really appreciated the support that I have been given, both as a runner in a group and in setting up and running a group - all be it early days.

I have enjoyed being in the company of likeminded runners at events such as the Kedleston Hall Tinsel trail and Alfreton Jog Club’s reindeer runs.

Are there any opportunities for other groups to join you?

There isn’t anything I have planned yet; however, there a few local trail routes that could be explored (Five pits trail) once the lighter nights and C25K are completed. So watch this space!