Running repairs! Coach Keith urges beginners to join free exercise course to help with wellbeing

Keith Hardwell




Running coach Keith Hardwell has urged people thinking about getting in shape to take part in a “learn to run” course is part of Arun District Council’s Wellbeing project aimed at getting people active.

The course, which starts on July 3, is for beginners looking to get into running and consists of a walking and running programme over eight weeks with the goal is to run the Bognor parkrun after the course, but Keith says this is “purely optional”.

Keith, who is running the course and is a key figure in the success of the running club Tone Zone Runners, added: “Have you ever wanted to start running but not known where to start? Maybe you’ve tried a jog only to get out of breath. Or maybe you’ve been looking for a new social activity that will help you to get fit and you only have to step outside your front door?

“Well, this could be for you. The programme is run from Arun Leisure Centre in Felpham and is free of charge. We’ve had numerous runners from previous courses that have now joined running clubs and have participated in up to half marathons. Some did Bognor 10k and lots are now regular at parkrun.

“The benefits are to improve your fitness, become more active and to lead to hopefully further exercise.”

Arun Wellbeing says it supports people from the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton areas to improve health and wellbeing by helping get people more active, eat more healthily, or simply improve your general wellbeing.

By making these kinds of lifestyle changes Arun Wellbeing says you can reduce your risk of contracting cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some preventable cancers.

The organisation’s website says: “Arun Wellbeing is a friendly and impartial service brought to you by Arun District Council in partnership with West Sussex County Council. Arun Wellbeing does not charge residents for any of its services. There are similar Wellbeing services in all the District and Borough areas across West Sussex and you can visit the service nearest to where you live or work.”

To register email: [email protected]




About the Author

Carl Eldridge
Carl Eldridge is a hugely experienced journalist who has worked on local and national newspapers, magazines and written for websites over the past 30 years. He lives in Bognor Regis with his wife and son.