Beginners Courses

The course runs for 10-weeks, and you’ll need to commit to attending each week and doing ‘extra’ sessions as homework. You’ll also commit to undertaking the free Milton Keynes parkrun for the final graduation run.

The club has an under 18s group with an experienced coach who will use age appropriate distances for under 16s wanting to run. If you do decide you would like to bring your under 16 to a beginners or run with the club please check that the run lead is happy to take them before the run.

Both people need to join and register in their own name, so we know who we have on our courses

That is not a problem, once signed up, you can attend the session that suit you each week.

You can also do more than one group to get extra sessions which is what we recommend, plus if any week cannot make any of the sessions then we have the sessions recorded as a Podcast (you can even do the full course using our Podcasts)

It is always best to attend the first week as we cover a lot of general information about the course, but if you really cannot attend the first session still register, then come along week two and make sure you introduce yourself to the run leader before the start of the run

The first beginners course hosted by Redway Runners began on 21 Feb 2012. There have been many courses since then, hosted by a number of our run leads and on a range of different days, both during the daytime, weekends and in the evenings.

The course is aimed for those who haven’t run before or haven’t run for a while. If you are an existing runner and have previously completed a 5K run, our current runs would be better, have a look at our weekly runs.

You don’t need to be able to run at all before the course and it is suitable for almost anyone. You will work at your own pace and build up very gradually. Please note that there should be no medical reason which would make running dangerous for you and if in doubt please ask your GP before attending.

Everyone can run at their own pace, starting off with a warm up and then moving into a mixture of running and walking that will build up over the course

The sessions are usually measured over time rather than distance and the run/walk intervals build up following a plan to prepare you for the 5km parkrun at the end!

The course are 10 weeks, and about an hour each week. To get the most out of this course, you need to be able to set aside a couple more 1-hour sessions per week, but hopefully the running bug will last a lifetime!!

The course is free, but to take part you need to be a Redway Runners member, membership is just £7 and lasts to the 31 March

A pair of running trainers, some comfortable trousers, a drink and a stopwatch if you have one. If the weather is bad you will need appropriate clothing to keep you warm/dry.

For courses taking place in the evenings during October to February, you are strongly advised to have small torch or head torch.

Hopefully you will be able to complete the free Milton Keynes 5km parkrun that is held on a Saturday morning (at 9am by Willen Lake).

Find out more details on parkrun and how to register.  Remember to put your club as ‘Redway Runners’.

If you are not a member, you’ll first need to join Redway Runners, which you can do easily online.  Once you have an account, you’ll be able to access events in your online profile and book on to the beginners course you wish to book.

If you are already a member, login to your Redway Runners profile, select ‘Events’ and then book on the course.

If you would like any other information about the club, check out our About section or get in touch through the Contact page.

It is likely that your account is Non-active, if you drop us an email to rr@redwayrunners.com we can re-active it for you

At Redway Runners we like to share details of runs and progress being made so we will often take pictures, sometime videos, to share on our social media and newsletters.  If you do not want this then this course might not be right for you.

This is some of the tips our members gave

Kerry Huntley
My personal view is DON’T! you’d be mad to do this. Way too many nice, friendly, supportive people, and for a “cheap” sport, you’ll end up shopping every single day … trainers, running socks, running pants, sports bra, headphones, Garmin watch (others are available) … plus! You’ll start off getting to a 5k and then before you know it you’re running bloody marathons, costs a flipping fortune …. it’ll make you feel way too fit and healthy, just not worth it ….. but that’s just me (ps. Enjoy every second )

Laurel Wright
Make friends! I’ve made the best mates of my life through the club!

Sandra Mai
Do the homework. I found the couch to 5k app really helpful. I used it alongside the beginners course

Jo Thomas
Get some decent trainers because if anything starts to hurt, it’s a great excuse to stop. Also, once you’ve invested, you’ll be more inclined to complete the course. Only saying this from personal experience because initially, it can feel tough depending on your start point. Then, when you have all the gear, do the homework, make some lovely running friends and enjoy. It’s addictive once you start. Have fun.

Lisa Cameron
Trust the process it works

Daria Croker
Try and get out for a few walks each week before the course starts. Do your homework, keep smiling and most importantly enjoy. See you at step up when you graduate!

Michael Wilson
Get a decent pair of running trainers. Stick to the plan you are given in terms of running/walking times through the week and build up gradually. Then once you are going just enjoy running for the sake of running on the many club runs available each week. Don’t make the same mistake I have and try to beat PBs every time you run!

Cris Saudella
Smile and enjoy it because you are going to have a blast!!! If you follow what the run leads ask you to do you will do amazing, you are in great hands. I was petrified on my first day I now have amazing friends for life and have fallen in love with running! And lastly once you finish the course keep running!!! See you at Parkrun

Sara Forbes
Honestly, you don’t need any. They are such a supportive club xx

Lynda Peacock
Trust the process, you can do it. And enjoy it!

Eillien Gallagher
Enjoy it.
Don’t worry what pace anyone else is doing as no one ever gets left behind.
Make friends with others in your group.
Don’t be afraid to tell your course leader if you’re worried about anything at all as they’re really lovely people.
Stick with it and it’ll become one of the best things you’ve ever done for your health and wellbeing.
You’ll amaze yourself at what you are capable of and you may find that running becomes addictive

Joachin Concorde
Go to the toilet before every run

Nicola Church
Start slowly and listen to your body . Also stretch after each run it does make a difference

Rosalind Crawley
Good sports’ bra, don’t carry water as you don’t need it for a short training run and don’t wear a coat, even if it is chilly when you start- you will warm up! Good luck!

Annette Smyth
Don’t do more than we say, it’s tempting if you get on well to do more but we have the course set out that way for a reason! Enjoy it and, if you can, engage with other course members as that keeps you running after! However the very fact that you’ve even posted this bodes well! Have a great time

Martin Storer
Turn up and do your best, treat it like I treat all my races! Start at the start and finish at the finish look forward to seeing you in the club, enjoy

Martin Lawrence
Enjoy – everyone is nervous first week – that is natural, so do not worry- then when you are running, do not worry about what pace others run, go at your comfortable pace – but most of all enjoy

John Church
Don’t do too much too soon. Just enjoy the experience and you will see positive results.
Every journey starts with a single step.

Sharon Browne
Don’t be shy! Make friends with the people in your group. You are all in this together and the support you give and receive will encourage you on the days you find hard.

Paul Smith
As everyone has said, enjoy it. Sometimes it might feel hard (or not, we’re all different levels). Stick with it !

Dan Morley
Do the homework and enjoy

Ian Murray
My femail friend is signing up and she has asked me what she needs….
i replied…
Good sports bra
Trainers (optional)

Michael Atkins
Enjoy it! May seem tough to start but it’s well worth it!