On the run in Welshpool!

A new running group has been set up, the second this year, showing that Welshpool is becoming an active hub as more people look to socialise through keeping fit.

The Social Running Club Experiment offers runners of all abilities a place to start and finish their runs around Welshpool, whether it be a solo or group run.

Coco Coffee Shop will be the hub for the new club which aims to provide another opportunity for runners and help support already successful clubs in the area.

“No gimmicks. No structure and no boundaries,” said Philip Jones, who fronted the successful 10x10km challenge, which raised over £50,000 for Parkinson’s Cymru in three successful fund raisers.

“It is freedom of running. Start at the cafe whenever you want, run the distance you want and end up back at the cafe,” he added.

The Social Running Club Experiment refers to the explosion of grassroots, inclusive run clubs transforming fitness from anything from a solitary run into a highly social, community-driven lifestyle.

Unlike traditional running teams, the Experiment focuses on what each runner wants whether it be a solo run, togetherness, conversation, but all with post-run socialising over a cuppa rather than strict athletic performance. 

Jo Harris, owner of Coco and a fellow runner is delighted with the concept.

“Coco has always been a community focused cafe and having been on the Welshpool High Street for 16 years we are delighted to be the focal point for this concept,” she said. 

To club has launched today (Thursday) and aims to encourage runners to join existing running clubs such as the Run Club in Welshpool which is led by the energetic Holly Llewellyn and meet on a Tuesday and a Saturday.

“It’s always lovely seeing new faces and I’m really proud of how much our run club has grown - it’s something our runners have said they really look forward to each week,” added Holly. 

The Run Club in Welshpool meets at Coco on a Saturday (10.30am) and outside Specsavers on a Tuesday (6.30pm).

The cafe is also offering a 30% discount on food and a free drink if you are wearing the Coco Running T-Shirt/Vest. More information on the new club is available in the cafe.