Running clubs can sometimes be seen as elitist and only suitable for super-fit ‘real runners’. Lizzie Anderson meets a woman determined to change this perception and help more people enjoy the health and social benefits of jogging together

KATE Macpherson is a woman on a mission. A keen runner, the 43-year-old is determined to break down the barriers which prevent people taking up the sport she loves. From those who claim they simply cannot run, to those too intimidated or busy to join their local running club – Kate has the practical advice and encouraging nature needed to convince them.

The mum-of-one has already helped transform the health and fitness of scores of people through her popular beginners' Couch to 5km (C25K) programme at Durham City running clubs, Elvet Striders and Durham Mums on the Run.

And now the girl who hated school PE lessons is encouraging work colleagues to get active together.

"I haven’t always been a runner,” says Kate, a former office administrator and personal assistant.

“I was one of those people who thought I was rubbish at school PE and would do anything I could to get out of cross country.

"Fortunately for me, when I was in my twenties I met a group of friends who were all runners and they persuaded me that I could give running a go. Their patience and kindness paid off and I went on to do my first half marathon with them and became completely hooked.

"I started the beginners' running sessions at Elvet Striders as I wanted to help people realise that you don't have to be able to run to join a running club.

“We just start out with a mixture of walking and jogging and then gradually build up. It is fantastic to watch people growing in self belief and fitness."

Kate’s passion for running has not gone unnoticed. She has recently been selected as an England Athletics Super Run leader to help set up social running groups in businesses and organisations across County Durham.

The new initiative from local sports partnership County Durham Sport and England Athletics will see Kate and a team of other run leaders provide workplaces with all they need to set up or improve their existing running clubs: from training, to mentoring, equipment and information; and all completely free.

As well as helping to improve staff health and fitness, which can reduce absenteeism, running groups can also be a great way to bring employees together, build team spirit and increase productivity.

Andrew Power, physical activity manager for County Durham Sport, says: "Kate has proven herself to be a real inspiration to so many people. We hope workplaces across County Durham will take up this fantastic opportunity to work with Kate and our team of Super Run Leaders and help their staff discover the health benefits of running and running groups."

Grandparents Elaine and Neil Jennings, from Shildon, are among those to have caught the running bug thanks to Kate.

When the couple first joined her beginners’ programme at Elvet Striders they could barely jog for more than a few minutes.

Fast forward seven months and the couple have not only completed numerous 5km Parkruns, but are now training for a 10km.

Neil’s weight ballooned to 22 stone after leaving the Army in 1991 and last June he underwent weight loss surgery.

This, combined with his running regime, has helped him lose ten stones and almost cure his type two diabetes.

In September, the 50-year-old will take part in the Great North Run and he has also completed a run leaders’ course to help others to follow in his footsteps.

"The weightloss surgery meant I started to lose weight very quickly,” he says. “But I knew I needed to improve my fitness too. Now my diabetes is practically cured and my blood pressure is normal.

"Kate has just been fantastic. When I first joined I had little confidence, but Kate has been there every step of the way, motivating and encouraging us and giving us self belief.

“We have also made so many new friends through the running club, it's like a family.

"I just couldn't recommend joining one of her programmes enough."

Elaine adds: “It has changed our lifestyle and we are definitely hooked. Now the first thing we think of in the morning is going out together for a run."

For more information about workplace running, click here

To find out more about Elvet Striders, visit elvet-striders.org.uk