THE founder of a community running group, which has helped more than one hundred people get fit and active in Durham, has been honoured with an England Athletics award.

Corrina James, who set up the group Coxhoe on the Run, in November, last year, said she was delighted to be named Runner-Up RunTogether Leader of the Year at the EA’s Volunteer Awards in the North-East.

Corrina, who was presented with her award at an event at Washington, said: “I was so flattered and humbled to receive it. You don’t set up groups like this expecting to win awards, so I was blown away when I was, not only nominated, but awarded Runner-Up.”

Coxhoe on the Run, and its sister group Sherburn on the Run, have supported more than one hundred people to get active, from complete beginners to those training for ultra-races.

The groups have also donated funds to Durham City Gymnastics Club its popular Couch to 5K programme.

Corrina, a director at Platinum Physiotherapy and Personal Training, in Coxhoe, said: “I set up the group for the community so people could still run in the winter with others as the nights got darker and it’s grown from there. We have so many fantastic local running routes and I wanted to make them accessible all year round.

“Running is great for physical and mental health and the social aspect also plays a massive part in why people want to come. It’s a really supportive environment and there’s a pace to suit everyone.”

Members of Durham Mums on the Run were also celebrating after scooping the RunTogether Group of the Year.

For more information vist https://groups.runtogether.co.uk/CoxhoeOnTheRun