ON a cold and frosty December morning, 15 people on Alton Runners’ latest Alton Rookie Runners course graduated by taking part in the Basingstoke Park Run.

There were some pre-run nerves beforehand but big smiles all round at the finish.

Several Alton Runners, including previous course graduates, ran alongside the rookies to give them extra encouragement as they made their way round the three-mile route. All graduates received commemorative medals (courtesy of Alton Runners) to mark this special milestone run.

Organised and operated by Alton Runners, the rookie programme gets people running in a safe and social environment, and Alton Runners’ coach Fran Light said: “Taking up running, even if you are really, really keen, can be quite daunting. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially if you don’t have anyone to turn to for advice, or are running at this time of the year when the weather is invariably cold and miserable.

“On this course, new runners follow a structured eight or 10-week training plan and receive the support they need to start running, and keep running. As well as receiving support from the Alton Runners’ coaching team, the rookies also benefit from the support of their fellow teammates – people who are in the same boat as they are and have similar motivations and worries.”

The course helps beginners learn good running form and technique, build up their confidence and get to the point where they can run three to five kilometres at a pace that’s comfortable for them.

Once they graduate, the rookies are encouraged to attend Alton Runners’ main training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. At every club session there are options for runners of all levels, from beginners to advanced, so everyone is catered for, whatever their speed or preferred distance.

The next Alton Rookie Runners beginners’ course will be on Wednesday evenings, starting on April 18, and will run for 10 weeks. Places are limited and often fill up within weeks of the new dates being announced, so would-be runners are advised to e-mail Fran Light at [email protected].