InStep Devon appeal for local leaders
Local running network InStep Devon has ambitions to get more people jogging and running in Exeter, East Devon and Mid Devon – and is looking for local leaders to help.
County Sports Partnership Active Devon has appointed InStep to coordinate the Beginner Runner Programme across the area. This is the latest phase of a Run England initiative whichwhich aims to get more people actively participating in the sport.
“Last year,” says InStep's co-ordinator Tony Gale, “I was involved in recruiting over 200 new beginner runners in the Exeter area. Now InStep is taking a lead across a wider area, offering more opportunities to more potential new runners. We've already got a lot of local groups up-and-running, and we are looking to set up even more, especially in places where there's not much on offer at the moment.”
InStep works with local running clubs and groups, aiming to provide a wide choice for runners in and around Exeter, East and Mid Devon. “There are already beginner groups in several local towns,” says Tony, “but there's room for more. Also, we're aware that not everyone knows what's available already. We hope that by working together we can provide a good service to match the needs of local people – and make more potential runners aware of what's on offer. "
"Some local groups operate pretty much in a vacuum," says Stuart Dudley from Active Devon.
"We find that groups which are part of a bigger network like InStep tend to be more successful due to the added promotion opportunities and wider reach. We are also very confident that they offer high-quality sessions and are brilliant at welcoming and retaining new members."
"If you already lead a group that might want to join this initiative, or if you're interested in setting up a new group, just get in touch with me at tony.gale@swrr.co.uk or call 01363 776108," says Tony.
"New groups might be in a town or village that doesn't have a group at present; or it might be something based on a special interest group such as a local sports team or a workplace.
“We’re particularly interested in working with local sports clubs, who are sometimes the only established sports and fitness organisations in a local community. They could use this initiative to improve the fitness of their members through a bit of cross-training; to get new people interested in their clubs; and to get some useful funding.”
InStep offers networking advice and support for new and existing groups – and even a limited amount of funding. There will be sessions in Exeter, East and Mid Devon. Click here to find out more.
