LAST Saturday morning was the final session of the Tavy Joggers, a 12-week running plan taking beginners from the comfort of their couch to complete a 5k run.

To mark the end of the course, the group voted to run the 5kooL RuN. This is a 5k timed run which takes place each month in Tavistock Meadows, organised by Allan Herdman of Tavistock Athletic Club. Alison Warren, Dene Medland, Emma Craig, Fiona Gibbins, Fiona Milligan, Michelle Miles and Paul Blowey all completed the 5k route – a huge achievement for those so new to running and a fitting celebration of their hard work through the last 12 weeks. Dene and Emma both attended all 12 sessions, and Fiona Milligan missed just one.

The course was designed and delivered by coaches and run leaders from Tavistock Athletic Club – Tony Shearer, Margaret Batten, Tracyann Cole and Sheila Houghton and supported by OCRA.

Lead coach Sheila Houghton said: ‘The enthusiasm and willingness of these athletes was an inspiration to us all. They cheerfully stepped out of their comfort zones week after week to achieve this distance. Several met up to run between sessions and two already have other races planned.

‘Of course we very much hope they will continue to run, on their own, with friends or in a club, such as Tavistock Athletic Club. Or they can continue to turn up on a Saturday morning for a training session with the Tavy Joggers. But the most important thing is just to keep running and enjoying getting fitter.’