AROUND 50 runners with a range of abilities turned up to the first gathering of the Swindon Shin Splints last week.

The informal training group will be meeting every Saturday morning at Coate Water from now until the Swindon Half Marathon as part of a 20-week programme to help runners meet their goal.

“It was fantastic to see so many people turn up for the first session,” said Swindon Advertiser editor, Dave King, who was one of the four mentors working with the groups.

“I ran with a lovely group of ladies as we started off with two minutes jogging and then two minutes walking. We completed a circuit of Coate Water which is 1.7 miles, and you could sense the achievement.

“One lady told me the last time she had endured this much exercise was while giving birth! But she enjoyed it as did the others, and it was a terrific morning. We had another group of more able runners, as well as one couple who were so keen they completed two laps of Coate Water.”

Swindon Half Marathon race director Steve Connelly, and personal fitness trainer and experienced runner Michelle Leighton, were also among the mentors who have devised two 20-week training programmes – one aimed at those who can run for 20 minutes, and another for those who just want to get running!

The Swindon Shin Splints will be meeting again at 8.50am tomorrow by the cafe for a 9am start. If you weren’t able to make it last week, please come along – you can pick it up.