Run England has been set up as England Athletics recreational running project and aims to get the whole nation running, regardless of your fitness level, age or location. It wants to encourage people to take up running and to organise local support and for it to be done in a fun way.

Free to join, (always a plus point) it offers advice and information to help enjoy running. A network of local running groups has already been put in place which offer mutual support and are led by a qualified insured Group Leader. It’s aiming to be accessible for all levels of runners and is seen as an introduction to take you on depending on what you want from it. Its been proven that running in a group is better for you than on your own as you benefit from those around you, whether it’s a bit of banter or encouragement, it simply motivates you more and makes running fun rather than a chore of something to be done.

Another bonus about running is that you only need the bare minimum of appropriate running clothing to get started. As spring seems to be finally making an appearance then shorts or leggings might be appropriate, some breathable layers and a good pair of running shoes or training shoes. Who knows, a good summer and you might also need a cap and sunglasses, I can dream! Then again Rio is only three years away.

As well as organising groups Run England is also pushing a new project called 3-2-1, no not a remake of the 80s quiz show, which aims to provide a range of distance-marked running or jogging routes across the country that anyone can follow. Local providers, working in conjunction with athletics clubs and Run England groups, are looking to mark routes that are 3, 2, 1 kilometres or laps, so that anyone following them has suitable target distances to work to.

So why not check out the appropriate area on the website, get yourself kitted out and get involved: a great opportunity to start to get fit, enjoy the outdoors, and make some new friends I the process.