Ladies WALK to RUN Programme a great Success!

Fifty six women from across Waterford have just finished taking part in a hugely successful Walk to Run Programme.

This programme was funded by the Irish Sports Council (Women in Sport) which enabled WSP to run three running programmes; an eight week programme in Waterford City, Dunhill and Dungarvan. The Walk to Run Programme was designed to teach women the correct running techniques build their confidence and train them to complete 5km leisure runs in groups or on their own.

Ladies from the Dungarvan, Dunhill and Waterford City Walk to Run
Groups who took part in last weeks Butlerstown 4 Miler

The Dungarvan group of twenty two ladies was the first to kick start the programme back in January. Despite some testing weather over the eight weeks the ladies thoroughly enjoyed the programme which was tutored by Sharron Duggan. After the initial eight weeks was over some of the ladies continued training for another four weeks to take part in the Ballinroad 5km Fun Run and the Butlerstown 4 Miler.

The second group to get started was the Waterford City group, which was tutored by Sinead Brannigan. Twelve eager and enthusiastic women trained in the industrial estate for eight weeks. Similar to the Dungarvan group seven women continued with their training for four weeks with the hope to complete the Butlerstown 4 Miler. Una Pemberton from the group said “I have really enjoyed the programme, I’m more than happy with my progress and a little surprised with how much I’ve enjoyed it.”

Last but not least, our group in Dunhill got up and running on Saturday 31st January. Unlike the other two groups, the Dunhill Ladies were blessed with sunshine each morning of the programme, which made it a little easier to take part. WSP teamed up with Julie Torpey at the Dunhill Health & Leisure Centre to train and develop the ladies running techniques over the eight weeks. After the eight weeks the ladies were eager to continue for an additional four weeks to train for the 4.5km Anne Valley Run.

Overall, the programmes in all three locations were very successful. A big thank to our three tutors who worked with the ladies throughout the programme. A special mention also, to Joanne, Suzie and Marie who supported some of the larger groups at different stages throughout the programme. Finally, huge congratulations to all the participants who took part in the programme and reached their goals, you should be all very proud of yourselves.

For more information on this programme please contact Pauline Cunningham, Sports Development Officer, Waterford Sports Partnership on (051) 849855 or email: pcunningham@waterfordsportspartnership.ie