Running is our medicine, say Midlands racers

Elaine Wan is gearing up for her first half marathon this Sunday, one of 7,500 people heading to Alton Towers for a weekend of running.

She has come a long way since lacing up her trainers for the first time and stepping on the treadmill five years ago.

Over time Elaine has learnt to take the pressure off herself and embrace how running provides “headspace when life and work is hectic”.

The distance will be her furthest to date, but regular training sessions have reassured her she has nothing to prove.

“I think my biggest turning point came when I accepted it doesn’t matter how fast you’re going, when you go at a steady pace it’s much more enjoyable”.

She added: “For me it’s the sense of achievement at the end of the run, especially when it’s cold and wet outside”.

As well as Alton Towers’ 5km, 10km, and half-marathon races, running events are taking place all over the West Midlands this weekend, with organisers saying they are at record numbers.

Harriet Lamb from Staffordshire started running 10 years ago, entering races to give her a goal to train towards.

She will be joining more than 600 runners at Weston Park for to take part in the annual 5km and 10km races, following routes known for their fast and flat course.

She is running the 10km route and plans to complete her first marathon in Brighton next year.

Ms Lamb regularly runs with friends and a local running club, she said she had seen a large increase in people participating in the sport.

“I’m 47 this year, I keep running for my physical and mental health. I love running and can’t see me ever giving it up,” she added.

Runners will make their way around the grounds of the historical park, across concrete, gravel paths and a short stretch of grass.

Jim Brace from Bridgnorth, Shropshire, will be on the start line among 220 runners taking part in the Beckbury Trail 10km over the weekend.

He will be completing the race carrying a 30lb weighted rucksack as part of his training for more running events in the hills and mountains.

He said: “Running is the greatest medicine for people who suffer from mental health issues and is one of the best ways to improve your overall physical health whilst enjoying our beautiful countryside”.

Mr Brace is no stranger to challenging courses, like the winding trails and steep hills that the race follows through the Shropshire countryside.

Scott Mathers and Helen Stokes are the organisers of a race not for the faint hearted – the Callow Fell race.

About 60 runners will take on mammoth 792m climb over 8km of running, however entrants are not put off by the physical test.

Mr Mathers, who has been fell running in Shropshire for 12 years, said: “Since Covid there’s been a noticeable increase in people running”.

He described how the sport had an “extra level of exhilaration,” and the “sense of freedom” kept bringing him back for more.

Mark Caswell is the organiser of Coventry 10km, which will see 500 runners cross the start line on Sunday morning.

Now in its 16th year, Mark said the event continued to sell out.

Each participant will take on three laps of the city’s War Memorial Park.

Mark added that the event is not just about bringing the running community together, the race also brings new people to the city and supports business.

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