Beginners’ course: small, friendly, women-only

beginners before the class2

New beginners’ running courses start in January, April and September. Classes take place on Wimbledon Common on Mondays, 10.30-11.30am and on an ad hoc basis on Saturdays, 8-9am.

Each class will have a maximum of 12 runners and all runners must complete a health form.

Running course details

If you cannot run for more than a few minutes at a time but would like to run steadily for up to 30 minutes, then this is the course for you.

  • We guide, support and advise you on how to run progressively and safely
  • We give you tips on technique, finding your pace, breathing, injury prevention, stretching and rest and recovery
  • We provide you with a training programme to follow
  • We encourage you to do other runs and exercise throughout the week as part of an overall fitness plan
  • All classes are coached by Caroline Dunleavy, an England Athletics run coach and technique coach

Before starting the course, you need to be able to walk briskly for at least 30 minutes continuously. However, you don’t need marathon ambitions to join the course, only a desire to get up and run and enjoy the beauty of Wimbledon Common! Please see how to prepare for your course.

Booking a running course

Our beginners’ running course must be booked in advance. The 11-week winter 2024 course costs £143 (class only) OR £165 ( (including weekly social run on the Common every Friday at 9.30am).

All course attendees are entitled to discounts at The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) in Wimbledon,  Sporting Feet (in Putney & Richmond),  Sweatshop (locations throughout London), Sweaty Betty (Wimbledon) and Up & Running (East Sheen), Proviz (online), Sportsshoes.com (online). More discounts to follow.

For more information about our beginners’ courses, please contact Caroline on 07810 486286 or email info@commonrunners.co.uk.

 

“I was very hesitant about taking up running as I always thought that it looked boring, but I loved it from the start and would urge anyone who is unsure about running to give it a go! .

The beginners’ class started off with short, slow running and walking in a small group, and we gradually built up the distance and speed. Running with others actually makes it enjoyable: we don’t run so fast that we can’t talk and laugh at the same time.”  Helen, voluntary worker, Wimbledon. Read more reviews