Mondays. Often talked about as the worst day of the week. The weekend is over, it’s back to the usual schedule and everybody is that little bit grumpier. The only thing we can do as a nation is put the kettle on and wait for it all to blow over. Well, there may be some other ways to cure the Monday blues, as the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation’s (YCF) Rose Runners run towards a happier start to the week!
The YCF Running Club, also known as the Rose Runners, has been ‘running’ in and around Headingley for a number of years, offering the community the chance to improve their health and the opportunity to get out and socialise. As a Health and Wellbeing project, the YCF encourage runners to positively boost their mental, physical and social health by offering the chance to run on Monday evenings at 5:30pm.
“The YCF Running Club is my only chance I get to exercise weekly” – Ben, Rose Runner Run Leader
Although the words ‘running club’ are in the title, this is definitely not your standard running club. Welcoming all ages and abilities to sessions, the YCF Running Club creates a fun and engaging environment with little to no competition or egos involved. With no joining fee, winners or losers, the Rose Runners motivate each other to achieve their own personal goals and have fun doing so. Whether it is wanting to be more active or work towards a 5K race, the Rose Runners are there to help.
The club is also the chance for locals to explore their area as the runners tackle the roads, hills and terrain around Headingley, Kirkstall, Burley, Meanwood and Hyde Park. Discover new shops, restaurants, pubs and friends whilst improving your health.
“I enjoy the social aspect and getting to explore the area where I live” – Leeds Beckett Student, Rose Runner Participant
So, if this running club isn’t a competitive club and welcomes anybody and everybody, what exactly do the Rose Runners do? Well the answer can change each week. The qualified Run Leaders try to make sessions as fun and engaging as possible whilst involving different aspects of running and physical activity. From running routes up to 5K long to exercise circuits, there are no shortages of ideas at the club. Utilising access to the stadium, the YCF Running Club also holds sessions in and around the international rugby and cricket venue.
If it’s regular activity your looking for, a friendly group of people to explore the area with or to improve your health, the YCF Running Club may be just what you need.
For more information: https://yorkshirecricketfoundation.com/our-work/view/37/ycf-running-club
Shaun Curley
Running Club Activator, Yorkshire Cricket Foundation
Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Emerald Headingley
Cricket Ground, Kirkstall Lane, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3DP
www.yorkshirecricketfoundation.com
Note We have now stopped running for the time being due to the restrictions of large groups meeting, Beth Cook, for Rose Runners
