Olympian Jo Pavey inspires new runners at Cranbrook running club

Five-time Olympian Jo Pavey MBE paid a visit to Cranbrook Running Club this week, joining a local Couch to 5k group as part of a national push to encourage more people in Exeter and East Devon to get active in the new year.

Jo joined runners from the club’s RunTogether group during one of their regular sessions, chatting with participants about their experiences of taking up running and sharing advice from her own long career in the sport.

The visit marked the launch of Jump Start January, a campaign from England Athletics aimed at encouraging people of all ages and abilities to start or return to running after the festive break.

Cranbrook Running Club runs inclusive sessions through the RunTogether programme, which focuses on friendly, supportive group runs rather than competition. 

The Couch to 5k group is aimed at beginners and people getting back into running, many of whom are local parents fitting exercise around school runs and family life.

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A spokesperson for Cranbrook Running Club said Jo’s visit had been a huge boost for the group. “It meant so much to our runners to have Jo come along and run with them,” they said. 

“A lot of people in this group are taking their very first steps into running, so to have someone with Jo’s experience and warmth encouraging them was incredibly motivating.

“Our focus is always on making running accessible and enjoyable. You don’t have to be fast or experienced - you just have to show up.” 

“Seeing the confidence grow week by week is really special.”

Jo said she was inspired by the group’s enthusiasm and sense of community. “I really enjoyed meeting up with Cranbrook Running Club,” she said. 

“It was absolutely inspiring to meet such a lovely group who are out running as part of the RunTogether programme.

“The run they were doing today was the ‘back to school’ run, so a lot of the runners are mums whose kids are at school. One of them had recently had a child who is nearly one and was getting back into her running.” 

“It’s so positive for them to run together – it gives them motivation, friendship and keeps them going.”

RunTogether is a national programme led by England Athletics, offering free, group-based running opportunities led by qualified Run Leaders. 

There are around 3,500 RunTogether groups across England, including several in Exeter and East Devon.

Cranbrook Running Club organisers say the social side of running is key to keeping people engaged.

“For many people, joining a traditional running club can feel intimidating,” the spokesperson said. 

“RunTogether removes that barrier. Everyone runs at their own pace, nobody gets left behind, and the social side is just as important as the exercise.

“We’ve seen people gain confidence, improve their mental wellbeing and form real friendships through the group.”

New research from England Athletics shows that 29 per cent of people who don’t currently run would be more likely to start if they had someone to run with, equivalent to around six million people nationally. 

The research also found that runners report higher levels of mental wellbeing compared to non-runners.

Jo also spoke about the mental health benefits she has experienced through running.

“I’ve been fortunate to run for many years, and I really benefit from running with other people,” she said. 

“That friendship and camaraderie give you a real boost. It builds confidence and self-esteem, and that carries into other areas of your life.”

England Athletics says participation in social running through the RunTogether programme grew by more than 100 per cent during last year’s Jump Start January campaign, reflecting a wider increase in interest in group exercise since the COVID pandemic.

Jo was recently announced as a new ambassador for England Athletics’ RunTogether and RUN:EA programmes, a role she says she is proud to take on.

“Running can improve mental wellbeing and physical fitness, and doing it with others is such a positive thing,” she said. 

“If I can help encourage more people in communities like Exeter to give it a go, that’s really special.”

Residents interested in joining a local RunTogether group can find sessions in Exeter, Cranbrook and surrounding areas via the England Athletics RunTogether website or app.