Deestriders launch 2026 Couch to 5k in January
Deestriders Running Club will begin its 2026 Couch to 5k programme on Tuesday 6 January, inviting anyone looking to take up running or return after a break to join the 12-week course.
The club’s structured programme, held three times a week, aims to guide complete beginners from no running experience to completing a five-kilometre parkrun.
Sessions take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 pm from the Care & Repair car park at the bottom of Rowleys Drive, with a third session to be completed independently.
The course costs £10 per participant, which is deducted from the club’s membership fee should they choose to join Deestriders later in 2026.
With the exception of a Covid-related pause in 2021, Deestriders have hosted a Couch to 5k programme every January since 2018.
There is no obligation to join the club after completing the course, but most participants continue their running journey with Deestriders, progressing through the club’s various ability groups.
Many past graduates, known within the club as “Couchies”, have gone on to complete longer distances including 10k races, half marathons and even full marathons. Some have become qualified run leaders.
Among last year’s participants was Louise Kirkby, who joined the 2025 programme following the loss of her brother in late 2024.
“At his funeral I promised I would run the Great North Run, a half marathon, to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance, a charity he cared deeply about,” she said. “I hadn’t run for around eight years, and even then it was just the occasional 5k parkrun, which I never really enjoyed and eventually stopped. I knew I’d struggle on my own, so I needed a running hub where I could go back to basics and get proper support.”
Finding Deestriders’ course online, she said, “The welcome I received was incredibly warm, and the encouragement from everyone was amazing. Graduating at Chester parkrun was such a proud moment. Deestriders ran with us on the day and supported us all the way around the course. Receiving my medal felt fantastic.”
Louise went on to join the club, improving her pace and completing two 10k races before fulfilling her promise by running the Great North Run. She plans to take part again in 2026.
“Running has made a huge difference to my life,” she said. “I’ve fallen in love with running. Thank you, Deestriders!”
For more information, visit the public Facebook group Deestriders Couch to 5k or email club secretary and head coach Nige at [email protected]
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