Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell is lending a hand – and her fast feet - to a new campaign spearheaded by Sport England to get more people involved in running
Made possible by funding support from cruise line Royal Caribbean International and delivered in partnership with Run England, the new Royal Caribbean Runners groups are designed to encourage health and fitness in everyday life in this high profile year.
Sally Gunnell explains: “There is simply no better time to get healthy than right now. Fitness has always played a key part in my life and I’m thrilled to be sharing this passion to help get people motivated and taking their first running steps. Getting involved is easy and whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior or a beginner looking to start your first run, the Royal Caribbean Runners groups are making now the time to do it.”
Supported by Royal Caribbean International and Sport England, the new running groups will see individuals take part in a 12 week programme designed to improve their health and fitness in a fun and supportive environment. Not just for hardcore fitness fanatics, the new running groups are all about growing grassroots participation in the sport and getting Londoners to see the many benefits that come from staying active in day-to-day life.
Anyone joining a new Royal Caribbean Runners group will receive goodies and incentives to aid motivation. Participants will receive a dedicated ‘Royal Caribbean Runners’ t-shirt on sign-up and those that complete the 12 week course will also receive a waterproof running jacket. Group leaders recruiting ten people or more into the new programme will receive an iPod Shuffle and, as an extra incentive, all leaders and runners will be entered into a prize draw to win a cruise for two people on board Royal Caribbean International's Independence of the Seas in 2012, sailing directly out of Southampton.
All Royal Caribbean Runners groups are coordinated through Run England, the official England Athletics running project aimed to get the whole nation running. This includes training of leaders through UK Athletics for the Leadership in Running Fitness qualification, a fantastic benefit facilitated through the Run England programme.
The Royal Caribbean Runners groups are currently available in London. For more information and to find running groups in your area please visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/runners.
