Last updated at 15:41, Friday, 02 November 2012

THE Walney Wind Cheetahs running group is the pride of Barrow after scooping the national Run England Group of The Year award.

RECOGNISED: Walney Wind Cheetahs, was awarded Group of the Year at the England Athletics National Awards 2012. The group is pictured in Barrow Park the morning after winning the award HARRY ATKINSON REF: 50040332B001

The awards, held on Saturday, paid tribute to the work done by volunteers in building and forming the bedrock of athletics and inspiring people to get involved.

Committee member Karen Bell, who accepted the award on behalf of the group, said they’re determined to continue momentum and keep the group open to all ages and abilities.

“I think because we have such a large, diverse range of abilities within the group, people were keen to see how we manage that and keep them motivated at different levels,” she said.

Abilities range from complete beginners to more proficient runners, with seven of the group taking on the Lancaster half marathon on Sunday.

The group’s efforts have helped raise money to provide activities and facilities for local youngsters, working closely with local athletics clubs and the weekly 5km Barrow parkrun.

The group has a Facebook page, with a weekly newsletter and email list created for members to keep in touch.

Total attendances have exceeded 1,200 so the aim is to train four more members to have 10 qualified running leaders.

“The sheer energy and enthusiasm of the group has taken England Athletics by storm,” added Karen.

“Especially coming from an area that’s outlying and not close to major facilities.

“The Park Vale sports track would be ideal but needs funding.”

County councillor Melvyn Worth has provided WWC with a capital grant of £1,000 to use for buying equipment and prizes.

He said: “I’ve been really impressed with what they’re doing. They’re trying to get the whole community involved in sport and getting fitter. I would like to say how grateful I am to Ian Jones and the rest of WWC for what they’re doing.

“This group has only been going a year. For them to achieve that over all the other groups in the country is fantastic.”

It has never been a better time to join the group. Sessions are free and open to all.

During the winter months the Walney Wind Cheetahs meet at Waterside House, on Bridge Approach, Barrow. Use of the parking area is for running times only.

All members must display the WWC club badge in their windscreens to identify the group to BAE security patrols for monitoring purposes. (Badges for your windscreen will be printed and made available beforehand and/or on arrival). Runners must not use the car park at any other time, otherwise they will be subject to a penalty enforcement.

First published at 16:24, Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk