Celebrating the recent success of Backside to Trackside across Essex and Hertfordshire
Backside to Trackside, supported by England Athletics, is not your typical “couch to 5k” programme. It brings together professional coaching, group support and specialist facilities to build a sense of community and belonging that helps guide its participants through a FREE nine-week course.
Getting people moving across Essex and Hertfordshire
Over 200 people completed the programme this spring across five sites in Essex and Hertfordshire. The impact has been incredible with participants going on to attend weekly parkruns, join running clubs and lead healthier, happier lives.
“Since starting Backside to Trackside, me and my family have started going to our local parkrun every Saturday and we will continue this on. Can't wait to hear about the sessions in Thurrock on Wednesday evening. I will definitely be coming to them as well.” – Jasmin Singh
“I've now completed two parkruns and I'm looking forward to doing many more. It's been great meeting new people, getting out, and achieving something I probably wouldn't have done otherwise.” – Stuart Cove
Aside from the health benefits of becoming more active, another one of our missions is to break down the stigma that athletics tracks are just for athletes. These facilities are safe, lit, flat and perfect for anyone and everyone who wants to walk or run, everybody should be welcome on the track.
Encouragement from the coaches
Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace and the coaches meet them where they are with empathy and motivation. The supportive coaches are an integral part of the programme and many participants wanted to say thank you for their encouragement:
“I am enormously grateful for this opportunity. I am 48 and have never run anywhere and would never have believed 12 and a half laps would be possible. This morning my sister and I completed our nine-week Backside to Trackside and it's been amazing. Andy has been such a patient and reflective coach - the support has been much appreciated. Thank you - we are still in shock!” – Katrina Carroll
“The past nine weeks have been an incredible journey and I couldn't have done it without the amazing support, encouragement and motivation every step of the way. Thank you for believing in me, pushing me when I needed it most and helping me achieve something I never thought possible nine weeks ago.
“Finishing the 5K is a huge milestone and it's all thanks to the dedication and support Backside to Trackside has given me. I'm so grateful to have been part of this journey. Thank you for everything!” – Estelka Zandra
“Kev was brilliant. I think it was the first week I told him I hate running and he made it his personal mission to get me to enjoy it, and I turned up this morning and did my first ever 5k. Have tried and failed the couch to 5k before but the training in this programme was so much better and the community aspect made it much easier. Kev was super encouraging and his running tips were invaluable - thank you!” – Sarah Hobday
“I had given up hope of being able to run again due to multiple reasons. With coach Andy's support I have found ways to manage these and complete 5K, but also enjoy going out for a run. Can't wait to join again and keep improving.” – Renae Laybourn
Keen to get involved?
Following the success of the spring Backside to Trackside programme, it is looking to expand in the autumn and into next year. If your local area could benefit from this programme, reach out to Director, Andy Stead, at a.stead@backsidetotrackside.co.uk and we can begin a conversation.