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Jump start your January with England Athletics!

If you have set yourself a goal this year, or you just want to give running a go – England Athletics is here to help you every step of the way! Whether you run, jog, walk or push, there is plenty of support ready and waiting for you to get started.

January is a challenging month for mental health. At the end of January 2024, approximately 1.9 million people in England were in contact with mental health services, with almost half a million of these as new referrals (NHS Digital).

Through the power of running and social connectivity, we want to get people active and having fun with others this January – here’s how!

Join your local club or group

There is an outstanding network of over 1800 England Athletics affiliated clubs and 3400 RunTogether groups spread across England ready and waiting to welcome you.

Brand new to running? There is a range of Couch to 5k beginner sessions, especially throughout the month of January! A little more experienced and looking for a challenge? You can now search for local RunTogether groups or England Athletics clubs by location.

Find a club Find a RunTogether group

The power of running and movement on mental and physical health

Running Buddies RunTogether group

New year can feel like an overwhelming time, with people all over social media posting about their resolutions and changes they want to make.

Through vital research, the Mental Health Foundation has discovered that while over a third of UK adults do not meet the recommended physical activity levels, 82% acknowledge its importance for mental health and wellbeing.  Whilst it is great to have a target to aim for and keep you motivated, just getting out the door is enough and keeping mentally as well as physically healthy is important.

If you are unable to join participate as a runner or athlete, there are still ways you can get involved in club communities, as an official, coach or volunteer. Take a look at the opportunities below:

Becoming a coach or official

Looking for that perfect target race?

If you are looking to sign up to a race to keep you motivated, we have thousands of RunEvents licenced races across England for you to browse! Whether it is a beginner's 5k or a challenging multi-terrain ultramarathon, there is something for everyone.

Find your next race
Runners laughing together

Has running helped you?

Are you an athlete or runner? Has your athletics club or running group helped you to get active? We would love to hear from you and tell your story! Get in touch via email on: hello@englandathletics.org

Help and support

If you are struggling this winter or need some support, please reach out to friends, family or to charities such as Mind or Samaritans who have trained, friendly people on hand to speak to you 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.