Club owner Mark Harrison has achieved the Coach in Running Fitness qualification through England Athletics, along with members Mike Shannon, James Butterworth and Paul Blackledge.
They will focus on helping runners to improve endurance, technique and overall well-being.
Such qualifications are widely used across running clubs to ensure structured, safe and inclusive training sessions.
Mark described the development as a “huge step forward”, with members set to benefit from improved guidance on pacing, running technique, injury prevention and goal setting.
The club hopes the expanded coaching team will help attract new runners and strengthen its role as a hub for fitness and social connection.
Robin Park Runners not only has four England Athletics coaches, but also a team of 13 licenced run leaders and two qualified welfare officers.
They work together to ensure that Robin Park Runners is a "one size fits all” club, no matter age, gender, race or sexual orientation. All are welcome!
Many members regularly take on 10km and half marathon races, while the run leaders have helped to guide several members into the “one per cent club” by becoming marathon runners.
Run leader Wendy Green completed an ultra marathon in 2025.
A huge part of Robin Park Runners is giving back to the Wigan community and during the last 12 months it has supported local charities, Royal British Legion, Daffodils Dreams, The Brick and Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
Members are looking forward to a parkrun “takeover” on Saturday, May 9 at Haigh Woodland Park, when they will fulfil all volunteer roles from marshalling to time keepers and barcode scanners.
It will be the third time the club has completed a parkrun takeover, with 48 members volunteering last time.
Run leader Nikki Grounds said: “I love parkrun takeovers! It’s amazing how parkrun brings the community together.”
To find out more about the club, go to the Robin Park Runners Facebook page or Haigh Woodland parkrun on May 9.
1. Robin Park Runners
RPR has grown steadily in recent years. The addition of the coaches will significantly expand the support available to the club’s members of all abilities. Photo: PHOTOS - Michelle Adamson
2. Robin Park Runners
Robin Park Runners are celebrating a major boost to their team, after four of the club’s run leaders completed the challenging qualification: England Athletics Coach in Running Fitness. Photo: PHOTOS - Michelle Adamson
3. Robin Park Runners
Mark Harrison, founder of Robin Park Runners, described the development as a “huge step forward”. With qualified coaches on hand, members will benefit from improved guidance on pacing, running technique, injury prevention and goal setting. Photo: PHOTOS - Michelle Adamson
4. Robin Park Runners
Such qualifications are widely used across running clubs to ensure structured, safe and inclusive training sessions. Photo: PHOTOS - Michelle Adamson