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.
5. Robin Park Runners
Newly qualified coaches, from left, James Butterworth, Mike Shannon, Paul Blackledge and Mark Harrison, have achieved the recognised qualification through England Athletics, specialising in Coaches in Running Fitness. Their role will focus on helping runners improve endurance, technique and overall wellbeing. Photo: PHOTOS - Michelle Adamson
6. Robin Park Runners
Running coach Mike Shannon, who has recently completed the England Athletics course. Such qualifications are widely used across running clubs to ensure structured, safe and inclusive training sessions. Photo: PHOTOS - Michelle Adamson
7. Robin Park Runners
Members have welcomed the news, noting that access to knowledgeable coaches can make a significant difference - particularly for those new to running or returning after time away. Photo: PHOTOS - Michelle Adamson
8. Robin Park Runners
The club hopes the expanded coaching team will also help attract new runners and strengthen its role as a hub for local fitness and social connection. Photo: PHOTOS - Michelle Adamson