Wigan and Leigh running group challenges people to be active every day in June

The Wigan and Leigh Running Community on Facebook has more than 700 members, some of whom run every single day.

Now the group is challenging people to run or walk at least a mile every day in June and share their activity online.

They hope to improve the physical and mental health of participants and reinforce community spirit.

And up for grabs are a host of prizes donated by local fitness businesses, including biomechanical assessment, personal training sessions, a sports massage and vouchers.

The winners will be selected at the end of the month in a prize draw for everyone who has taken part every day.

Jodie Danner, from Swinley, who runs the group with four friends, said: “I have found, because I have suffered from depression, that even when I don’t feel like getting out and running, when I push myself to get out and run with my dog, I never regret. I get that sense of achievement when I have finished. It’s really helped me during lockdown.”

Jodie, 38, hopes people will join the Facebook group in the coming days and get involved with the challenge when it starts on Monday.

It is open to people all abilities, with the option to walk or run each day meaning many will be able to take part.

“Don’t think that running is just for the Mo Farahs, it isn’t at all,” she said.

“I’m a mum of two, I have been bigger and now I’m smaller. We have older people as well. It’s inclusive.

“It’s more about the community. It’s not about the pace or distance, it’s about encouraging each other.”

Search for Wigan and Leigh Running Community on Facebook.

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