On a cold, dark November evening, Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook shopping centre was turned green by the ever-growing numbers of the popular North Bristol Running Group (NBRG).
The group had gathered together to celebrate five years of running in the community, and friends, families and runners met together for a slice of celebratory cake, a group photo and, of course, a run!
The local group, founded by running couple Alan and Sheila Wilcox, has over 1,000 members signed up to the NBRG Facebook page and offers weekly 5k and 10k runs as well as a ‘Couch to 5k’ course on an annual basis. The group’s members include trained leaders in running fitness, mental health ambassadors and runners of every ability.
From the early days of trying to find other runners to train with, NBRG has multiplied and has become known as ‘the green family’, in recognition of the bright green t-shirts its members wear. A highlight of the group has been the creation of a running community within the Stokes area.
Joint founder Sheila Wilcox said:
“It really feels like a community group and through our ‘Couch to 5K’ course, it’s a great way to introduce people to running … and now we have this wonderful network of local people who support each other to do something fantastic!”
One of the members has even recently set up a social coffee catch-up on a monthly basis – perfect for all members, including those taking a break from running due to other commitments or injury.
NBRG supports many charities through its running activities, as individuals raising money for specific fitness challenges or as a group – currently NBRG members are looking forward to dressing up as elves and supporting Santa himself as he makes pre-Christmas visits to Bradley Stoke with his sleigh!
NBRG member Louise commented:
“Its always nice to run with someone rather than on your own and everyone is so friendly and encouraging. You can get so much advice and support … it’s lovely.”
Sheila concluded:
“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of NBRG over the last five years. Here’s looking forward to the next five years! Happy Birthday North Bristol Running Group!”
If you would like to join NBRG or find out more about the local runs, please contact Alan and Sheila Wilcox at alanawilcox@tiscali.co.uk, Sheilawilcox1@outlook.com or via Messenger.
Photos: 1 NBRG members celebrating in the mall at the Willow Brook centre. 2 Celebration cake.
This article originally appeared in the December 2018 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on page 13). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH (except August), to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.