Welcome to the St Helens Couch to 5k programme Sept 2026

A beginner fitness programme based around walking and jogging.

Get Ready for the St Helens Couch to 5k - July 2026!

Welcome to our September Couch to 5k programme!

Managed and delivered by the Council's Active Lives & Sports Development Team, we want to support you to get active.

Week 1 starts on Monday 28th September so come to a session during that week and start your journey!

Sessions take place every Monday and Wednesday, 6-7pm, for 8 weeks. You can attend one session or both sessions, it's up to you. Obviously the more you attend, the quicker you'll improve!

All sessions take place at Sutton Leisure Centre on the athletics track. Our staff are there to support you throughout the programme and keep you motivated. There's no pressure whatsoever, you just work at your own pace and build up gradually - you can walk the whole programme too! Feedback from past participants has been really positive, with lots of people reporting an improvement in fitness, sleep, general wellbeing and weight-loss - in addition to being able to get round 5k!

You can take part in up to 16 sessions over the 8 weeks, all for £16.50 you will recieve a medal upon completion.

All attendees must complete a signup form. Under 16s attending with a registered adult, can attend free of charge but must also complete a form for health and safety reasons.

You'll also be able to access our community Facebook group for additional motivation and support.

FAQs

I can't pay online, what do I do?

Unfortunately, we are only able to operate an online and cashless booking system.

What is the minimum age to take part?

The programme is aimed at those aged 16+

Children are welcome to take part with you, but are completely under your supervision at all times and must have completed the signup form before going on track. Under 16s cannot attend alone.

What are my transport/parking options?

Sutton Leisure Centre has bike racks and a large car park. The centre is situated directly opposite Lea Green train station and is also on a bus route.

Do I have to bring my ticket with me?

You may be asked to show your ticket on arrival. We will have a pre-printed register at every session, simply give your name to a member of staff, who will sign you in.

I'm really unfit at the moment or have never run before - will I be okay?

Yes! This programme is designed for complete beginners. There's no pressure and you can rest when you need to. We're here to support you and make sure you enjoy it too!

If you have a medical/heart condition you may need a consent letter from your GP prior to taking part.

How can I contact the organiser if I have further questions?

Contact Mark at markhurst@sthelens.gov.uk or phone 07707 144742.

You can also message us via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/SportsDevSTH

St Helens Borough Council takes the use and storage of your information seriously. The information you share with us will allow us to provide you with details about this event and related sport and physical activity sessions. Your information will be held by the Council for 12 months, following the end of the programme and then deleted in line with our schedule of destruction for personal information. For more information and our full Privacy Notice, please visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/communitysport

Description supplied by the event organiser.