As the last mince pie is eaten and the tree is packed away for another year, our thoughts naturally turn to the year ahead. For many of us, January is a time of renewal – a blank page waiting to be written. We make resolutions to be healthier, happier, and more active. But let’s be honest, sticking to those resolutions can be tough when you’re doing it alone.
That’s where Couch to 5k could help you.
If you’ve ever watched runners breezing through Morton Stanley Park and thought, “I could never do that,” think again. From 11 January 2026, Redditch Borough Council is kicking off its latest Couch to 5k (C25K) programme, and we want you to be part of it. Sessions run for 9 weeks and it is FREE to take part!
Redditch Community Runners are delighted to once again lead some of the sessions on behalf of the council.
Check out our sessions and video FAQs
Why couch to 5k?
Designed specifically for absolute beginners, this 9-week course gently builds your stamina and confidence. You won’t be asked to run a marathon on day one. In fact, you won’t even run a full mile!
The programme starts with a mix of walking and short running intervals, gradually increasing the running time week by week. By the time the daffodils are blooming on Redditch’s many roundabouts, you’ll be capable of running 5K (3.1 miles) without stopping.
You won’t be alone
Taking that first step out of the car in your running kit on a cold January day can be the hardest part.
When you join our C25K sessions, you’re joining a team. Our qualified run leaders are there to guide you through every warm-up, interval, and cool-down. More importantly, you’ll be surrounded by people on the exact same journey as you.
We start as a group, and we finish as a group. We all have our own running paces, you will have a volunteer nearby to offer encouragement (and perhaps a distraction from the running!).
How to join
To join the programme starting January, you simply need to turn up! We run sessions on behalf of Redditch Borough Council at accessible venues across town:
- Mondays @ 7:30 pm: Abbey Stadium
- Fridays @ 9:30 am: Woodrow Centre Car Park
- Saturdays @ 9:30 am: Redditch Cricket, Hockey, Rugby and Squash Club
You don’t need fancy gear – just a comfortable pair of trainers and clothes. You can mix and match sessions to fit your schedule; in fact, attending more than one a week will only help your progress.
The finish is just the start
Completing the 9 weeks is a huge milestone (did we mention you get a medal🎖️, certificate📃 and a donut?🍩 ), but for many, it’s just the beginning. Graduates often go on to join our regular group runs, tackle the local parkrun, or even train for a marathon.
So this January, grab those trainers and we will see you at one of our sessions.
You have got this!
