IF you are preparing to run the English Half Marathon for the first time next month, you are probably not the only one.

Hayley Staunton, a long-time member of Warrington Running Club, says more people are hitting the streets than ever before for their workout.

And to help ease new runners’ nerves before the half marathon on September 18, she organised a trial run around the route.

The 27-year-old said: “I started running with Warrington Running Club when it began around two-and-a-half years ago. 

“There were two or three of us at the start and now there are more than 400 members.

“I organise this event every year to get runners ready for the annual English half marathon and we normally have an uptake of about 10 people but this year there will be up to 150 runners taking on the route before the big day.

“It’s a great chance to ease people’s nerves about the event.”

Hayley, from Appleton, started running after a spontaneous decision to give it a go – even though none of her friends were runners.

She said: “It just shows you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Now it’s grown into a massive part of my life.

“The English Half Marathon was my first race and it’s what got me into running. It’s got sentimental value with it being my hometown too. 

“There are brilliant views and it’s always a great day out.”

The former Bridgewater High School pupil said she is astonished by the number of new runners lacing up their trainers and believes social events like ParkRun and Race for Life have had a big impact.

Hayley, who works as a website manager for wine shop Corks Out, said running clubs have led to firm friendships and even relationships for some runners in Warrington.

She said: “It’s a big social thing. Some members of the club have just gone to Dublin for a race together. 

“A lot of friendships have been formed and relationships have happened.

“It’s partly to do with health but it’s also not an expensive way to exercise. 

“I know people who have lost five stones since they started running with us.

“People feel more comfortable than they would going out for a run on their own. I think you start to worry if people are looking at you or that you’ll feel unsafe.

“Running is about personal achievement but it can be a mental thing as well. To get out there and just let go of all that negative energy is one of the biggest reasons to run.”

The half marathon trial took place on August 14 and followed 11.5 miles of the route.