A RUNNING club that was launched at the start of 2017 has had a year of runaway success.

Sale-based #MileShyClub now boasts 100 members, partners organisations such as Trafford Leisure and the BBC #GetInspired campaign and has achieved national recognition.

#MileShyClub founder, Jane Wilby-Palmer set it up with the aim of teaching non-runners how to run.

Jane said: “I would always get to this time of the year and reflect on what I had done with my life.

"In more recent years, I was growing dissatisfied with where my efforts were becoming focused, and I wanted to do something more worthwhile. I love working with groups of people and I love running. Starting the #MileShyClub was a natural move.”

The continued popularity of the not-for-profit club saw Jane being shortlisted at the 2017 Trafford Sports Awards as Coach of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, and she followed this up by winning a regional prize in the England Athletics Awards - and then runners-up in the national awards.

Jane said: “I was plotting routes out on the canal and I got this message to say the club had been selected as winners in the North West by an awards panel at England Athletics for its work with running beginners. I was so shocked I cried!

"Then we went on to become runners-up in the National Awards… it was unreal.”

In addition to award wins, the club has raised thousands of pounds for charities, hosting ‘FlipperKeatz’ to raise money for the Christie, tackling the Gauntlet Games at Heaton Park for St Ann’s Hospice and most recently, a Santa Dash for children’s charity Brainwave.

“On top of that, all of our Tuesday night run session proceeds go to the Mental Health Foundation as part of my London marathon fundraising for next year. We’ve already exceeded £1,000,” Jane added.

For more information about the #MileShyClub and to stay on top of developments, check out www.mileshyclub.com

Looking to the future, she said: “Our main aim is always to attract new running beginners to the club, it’s such a supportive and friendly environment and we have so much planned for 2018, including the Manchester 10k.

"By the end of this year, we will also have announced two new locations for the club, with some brilliant new coaches ready to bring the running love to other beginners across the country!”