Women of Penarth given a run for their money

A club for athletic women in Penarth has really hit the ground running after being given the backing of a Community Chest sports grant.

The streets and parks of the town have been swamped with runners of all ages and abilities since the women-only running club 'Women Running Penarth' was officially launched this summer.

In only four months, the numbers attending training sessions have more than doubled so that there are now more than 90 women running in 11 groups during the week. To help the club grow further, a £500 grant has been awarded by the Community Chest scheme so that further running leaders can be trained and enable the club to continue to offer a range of sessions that appeal to all.

Run locally by the Vale of Glamorgan Council's sports and play development team, and agreed by a panel of volunteers with support from Sport Wales, the Community Chest scheme offers sports clubs and organisations in the Vale grants of up to £1500 which can be used to help people of all ages to become more active, more often.

The aims of the scheme fit in perfectly with the ethos of 'Women Running Penarth', which is all about supporting women to enjoy running in a safe environment, regardless of age or ability. While some club members are experienced runners who have competed in numerous events, there are many others who are either complete novices or beginners, having only recently dusted off their trainers to get out and enjoy running regularly.

Although a running club for women had been operating in and around Penarth for a few years, that original club was part of the UK-wide 'Women's Running Network', which unfortunately went into administration in March, leaving women's running clubs all over the country without affiliation and more importantly, without insurance.

Undeterred, a group of local women set about establishing a new club so that women in Penarth could keep on running and, after a great deal of hard work, got the club affiliated to Welsh Athletics. Erika Fitzgibbon, who is the club's chair designate, said: "When Women Running Penarth was first established, we had no idea that it would prove so popular. We are now a large club with members who, in addition to running, are also raising money for charity. None of this would be possible without the support of our two sponsors, 'Crandon + Friends' and 'Sabin's IT Solutions' who, back in March, could see the potential in our fledgling organisation."

Erika added: "We are extremely grateful for the Community Chest grant award, which will take us through to the next stage of our development by supporting the training of more leaders. With this additional support, we will be able to offer a wider range of sessions at different times for novices through to elite runners."

The cheque was handed over by Cllr Anthony Ernest, the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, and Karen Davies, the Council's Sports and Play Development Manager, who also sits on the Community Chest panel.

Cllr Ernest said: "I am really pleased that the scheme has been able to support such a deserving club that is specifically aimed at helping women to enjoy keeping fit and achieve individual goals, whether they be taking part in regular exercise or completing marathons. I'm also pleased to hear that the club make full use of Penarth, running up and down the hills of the town, along the marina, andCosmestonLakestoo."

The latest round of Community Chest grants also saw Rhoose FC awarded £300 to establish a new under 10's team, and the Vale Cricket Club received £1500 to improve coaching and training standards. New gym sessions will be provided by the Hen Goleg League of Friends thanks to the £1,462.91 they were awarded, while a £1003.79 grant will enable the Colcot Climbing Wall Club to branch out into offering badminton sessions.

If you are part of a Vale of Glamorgan based sports club, organisation or workplace and you would like to discuss a potential Community Chest grant and would like an application form, please call Karen Davies or Julie Morgan at the Vale of Glamorgan Council's sports and play development team on either 01446 704793 or 01446 704748.

To find out more about 'Women Running Penarth' please go online at www.womenrunningpenarth.org.uk or contact Erika Fitzgibbon by calling 07870 796322 or by emailinge.fitzgibbon@talktalk.net