Rick is sole searching for new C25K recruits

Rick Wilson is dreaming of the day he can lace up his trainers and return to Witton Park.

Rick founded Blackburn Couch to 5K running group in 2013. Weighing nearly 20 stone, he wanted to get fit and healthy and train towards running the Pennine Lancashire 10k race – and since then he has gone on to teach thousands of people how to run.

Prior to the pandemic, Rick ran 9-week programmes to help people get form couch to 5k – and admits he can’t wait to restart the sessions again in May.

He said:

Excitement levels are through the roof at the moment. I’m probably more excited than anybody!

Rick is taking part in Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s ‘Picture This’ campaign. The campaign features local people talking about the things they miss doing due to Coronavirus, reminding us that if we all do our bit to control the spread of the virus, we can get back to doing the things we love quicker.

As well as his usually army of volunteers, Rick has also enlisted the help of covid marshalls to ensure everyone is safe during the sessions.

He said:

We’re really confident that we can bring couch to 5K back in a safe and enjoyable manner for everybody involved.

It’s not just about their ability to lead those groups and motivate and inspire people, but it’s also about their responsibility to keep people safe.

To keep the programme as safe as possible, runners will have to register for the course and sign in on their mobile at each session.

Rick said he has been inundated with messages and hundreds of people have already registered.

He said:

People that generally came to our group not only came down for the exercise, they came down to meet lots of other people, and become friends.

People may have gained weight during lockdown or their fitness may have decreased during lockdown. The extra activity will help them with losing the weight and they can come back and increase their fitness.

Rick said he’s looking forward to meeting the new participants.

He admits:

It’s always a really special time for me when we see who turns up. We look at the sheer trepidation on their faces – because these people are going to become really dear and close friends to me, to the run leaders, to the volunteers, and with each other.

We’ve always said that it’s quite magical down at couch to 5K.

Dominic Harrison, Director of Public Health at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:

Exercise is a great way to boost our mental and physical wellbeing. Keeping fit and maintaining a healthy weight can also help with our immunity.

Covid is here to stay, and this is one of the ways we can protect ourselves against complications caused by the virus.

Watch Rick speaking about his experiences during the pandemic and how he has kept everyone motivated: 

Find out more about the Picture This campaign here.