Unlike the many do-it-yourself 0-5K apps, you’ll be taking on this challenge with a small group of ladies just like you. You'll have a group chat to keep each other motivated and it is the support of the group and added accountability that will help you reach your goal! Plus you'll have a dedicated, qualified run-leader for your group to support you each step of the way.

This 0-5K course is led by qualified run-leaders who are there to support you throughout your journey. The course begins with walk/run intervals over short distances then gradually builds with the aim of completing a 5K run by the end of week 8. You will meet with your group and run-leader once a week to complete one run together, then will recieve an email with 2 more runs to complete in your own time, each of which will take around 40 minutes. It is suitable for all abilities, even if you've never run before!

Our courses are for females only and our participants’ age can range from mid-twenties to ladies in their sixties. Everyone can learn to run with the right support around them.

At Athena we don't focus on speed, we all run together and support each other to reach our goal.

We see Athena as more of a community than a club and we love the support our members give each other. As part of the Beginners Programme you will have a private WhatsApp group with the other ladies on your programme so you can support each other to reach your goal.

You’ll also be able to access to our members-only Facebook page where you’ll have the support of many Athena ladies who have graduated through this programme themselves.

During the programme, you'll get complimentary access to our Members Area and online events, including weekly yoga and strength classes and a library of wellness webinars on topics including sleep, ageing well and nutrition.

We meet in Verulamium Park in St Albans. Our meeting spot is just outside Abbey View Track Building. You can find us on google maps here. There is plenty of parking. This costs £1 for 2 hours, or £1.50 after 6:30pm via the PayByPhone app.

The cost of the programme is £59, which includes a £12.50 charge for an Athena high-vis, which is fully refundable if you don’t carry on with Athena and return it to your leader.

Of course! We offer a range of options, from joining our club runs to continuing to progress your running through other courses.

Please see the Athena Beginners Terms and Conditions below.