Winter Spring roundup and News 2026 - with a personal update from Emily
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00
Winter/Spring 2026 Roundup and News
Happy Easter week to you all, I sincerely hope you have all enjoyed a well-earned and chocolate filled long weekend.
As I write this the birds are in full song outside so if you are able to I urge you to sit outside on your doorstep or in your garden, even better with a cup of tea and a hobnob in your hands, and read about the amazing things you’ve been up to over the last few months and what you have to look forward to this summer.
Celebrations
First and foremost, congratulations to our couch to 5k group who battled the wintery elements over the course of the 10-week programme with many overcoming obstacles, to build the fitness to complete the challenge run or at the very least join our social groups on a Thursday night. Some are still recovering injury but as soon as they are ready, we will welcome them back and support them to reach that goal!
RunTogether leadership team update
There are lots of changes afoot so strap in and hold onto your pants for this bit people!
There are some people who join a group and quietly take part — and then there are people like Laura, who arrive and somehow become part of its heartbeat.
Since joining us through the couch to 5K programme in 2023, Laura has been an unstoppable force of positivity, warmth and energy. What began for her as the first steps of a running journey quickly grew into something much bigger. She threw herself into the life of the group, training as a Run Leader and a Mental Health Champion, always showing up for others with encouragement, empathy and a huge smile.
Laura has been at the centre of so much that makes this group special — from organising socials that brought us all closer together, to standing alongside me in some of my more ambitious (and slightly mad!) challenges. Her enthusiasm is infectious, her support unwavering, and her ability to make people feel welcome and valued is something truly rare. It’s hard to put into words just how much of an impact she has had in such a short space of time. She hasn’t just been part of the group — she has helped shape it.
As she heads off to pastures new this summer, she does so with our deepest thanks and very best wishes. While we are incredibly excited for what lies ahead for her, she will be sorely and dearly missed by us all.
Laura, thank you for everything you have given to this community. Once part of this group, always part of it — and you will always have a place to run with your run family at RunTogether Canterbury.
Wishing you all the very best for your next chapter.
And if that weren’t enough a little news from me…
After founding and growing this group for five wonderful years, I want to share that I will be leaving you all.
At the beginning of August, I and my boys will be relocating to the Midlands, and as a result, will be heartbreakingly stepping away from RunTogether Canterbury. After 6 years of living 200 miles apart from Ash, we are finally going to put each other and our families first and spend the next year up there searching for our forever home. Ash's patience has been unwavering despite my insanely busy schedule and I think its finally time I repaid him and we began the next chapter of our journey.
This has been an incredibly emotional decision as you can probably imagine —one that I am not sure I have fully come to terms with yet—so I ask you to be gentle with me over the coming weeks – I may well burst into tears! This group has meant so much to me, and I am immensely proud of what we have built together. What began as a simple idea has grown into a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring community, and it has been a privilege to be part of so many of your lives.
I want to reassure you all that the group will remain in very capable hands. Tony, Kerry, Hannah, Sally, Ben, Nick, Dev, Carolyn (upon her return) plus Amy and Michelle, who are about to embark on the leadership training, will form your dedicated leadership team. They will be fully supported for the next six months as I hand over the reins between now and July, and continue to support with anything needed post- move. I have every confidence that the group will continue to thrive.
Thank you to EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU for your support, your energy, and for making this group what it is today. I am not disappearing just yet, and I look forward to sharing many more runs and moments together before August and many subsequent weekend parkruns when I will be regularly visiting – not to mention the leaving party to end all leaving parties on the 1st of August - (get that in your diaries now!)
With heartfelt thanks to you all,
Emily x
So with that bombshell out of the way lets cheer things up again and discuss the exciting matter of the spring and summer updates and the brilliant things in store for us all!
Upcoming Running and Walking events
Keep your eye out for events and races that members of our community are sharing on the #rtc-events-and-races channel on slack.
Reverse Marathon 2026 – Sunday April 26th
Hannah has shared "a small but special group of us have been training to run the reverse London marathon (starting at the finish of the London marathon at midnight and running it backwards to the start). We are very much looking forward to seeing the very dedicated and affectionately known, ‘American Emily’ again, who is returning from the States just for this event! This event has forged new friendships within the group and seen us doing all sorts of mad things including a 10 mile loop of Canterbury at 11.30pm. Keep tuned for pics and updates in the next update!"
Rise and Run 5k Fun Run - Sunday 17th May
To form part of our Birthday month celebrations we plan to join the Mind mental health charity and the unicorn may well come out to play for this event! The website says: ‘The event is scheduled as the climax to Mental Health Awareness Week and will raise funds for East Kent Mind and Revival Food and Mood. You can run, jog or walk the 5km route in memory of a loved one, to help encourage positive conversations around mental health or just for fun’.
Key details
- Event date: Sunday, 17 May
- Registration opens at 9am, the fun starts at 10am
- Ticket price if booked in advance: Adult £8.50, £4.50 for children aged 12 and under.
- Ticket price if booked on the day: Adult £9.50, £5 for children.
- Start location: Marine Hotel, Tankerton.
- Route distance: 5km, however participants may opt to reduce course length to suit their capability. You may walk, jog or run the route.
- Dogs on leads welcome
- Theme: Wear it Bright, Wear it Blue.
Canterbury Trail Marathon and Half Marathon - Sunday 25th October 2026
There are a number of RTC members booked for this already so check out the link for more. The website tells us that this event ‘showcases the very best of the Kentish landscape, the routes wind their way through a varied mix of scenic trails, rural footpaths, and quiet country lanes, offering runners a true trail running experience.
Both the marathon and half marathon distances take you across rolling farmland, along historic pathways, and through peaceful stretches of open countryside. Expect a course that is diverse and engaging — from wide, runnable tracks to more technical trail sections — all designed to challenge and inspire runners of every level’.
Join the #rtc-events-and-races channel for more information and to see who else is signed up.
RTC Sports Day - Thursday 30th July at 6.30pm on Kingsmead Field
Back by popular demand is our social sports day where everyone who runs or jeffs with RunTogether Canterbury is invited for an evening of running related fun and games, you may run in circles, you may carry a flag, you may get wet but you will definitely laugh and thoroughly enjoy yourself. This is suitable for everyone. Not currently bookable but further details coming soon!
Social events roundup and news
- by your fave ray of sunshine Laura.
RunTogether Canterbury 5th Birthday weekend – Saturday 24th May @ approx. 7pm, Old City Bar and out into the City for drinking and dancing and Sunday 24th May @ approx. 10ish, Stag Café for Brunch.
Official Summer Social Picnic– Saturday July 25th, Perry Woods
We will be off to Perry Woods for a 3km walk where we shall then have a picnic on the benches enjoying the (fingers crossed) sunshine. Join us and bring something to share, sweet or savoury and a drink for yourself. For those who can stay we shall venture to the pub after a couple of hours for a casual drink and chips if we're still hungry. Everyone is invited including family and friends.
Thank you to everyone in the group who comes along to join our social events. You make the group so special! We have created this community that supports and shows up for each other, thank you! You’re all amazing!! Laura x
Run roundups
Monday Speedplay – managing run leaders Sally and Ben, with run helper support.
(slack channel - #rtc-speedplay)
Speedplay is led by Sally and Ben (when he’s back up and running (pun intended)) and is due for review in terms of how we move forward with leadership and venues so keep and eye on slack channel for updates.
Tuesday Speed group update by Hannah, Tuesdays still offer two options to choose from so take a look at the pace options and pick your favourite! Our moderately paced Tuesday group has continued over the winter. Due to work commitments, and a few of us marathon training, the numbers have dropped off a little. We plan to reinvigorate this group again as the nicer weather returns.
Tuesday 5.30 min/km group – managing run leader Dev with leader support from Nick and run helper assistance (slack channel - #rtc-tuesday-runners)
Tuesday 6.00 min/km group – managing run leader Hannah with leader support from Ben and run helper assistance (slack channel - #rtc-tuesday-runners)
Please note: These sessions are not suited to beginner runners due to the pace and distance. If you have any questions, join #rtc-tuesday-runners on slack.
Thursday social run night updates by Emily and Kerry – managing leaders Dev (8k), Emily (5k) and Kerry (Jeffing group), with leader support from Hannah, Laura, Tony, Kerry, Ben, Sally and Nick, with run helper assistance.
Thursdays are going great and the warmer weather is sure to bring some of those fair-weather runners of the group out this week I’m sure. The winter has been wet and tough again, but we made it and the annual addition of the Blean woods social runs will add an element of variety into your Thursday rotation of trails and city loops.
Jeffing group update by Kerry. The month of March has been a month of growth for our Jeffing group. The group has grown considerably in numbers, welcoming some of our C25K graduates and members new to RTC. This has been a boost for the group and we always welcome new Jeffers.
March has also seen the Jeffing group reach it's first birthday! Over the year we have had a core group of Jeffers and have seen others join us, making their way into the 5k group when they were ready. Who knew a chat over coffee in late 2024 would lead to a whole new group and running option for RTC!
A little bit about Jeffing - Jeffing is running using a run/walk strategy, it allows us to take things a little easier, return to running, take a gentler option whilst returning from injury and to continue running with long term injury. Please see Kerry if you would like to learn anymore about Jeffing.
Social 7-10k run group – 6.15pm (slack channel - #rtc-thursday-run-night)
Social 5k run group – 6.30pm (slack channel - #rtc-thursday-run-night)
Social Jeffing group – 6.15pm (slack channel - #rtc-jeffing-group)
Wanderers Walking Group update by Emily – managing leader Emily, and walk helper Theresa (slack channel - #rtc-wanderers, plus lots of member help)
Our wanderers continue to wander once a month, usually the last Sunday. Theresa, and her partner in crime Sue, have been out continuing to recce the routes to add some new walks to our growing list of ‘places to walk before the important tea and cake bit’. Everyone is welcome to join the us and all walks are now bookable up until the end of the year.
Trailblazers update by Emily – managing leader Hannah, with run leader Dev supporting (slack channel - #rtc-trailblazers)
Hannah and Dev will begin to arrange this years weekend 5 – 10 mile runs imminently and will alert you on slack once they are bookable. These runs are popular with the distance runners amongst us but tend to be seasonal and ad hoc so keep an eye out on their slack channel over the coming months. As with all our sessions, trailblazers runs are very social and treated as such, with the pace staying steady and allowing for plenty of opportunities to enjoy the route, take photos, stop and have a drink. The runs tend to finish at a pub for a drink and bowl of chips or ice cream and sometimes include a trip on the bus or train at the beginning or end of the run to get to the start point or get home, so bring some method of payment.
Easy Saturday trail runs at Blean update by Emily - managing leader Ben, with run leader Emily supporting (slack channel - #rtc-saturday-blean-trail-runners)
These easy-paced, relaxed 5k trail runs will resume this spring on the last Saturday morning of the month. The run is a run and not a jeff, however it is a laid-back relaxed plod and a lovely way to start the weekend. Dates are bookable for April, May and June currently. We may have a jeffing option if there are takers so do ask if you want to come along and jeff.
parkrun update by Tony (slack channel - #rtc-parkrunners)
All over the country, at many different venues, a massive band of volunteers put on a Saturday morning 5km run, for free, this is parkrun! And every month we join in by visiting one of the 20+ venues that Kent has. Parkrun is free for everyone, young, old, fast or slow, all you need to do is register, get yourself a barcode and you are ready to enter this world. Can't run a 5km, don't worry, each event has a number of park-walkers...all are welcome, a 20 minute 5km is just as far as a 50 minute one...
Canterbury Parkrun has hills, two of them which you run twice which always puts people off, so in November we returned to our home parkrun, specifically to support and encourage all of our members around it, to show that a hill, is, just an upwards flat bit! It was a bright and sunny day, there were pom-poms and everyone made it around the course. December wasn't nearly as bright and sunny, but a hardy bunch of half-a dozen of us, make the short trip to Whitstable.
The 1st of January saw an unofficial meet up of hardy (or crazed...?) individuals at Sittingbourne to start the year off, before an official, cold, awayday visit to Pegwell Bay later in the month. February saw us return to Canterbury for a Valentines Day special, before March saw us journey out to Ashford with some members of our most recent C25K cohort to introduce them parkrun.
April will see use return to Dover (the only parkrun to have a pier), June we are visiting the Island again to tackle The Leas and July will see our longest trip yet when we visit Shorne Woods. Why don't you come along and join us?
Jeff 'n' breakfast update by Laura (slack channel - #rtc-sunday-social-jeff-and-breakfast)
Our Jeff n brekkies have continued to grow in popularity. They are roughly every 4-6 weeks on a Sunday morning at 9.30. They are for everyone and we Jeff 4k ish at a 30/30 ratio of run/walking. Keep an eye on the app for the next one!
Mental Health Champions update
– by Emily and Laura
We have a number of awareness days that we like to recognise each year with a focus on mental health. Our next is Mental Health Awareness Month and we look forward to sharing some details with you soon.
As always, please come and chat with one of us if you need to. We, your mental health champions, Amy, Laura and I are always here for you.
Recruitment spot! Over the coming months we will be looking to recruit a few more Mental Health Champions to join the team. There is training and you will be fully supported by RunTogether. If you are interested or would like to know more please let Emily know.
Annual volunteer committee meeting
Our volunteer committee meetings are for anyone who would like to support the groups development or lend their skill or expertise to the behind-the-scenes running of RunTogether Canterbury. The meeting will be held on Wednesday 29th April at 7.30 pm at the Curzon Cinema cafe. All welcome. Parking is no longer free therefore the meetings will be much more tightly chaired and aim for no longer than 90 minutes so you can get free parking in Sainsbury’s (or you can pay the Band 3, £1.90 per hour charge at the cinema)
Fundraising superstars
We have a number of fundraisers out there pounding the pavements for pennies. If you would like to support any of your fellow RTC family, please click on their links for more information.
Leonie – running the LLHM and raising money for Alzheimer’s Society
Laura – running a half marathon and raising money for Children with Cancer Fund
Kerry – running the LLHM and raising money for Meningitis Now
RunTogether Canterbury Kit
Our kit supplier, Print Matters, are based at Unit 9 City Business Park, Canterbury, CT1 1DX (near Asda). You can access the online catalogue that you can view here at RTC Kit Catalogue. If you have any specific questions or requirements, Chloe, our contact there, has all the details and will be happy to help you, call her on 01227 765031. You are completely free to personalise your kit and choose other colours if available.
Member information
Please do refresh yourself with the Members' information page on the website.
Google reviews please!
If you haven’t already, please review the group on Google. It helps others to get a better picture of what our group is about and whether it would suit them, so your opinions are valid and helpful. Thank you in advance! Click to review
As always if you want to contact me, please do, via slack, WhatsApp or give me a call 😊
Emily 07770 479589
As a small charity, we are reliant on donations, small grants and fundraising events to raise money for training run leaders and various expenses, including things like first aid kits and marketing materials. If you feel like you would like to make a financial donation to RunTogether Canterbury, we would be extremely grateful. Our bank details are as follows:
Lloyds Bank Account name: RunTogether Canterbury, sort code 30-99-50, account number 66222362