Sport & Exercise

Learn to Run

Join our Active Lives team for a FREE 10-week running programme. It is designed for beginners and teaches techniques to help grow your confidence and stamina.

Running is a great way to keep active and can help you work towards living a healthy lifestyle. The benefits of running include improved physical fitness, mental toughness and social health and can help reduce the effects of stress.

Who is it for?

The programme is open to both University of Edinburgh staff & students and is designed for those who are new to running. Take your first steps with our FREE 10-week Couch to 5k programme. You will be supported by experienced and qualified Sport & Exercise staff who will offer encouragement and motivation every step of the way. As well as learning the basics of running, you will be part of a small group of like-minded individuals - a great way to make new friends and connections! You will need to have a MyEd account to book these sessions. 

Why sign up? 

  1. A ‘support team’ consisting of Sport & Exercise Run Leaders and Sports Therapists.
  2. A FREE 10-week, progressive programme including 1 instructor-led session and 2 homework sessions per week. 
  3. Invitation to the online Learn to Run support group (TEAMS)

10-week learn to run - Central Campus 

Start date:  Monday 9 January 2023

When: 12pm to 1pm

Where: Meet outside the main Library 

10-week Learn to run - Kings Building Campus 

Start date:  Wednesday 11 January 2023

When: 12pm to 1pm

Where: Meet outside the main entrance to Murchison House

Please email the Active Lives team - active.lives@ed.ac.uk if you have any questions or want to join after the start date.

I'm a semi-regular runner, but I've recently lost my rhythm, so it was great to come along and learn some ways I can switch-up my runs so I don't have to just pound the pavements. You managed the session really well, including starting and finishing the session on time. Many thanks, Lucy & Chiara!”

I loved my Learn to Run experience and without the group and this commitment I would've never completed the program. I massive thank you to Lucy and Chiara!

Just wanted to say a massive thank you to Lucy and Chiara. Never been a jogger (or even an exerciser), and the idea of doing 5k would have seemed ridiculous to me at the start of the programme. Your steady and planned input and encouragement has made the ridiculous possible. Big thanks to both!

Related Links

Prehabilitation for Runners workshops

Terms and conditions