Jogging On for a Decade of Fundraising
As Berkhamsted fitness coaching business Jog On celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, it also marks another milestone – raising almost £40,000 for the Hospice of St Francis.
The first Jog On Coach to 5k Course was set up by friends Erica Carter (right) and Heather Harris (left) in Berkhamsted in 2015.
‘We both had full-time jobs – I was a nurse, Heather a journalist – but we loved running and wanted to help raise funds for the hospice by starting a learn-to-run course,’ explained Erica.
Six months later, having achieved their coaching and PT qualifications – ‘I was the youngest on my course by 30 years!” recalled 61-year-old Heather – they held that very first session.
Ten years later, JogOn, whose slogan is ‘fun, fitness and friendship’, has trained hundreds of local men and women aged from 17 to over 70, and offers 10 courses a week ranging from the original beginners’ course right up to ones aimed at half-marathon and marathon runners, as well as strength and circuit classes.
During lockdown, Erica and Heather also started a popular online Zoom gentle exercise class for the elderly and those with mobility issues, in aid of mental health charity Hertfordshire Mind Network.
Erica and Heather would love to gather everyone together from all the hundreds of courses over the years for a 10-year celebration on 10 October at Berkhamsted Tennis Club.
Image © Vicki Head
