Couch to 5K – Starts 1st April
We are pleased to launch a new 8-week Couch to 5K course designed specifically for complete beginners, delivered alongside our Wednesday club runs from 1st April 2026.
This programme is specifically designed for individuals who are currently unable to run continuously for more than five minutes. If you are starting from scratch, this is the right place to begin.
How the Course Works
Runners will be supported with:
- One coached evening session per week
- Two guided homework runs per week
- A private WhatsApp group for encouragement and accountability
- Support within an established running club environment
The training follows a gradual run-walk progression, building safely towards continuous running.
Our Goal
The course will culminate in a group 5K at parkrun in the last week — a supportive and celebratory milestone.
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to run continuously for 30 minutes — and, we hope, feel confident enough to continue their journey by joining the club and training with us long term. Our beginners’ course is a great follow on from this.
The course itself is free of charge. Our aim is simple: to welcome new runners into the sport and help them build the confidence to become part of our club community.
Is This the Right Course for You?
✔ You cannot yet run for more than a few minutes without stopping
✔ You are completely new to running
✔ You are self-motivated to complete 2 homework runs a week on your own
✔ You want structured support within a friendly environment
If you are already able to run comfortably for more than five to ten minutes, we recommend looking out for our next beginners’ course, which will be better suited to you.
Places will be limited to maintain a supportive group size.
If you want to join us, sign up here: https://www.serpentine.org.uk/couch-to-5k/
For more information or if you have any questions, contract beginners@serpentine.org.uk