TORRENTIAL rain failed to dampen the spirits of hundreds of runners who took part in the inaugural Love Rugby Festival Couch to 5K run.
The five-kilometre run started and finished in Whitehall Recreation Ground on Sunday July 6, with more than 500 runners taking on the course through the town centre – past landmarks such as Rugby School, Caldecott Park and the Clock Tower.
Couch to 5K, part of the NHS’ Better Health programme, aims to guide novices from the couch to running five kilometres.
The run formed part of the Love Rugby Festival’s celebration of sport in the borough, while promoting the festival theme of improving mental and physical health.
Rugby Borough Council leader Coun Michael Moran took part in the run and paid tribute to everyone who took on the challenge.
He said: “When I floated the idea last year of a Love Rugby Festival it always included a 5K run, so to see it in action and get the numbers we did around the town – in the rain – is simply brilliant.
“I know first hand how much time and effort colleagues across the council have put into this, so a huge ‘well done’ to all concerned.”
The Couch to 5K brought the curtain down on the first Love Rugby Festival, which comprised a programme of live music, theatre, art, heritage and sport to create a sense of pride in the borough, boost footfall in the town centre and celebrate Rugby’s diverse communities.
Coun Neil Sandison, the council’s Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing, said: “A big ‘thank you’ to all participants in this fun run and all the other Love Rugby events.
“It’s been such a pleasure to welcome so many visitors and groups to our town.”
