Jan goes from Couch to 5k to 42k in marathon effort - The Stratford Observer

Jan goes from Couch to 5k to 42k in marathon effort

Stratford Editorial 21st Oct, 2021   0

IT’S a long road which began with enrolling on a Couch to 5k fitness course in her seventies and has now led to Jan Turner running a marathon.

Her story is truly inspirational. Having never run before and having just entered her seventies, Jan decided to join Stratford upon Avon Athletic Club’s free Couch to 5k group. Three years later, she has just run 42k to complete a full marathon. Last week Jan competed in the Manchester Marathon and in so doing qualified for a Good for Age place in the London Marathon should she wish to take it.

“I ran a bit slower than I had hoped but as I had no Garmin, due to mistake on my part re charging, I just ran without worrying about pace and really enjoyed it,” she said.

“There was beautiful sunshine and the temperature was perfect, together with super support. I didn’t walk except to drink water etc. and I didn’t feel at any point that I wouldn’t make it.




“My grandson has just started University in Manchester and he ran my final kilometre sprint with me. All in all, it was a super experience! “

Not content with this achievement, Jan has become something of an all-rounder at the athletic club, regularly turning out for their Vets Track and Field team. She currently holds club age-group records in 100 metres, 200m, parkrun, six miles, 10k, marathon and long jump.


Jan has also gone from taking part in the club’s Couch to 5k group to volunteering to help out with the current group, as the club continue with this free initiative to try and inspire people to become more active. She has also made many new friends amongst the club’s supportive and friendly membership.

Jan, along with fellow club member Sandie Owens, was raising funds for The Alzheimer’s Society while running at Manchester and urges anyone inspired by her story to donate to support their work.

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