Couch to 5k
What to expect
The Dorset Doddlers offer a dedicated Couch to 5k (C25K) training program. Our friendly structured course is suitable for complete beginners. It can be very daunting joining a running club especially if you feel unfit or out of shape, but our friendly coaches will support you every step of the way.
The course is carried out over a 10 week training programme. Sessions will be held on Monday evenings and will last approximately 45 minutes, lead by a qualified England Athletics Coach in Running Fitness alongside a number of friendly volunteers.
Our coaches will begin each session with a very light warm up routine that will prepare the body for exercise.
Each week the sessions will slowly build up the running time and distance. Each session will finish with a cool down. As part of the C25K course runners are expected to run 3 times per week – we will give you your weekly plan at the end of Mondays session.
Decided to join our next course?
Our next course begins in June 2026
Meeting in the Morrisons car park in Shaftesbury at 6:45pm to start at 7pm
To register for our next course, please complete a registration form and send it to c25k@dorsetdoddlers.org
FAQs
For any questions or further information, please email us at c25k@dorsetdoddlers.org
How long will the course take?
The course is run over 10 weeks. We will meet on Monday evenings for a session where runners will receive the training plan for the week.
What if I have never run before?
No previous running experience is required, just a willingness to come and give it a go!
What are the health benefits of the C25K?
Running is an easy way to improve physical health, and will improve the health of the heart and lungs. Combined with a healthy diet running can also help you to lose weight.
What if I have health concerns?
As with all types of physical activities, if you have any health concerns please seek the advice of your GP before starting out.
How much does the C25K cost?
Our course is completely free. The Dorset Doddlers love running, and this is our way of giving something back for the benefit of our local community.
What's next after Couch to 5k?
At the end of the course we want you to love running as much as we do. We want this to be the start of your running journey.
If you decide to continue running we would welcome you into our friendly running club, but at no time will we put pressure on you to join.
