Northampton running group run to namesake in America clocking up more than 3,000 miles

A running group that has been setting its members imaginative challenges throughout lockdown has completed a run to the town’s American name’s sake.

Northampton Road Runners, based in Kingsthorpe, were unable to meet up for a number of weeks due to the lockdown restrictions.

During this time members took on challenges like drawing shapes on Strava and seeing how far they could run in a certain time, as well as relays where no one met each other.

The club’s most recent challenge was to see how far they could run in two weeks and they managed the equivalent distance of their home town to Northampton in Massachusetts.

Chairman, Roger Taylor said: “It was just a bit of fun, but funny that we got to Northampton.

“Now we hope to continue to see how far around the world we can get.

“We have been doing this to keep our members fit in body and mind. Social media has been brilliant for keeping us all connected too.

“We know many clubs have been doing the same sort of thing which we think is great.”

Throughout lockdown, many people who have not done so before have taken up running for something to do and Roger is keen to encourage more people to continue.

He added: “Running has been a great way for regular and new runners to cope throughout these difficult times.

“We hope they carry on once the lockdown lifts with whichever of the excellent local clubs they prefer.

“If you see our Burgundy and yellow vests running around Northampton say hi.”

The running club welcomes runners of all abilities from beginners to ultra-runners.

To find out more, visit its website or search for the group on Facebook or Instagram.

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