Jog Derbyshire, the county’s highly successful network of jogging groups, is being given a new lease of life.
From the beginning of 2023 the Jog Derbyshire team will be joining forces with Peak Running, who have agreed to take on responsibility for supporting the network.
This is following the wrapping up of Shift, (formerly Community Sports Trust), who have been instrumental in helping Derbyshire people improve their lives through becoming more active over the last 13 years.
This was celebrated at the weekend with the return of the Kedleston Hall Tinsel Trail – where 150 people ran, jogged or walked around a stunning 5k or 10k route in the National Trust grounds. The popular event has been jointly run by Jog Derbyshire and Peak Running for a number of years – having taken a break in recent times due to the pandemic.
Established in 2009, Jog Derbyshire is a thriving network of more than 40 recreational running groups across the county. With support from the Jog Derbyshire co-ordinators these volunteer-led groups have been highly successful in helping members of local communities become more active. This has played an important role in improving both the physical and mental health of participants, as well as addressing issues such as social isolation through an ethos of being friendly, inclusive and supportive.
Peak Running is a Derbyshire based social enterprise that was founded on a belief that running is about much more than being fast and competitive. It should be an adventure, both physically and in self-discovery. Through its events and activities, the organisation has, over the past few years, helped and inspired many people to run more in the spectacular surroundings of the Derbyshire countryside and the Peak District. This has led to numerous examples of people of all ages and abilities, many of whom are also members of Jog Derbyshire groups, achieving things that they didn’t previously believe they were capable of.
Andy Brooks, founder of Peak Running, said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to bring Jog Derbyshire and Peak Running together. We have collaborated closely with the Jog Derbyshire team for a number of years and have a very similar ethos. Plus, many of the Jog Derbyshire group leaders and participants are already part of the Peak Running Community too. It therefore made perfect sense for us to build on the collective successes together and be there to help more local people improve their lives through being active as we move forwards.
Andrea Kemp, CEO of Shift, said “It has been an absolute pleasure to support and grow the Jog Derbyshire network of groups and leaders over the past 12 years and we couldn't be happier to see it continue under the wing of Peak Running. Jog Derbyshire represents all that is good about communities - big hearted people encouraging others to connect, have fun and enjoy being active in the outdoors. Long may it continue to thrive and inspire.”
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart said: “Keeping Derbyshire healthy and well is a key priority for us which is why we help to fund a wide range of health and wellbeing projects including Jog Derbyshire.
“We are pleased that the well-established Jog Derbyshire network will continue to inspire and support Derbyshire residents to get active through the leadership of Peak Running CIC.”