It’s ‘BINGO’ for Star with lockdown running challenge

A DERRY running club has come up with a novel way of keeping up the spirits of its members during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, by setting up a series of unusual mini challenges for its members while out running alone, and fundraising for local charities.

They included the weird and wacky, running at 6 a.m. in a wedding dress, or selfie with an animal, to simply trying to stay fit and healthy during these challenging times.

Star Running Club, whose members regularly meet four times a week, take part in 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and full
marathons across the UK and Ireland.

However, as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions, the club took the decision to suspend all group training runs a few weeks ago.

Seamus Crossan, founder and Chairperson of Star explained: “Our club was formed with the intention of giving members the opportunity to run together and support each other on the road, however the current restrictions mean this is not possible.

“I knew that some of our members were struggling for the motivation to get out, as they’re not used to running alone, so I decided to come up with something to help our runners stay healthy and active, while incorporating some fun into their daily exercise.”

Seamus developed a training plan for members, aptly titled Star Bingo, with a series of challenges to complete over a bingo board in the next few weeks.

He continued: “The reaction from club members has been fantastic.

“There’s a range of challenges that include: run in fancy dress, run to another Star member’s house and take a picture of them waving out the window, and spell the word STAR using the street names that you pass.

“We also have challenges that can be done from home, including using gym equipment in the backyard.

“Members also have activities to keep them on track with their training, with sprint sessions, 6 a.m. runs, hill reps and running in the rain.

“Star use a Facebook page to share pictures of their training throughout the year so we’ve been encouraging members to share images of each challenge as they tick them off, this in turn motivates other members.

“The club has really embraced the idea, we even had one of our male members out running in a wig and wedding dress at 6 a.m. – I think he got a few strange looks.

“There’s plenty of healthy competition involved too, as everyone wants to be the first to complete the Bingo board.

“It’s important to everyone at Star that we stay strong both physically and mentally so we’re keeping in touch and supporting each other the best way that we can.

“We want everyone to stay safe so members have been encouraged to stay as close to home as possible and abide by the all the social distancing restrictions.

“I am so proud of the effort being made by all our members not only in running, but also through their charitable efforts.

“Recently the club made a collection and donated a number of goods to organisations such as the House in the Wells, Foyle Valley House, Strand Foyer, Belmont Cottages and Donal Casey Court.

“The club is also currently fundraising for the Foyle Hospice. This is keeping us all together as a group, even though we cannot physically be together, we’re still together working on the things are important to us.

“We hope to be back out on the road running together as a group in our trademark red shirts very soon.”

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