Horwich Wanderers Run Club strengthens safety as numbers rise

Wanderers Run Club, with a subtle nod to Bolton Wanderers and the wandering nature of runners, is becoming a regular fixture on Bolton’s streets.

The free club was set up by friends Toby Minion and Matt Sharrocks.

Since launching in February, it has attracted significant interest, gaining over 1,000 followers on Instagram (@WanderersRC).

Due to growing demand, Toby and Matt have become first-aid trained to ensure safety is a top priority.

Toby said: “From the very beginning, runner safety has been at the heart of what we do.

“As this community continues to grow, that responsibility only becomes more important.

“We host a weekly run that regularly attracts 60-plus runners, and on alternate weeks we also put on a 10k run and a Sunday 5k.

“We’re not elite athletes, just everyday runners who wanted to create a welcoming environment where people can run and socialise” (Image: Supplied)

“On those weeks, we welcome well over 100 runners across the club, which makes preparation, care and safety a top priority for us.

“That’s why today we completed a full-day first aid course, gaining the skills needed should a worst-case scenario ever arise.

“Hopefully we never need to use them, but we want every runner, new or old, to feel confident knowing they are in safe hands.

Dozens of runners attend each week (Image: Wanderers Run Club)

“A huge thank you to Alliance Learning in Horwich, who saw the positive impact this community is having and generously offered us this course completely free of charge to support the safety of our runners.

“They were amazing throughout, and Jane, our instructor, was excellent.”

The best way to keep up to date with the runs and locations is through the club’s Instagram page.