Tobutt Sports, Astley Bridge, said running has got popular

Tobutt Sports, in Astley Bridge, said in this year alone there’s been an increase in people taking up the exercise- and it goes much further than simply losing weight.

It comes as some groups in the borough have seen more people aiming to hit 5k runs, which are just over three miles, and even further.

It’s not just at daytime. (Image: Mel Goodall)

Mandy Foster, from the fourth generation of the Tobutt Family, said: “This last year, there’s been a huge increase in the younger generation

“From a business point of view, it was really good last year, and it affected us positively.

“We’re happy to keep going, and I can’t see it running down. It is so good to see the streets filled with people doing it.”

Dougie Tobutt, Phoebe Foster and Mandy Foster. (Image: Tobutt Sports)

Tobutt Sports is a family-run business which was founded in 1923 by Len Tobutt, who was a professional cricketer from Middlesex.

They’re not the only enthusiasts who have noticed there’s more people hitting the ground, quite literally, running.

Mel Goodall, 50, set up the Cutacre running group, which sees people from Over Hulton getting together each week to overcome distance challenges.

Mel Goodall on a run. (Image: Mel Goodall)

So far, Mel has seen that more people have started running since the end of last year, and the sunny season quickly approaching is also to blame.

She said: “Running is such a popular thing. I’ve been marathoning now for the past 25 years and wasn’t as popular even 20 years ago.”

“It’s been fantastic to see so many people coming to it and going through my Couch to 5k programme, saying they’re so proud.

A group of runners in the centre. (Image: Mel Goodall)

“Mental health has been a big driver; we’ve been told to get in the fresh air, and also socialising with like-minded people has been a driver.”

The mother-of-two said it’s people in their 20s that are the main group you’ll see when on the pavements.

What both of these have in common, other than athletics, is how they’ve noticed HYROX has garnered more attention for the sport.

Runners from Cutacre running club. (Image: Mel Goodall)

HYROX is a global, standardised indoor fitness competition that combines running with functional strength training. It is designed for everyday gym-goers and athletes alike.

Mel added: “It’s mentally a big learning curve, you have to be very resilient, for that distance. It’s pushing yourself through discomfort.

“I am just looking forward to the next year, looking to get more people through.”