Monmouth Rock up and Run is a volunteer led, friendly social running group. At their heart MRUAR is an inclusive, no- competitive social group with no membership fees and no barriers. What matters to them is getting people together exercising in a supportive safe and social environment.

They have recently run two successful Couch to 5k courses, called Couch to walk 5k. They’re proud of their new walk and run ‘graduates’ celebrated their achievements by completing 5km at Chippenham fields park run on Saturday March 22.

The group is all about enjoyable ‘chatty’ walking and running. Members meet weekly on a Wednesday evening at 6.30pm at The Monnow Bridge where they start and finish.

The group has been around since 2018 and the founding four members have blossomed into a group with over 200 on the books.

To cater for all members, they offer four activity level groups: walk, walk-run, steady run and a quick run.

The groups are led by a group volunteer member who is trained and qualified run leader through Welsh athletics.

Couch to 5k is an exercise plan that gradually progresses from beginner running toward a 5-kilometre run over nine weeks.

One of the run leaders said: “the support for Rock Up and Run members and the park run community was amazing.

The graduates received medals and certificates which were presented afterwards at The Robin Hood pub.

Monmouth Rock up and run weekly runs and other social events are organised through their private Facebook group.

New members are welcome and prospective walkers and runners will be asked some simple questions checking fitness and and are asked to provide an ICE - in case of an emergency- contact information. Members are also asked to wear something bright/ reflective to take part in runs and walks.