In January 2020, just before we locked down for the first time, I completed my Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualification. By September of that year I had registered my own running group with Run Together, and Astley Toggers was born.

In January 2024 I was lucky enough to complete my Coaching in Running Fitness qualification (CiRF). Although I won’t be coaching with Astley Toggers it has certainly brought a new dynamic to how I run any and all of my running sessions.

You will usually see me hitting the roads in and around Chorley three to four times a week covering between 3-6km depending on the company I’m with. I enjoy entering the occasional race and there are a couple of races that are highlights on the Toggers running calendar. Although my favourite races tend to be more off road, trail types I usually get peered into hilly road races with the gang.

I currently run the Chorley Couch to 5k with a great bunch of volunteers, many of which are also Astley Toggers members. I started my running journey at the Chorley Couch to 5k about 8 years ago and I feel it’s good to give back to the community that brought me something that I now rely on as somewhat an antidepressant factor in my life. A tough day at work, the kids driving me up the wall or simply life just not cooperating can all be fixed (for a short time anyway) with a run with my friends.

Astley Toggers is a warm and welcoming group with some very sociable, enthusiastic and encouraging members. Come join us one evening, I promise you that you won’t regret it.

Dan x.

read less

I started running by myself in March of 2024 and then discovered the Toggers in August of that year. The group made me feel so welcome and were so supportive of my journey that I decided to stay and complete my Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualification in the November.

I run four times a week, varying the distance from 5k up to 22k per run. I have aIso discovered a recent love for Park Runs and am planning on trying as many different events as I can fit in to 2025. My main goal is to run at least two half marathons this years with the aim of graduating to one or more full marathons next year.

As Dani said we are a warm and welcoming group, book yourself on a run with us, you wont regret it, I certainly didn’t.

Dave.

read less

I managed to complete that course injury free, and that then set me on my way to my now love of running.

Since joining Astley Toggers I have completed multiple 5k runs, with Couch 2 5K, and as part of group organised runs, and have done another 3 x 10k, and 2 x 7.5 runs.

In October 2024 I finally achieved my goal when I completed the Manchester half marathon.

I owe this success to Danni, our leader and founder member,  my daughter Kadie, and the rest of the Astley Toggers, who have supported and encouraged me along the way.

I now volunteer at Chorley Couch to 5K, and I really enjoy that.  It’s a great feeling for me to give back some of the support and encouragement that I have received.

I love being part of Astley Toggers and have made some great friends along the way.

The group is so welcoming, and we also enjoy some great social evenings too.

I look forward to many more years of running.

Thanks

Melissa

read less

In July 2022 I completed my Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) because I wanted to help support people on their running journeys in the same way I was supported when I started out. I’ve also continued to volunteer with the same Couch 2 5K group that I started running with. 

I tell everyone that running is my therapy. I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my adult life, but getting out for a run with a great bunch of people helps me to self regulate and just sort my head out. Astley Toggers has always been that safe space if I am struggling. 

If you had asked my younger self if I would ever be a runner, she would have laughed her head off, but I have proved her wrong! I have plenty of 5k and some 10k medals as evidence from events I have run over the past few years and I’ll be adding my first half marathon medal to the rack in October 2025 when I take on the Manchester half- something I would never have imagined without the support of Astley Toggers.

read less

Before running, I often struggled to find an exercise I truly enjoyed. Having danced for many years before going to university, I could never find an exercise routine I enjoyed as much. However, running has not only become a way for me to stay active but also a vital tool for my mental health. It’s the perfect excuse to get out of the house, clear my mind, and connect with others.

The social aspect of running has been particularly transformative for me. Through Astley Toggers, I’ve met some incredible people and made lasting friendships. The group has made running more than just exercise—it’s become a way to share experiences, support one another, and celebrate achievements together.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve challenged myself by completing a few 10K races, and I’m now training for my first half marathon later this year. Running has become a journey of personal growth, but more importantly, it’s a shared experience that has brought so much joy and connection to my life. I’m excited to see where it takes me next!

read less