Thursday wet session at the Olympic Park Stratford - not because of the pool where we were based but because of the rain. This didn't stop runners and guides to be out there and perform great session around the Olympic stadium. Even Mario the dog was present but he stayed indoors with Mark(wise dog)

The Achilles International UK group had a smashing group run session on Thursday evening, running a mix of intervals and distances with sighted guides.

Well done to everyone, particularly our first-timers!

We will be back at Emirates Stadium next Thursday (29th January)

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-c8f069b7-bd22-4b46-8487-2995ff23d1b6

What a brilliant morning - 14 visually impaired runners from Achilles International, their sighted guides, plus a crew of supporters visited the (relatively) new Greenwich Peninsula parkrun. It was their event number 6 and, despite it being mid-January, we were treated to balmy conditions of 10 degrees and sunshine. I suspect the great weather probably contributed to the bumper turnout of 761 parkrunners in attendance today!

The parkrun volunteer team did an excellent job, giving us an additional briefing before the start to explain the course and some hazards to be aware of, and the Run Director also welcomed us all during his overall briefing. Great runs and walks were enjoyed by all, and it was followed of course by a well-earned coffee afterwards!

Achilles International is a charity that transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. If you are interesting in getting involved look out for their group runs every Thursday evening at 6pm, which are also listed on the GoodGym website as Community Missions.

It was a joy to join the Achilles International UK crew for a special Monday evening group run at Emirates Stadium. Since Christmas Day and New Years Day both settled on Thursdays in 2025, Area Activator Simon suggested a collaboration for the Goodgym Islington "Betwixtmas" task.

8 VI athletes (and 1 lovely guide dog) ran loops of the Emirates Stadium concourse with new, returning and experienced guide runners and walkers. An awesome get together during the festive period. We were super motivated to hear about future training objectives and races planned for next year!

Our next session with Achilles International UK will be at Paddington Rec Track (meeting at Maida Vale underground station) on Thursday 8th January, 6pm

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-3535fe44-723c-45f2-a53f-b5479917cd00

Thursday evening Achilles UK session at the Emirates(Arsenal) and roughly nearly 20 people turned up to run, walk, support or look after the bags but also to chat and get treats at the end. We won't forget our 4 legged friend who also enjoyed the treats. After a great session we were treated to warm mince pies and some home baked ginger bread cakes with different shapes including Xmas trees. Well done all.

Thursday evening : Guide runners and runners met at Maida Vale Underground station to head off in a group to Paddington Rec Track. As the clocks changed time recently, the evenings are dark so ain't no sunshine and it started to drizzle. This did not stop anyone from running and chatting. Veronika guided Janice, Lucy guided Mark and I, Steph Ducat guided the other Mark. Different paces and mileage based on the runners requirements. Janice and Mark ran roughly 35 - 45 minutes with Lucy and Veronika. I ran with Mark who wanted to come back strong as was off a few weeks,. We completed over 10km on the track with Mark. We were all soaked at the end of the session as the rain just kept coming down and the drizzle of the start disappeared. Great session with a good turn up despite the rain.