🌸 Spring is Here – Welcome to a New Season of SE Fitness!
Firstly, a warm welcome to all our new members! We’re thrilled to have you join the SE Fitness family. Whether you’re here to run, walk, or simply enjoy the company of a friendly, active group, we’re excited to share another season of fitness and fun with you.
Spring is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and as the clocks change we have lighter evenings which can only mean one thing; our evening sessions are back in the park! Woohoo!
⚠️ Safety First
As we return to trail running in Sutton Park, please stay mindful—especially when moving from smooth paths to uneven terrain. Spring can bring unexpected slips and trips, so take a moment to review our Guide to Walking and Running Safely
What Have We Been Up To?
It’s been a busy start to the year for SE Fitness! Behind the scenes I’ve been hard at work preparing for the many events we have coming up, and with such a packed calendar ahead there’s plenty to look forward to. Race season is now well underway and it’s fantastic to see so many of our members taking part in events, including half marathons in Cambridge and Paris, as well as the Fradley 10K—well done to everyone who represented SE Fitness! We’ve also welcomed Brian, who has kindly stepped in to support some of our leaders on walks as our groups continue to grow. Not only is he helping keep things running smoothly, he’s also become our very own David Bailey for the walkers, capturing plenty of photos along the way—so remember to smile for the camera (even if you’re mid-conversation!). 📸
Signed up for the Sutton Fun Run?
We’re thrilled to once again partner with the Sutton Fun Run to offer support for your training—whether you plan to run or walk!
This is open to everyone, not just SE Fitness members, so bring your friends along.
Cost:
- Non-members: £3.50 per session, or £12 for 4 sessions
(fees will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.)
Training Tip:
8 miles is not a walk in the park (pun intended!)—so it’s important to prepare. Ideally, you should aim for two shorter runs or walks and one longer run or walk per week leading up to the event, gradually increasing your mileage.
Our training plan follows a structured process to help you build speed and endurance safely, reducing the risk of injury while making sure you’re ready to enjoy the event.
Non-members: Click here for further info and to let us know you’re coming along
Join us, get some training support, and help raise funds for a great cause!
🙋♂️ Volunteers Needed – Join the Fun as a Marshal!
I’m also one of the chief marshals for the day and we’re looking for a few extra volunteers to help make the event run smoothly.
Marshals will be stationed at various junctions along the route, helping to guide participants and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you aren’t taking part in the run this year, this is a fantastic way to be part of the action and support your fellow SE Fitness members. Please drop me a message if you would like to support, we’d love to have you on the team!
💪 Run & Rep – Strength Meets Cardio
Running and walking are fantastic for heart health, but strength training is just as important. Strength work helps improve muscle endurance, balance, and overall fitness.
To help combine both, we’ve teamed up with Amy from Fit Sutton Coldfield for a special Run & Rep session.
Session Details
- Date: Saturday 18th April
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: Track at Wyndley
- Alternating short runs with strength exercises such as sandbags, dumbbells, and bodyweight movements
- Suitable for all levels
- Free for SE Fitness members
Come along, get stronger, improve your running, and have fun with fellow members! Look out for details in our WhatsApp groups closer to the time.
🌟 Spring Highlights
Run for Home – Sunday 7th June – over 70% sold!
One of our most fun and memorable challenges returns!
You’ll be dropped at a secret location and must navigate your way back to Blackroot Bistro without using electronic navigation.
Choose your challenge:
- 6 miles (walkers welcome)
- 10 miles
Teams of 2–6 people will rely on teamwork, landmarks, and instinct to find the way home.
What you get
- A fantastic day out with your team
- A finisher medal
- Plenty of bragging rights
Event details:
- Date: Sunday 7th June
- Start/Finish: Blackroot Bistro, Sutton Park
- Check-in: 9:00 AM / Coaches depart: 10:00 AM
- Cost: £29 per person
⚠️ Don’t miss out—book now to secure your spot!
Book here – Run for Home Sunday 7th June
🎉 SE Fitness Turns 30 – Friday 12th June
This year marks an incredible milestone—30 years of SE Fitness!
We’ll be celebrating at Aston Wood Golf Club all past and present members are welcome.
The evening includes:
- Hot fork buffet
- Sally Ellis, former Olympic runner and SE Fitness founder
- DJ and dancing
- Outdoor patio access for a summer evening atmosphere
Details
- Partners welcome (18+)
- Tickets: £29 per person
It’s going to be a very special evening celebrating the people who have made SE Fitness what it is today.
💛 Charity Focus for 2026 – Alzheimer’s Society
We’re proud to announce Alzheimer’s Society as our charity for 2026.
This incredible organisation supports people living with dementia and their families while funding vital research into treatments and care.
Through fundraising events and member support, SE Fitness hopes to make a meaningful contribution to their work.
🤝 Supporting St Basils
A close runner-up in the members’ vote was St Basils, a local charity supporting young people experiencing homelessness across the West Midlands.
Great Birmingham Run – Sunday 3rd May 2026
St Basils is offering charity places in the 10K or Half Marathon, including:
- Complimentary race entry
- Official St Basils running vest
- One-to-one fundraising support
- A chance to visit one of their projects
If you’re looking for a race with real purpose, this is a great opportunity.
📧 Email: fundraising@stbasils.org.uk
🌐 Visit: St Basils – Great Birmingham Run
Hike for Homeless – June 2026
This year’s Hike for Homeless takes participants across Kinver Edge and the Wyre Forest, offering routes of stunning natural beauty and historical landmarks. Hiking groups can choose from three distances to suit all abilities, each starting and finishing at Bodenham Arboretum. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while supporting a vital cause!
🌐 Check out their website for more details on the hike
🛍 Member Discounts
Need to refresh your kit for spring and summer? SE members have some great offers coming up.
Sutton Runner (Boldmere)
20% off full price items
📅 Saturday 21st March – Friday 27th March
Sportology (Boldmere)
Discount on all SE merchandise
📅 Saturday 21st March – Friday 3rd April
This includes our limited edition 30th Anniversary merchandise, available online or in-store.
📅 Dates for Your Diary
21 March – Sportology discount begins
21 March – Sutton Runner 20% discount begins
27 March – Sutton Runner discount ends
3 April – Sportology discount ends
12 April – Sutton Fun Run training starts
18 April – Run & Rep session
31 May – Sutton Fun Run
7 June – Run for Home
12 June – SE Fitness 30th Birthday Party
3 December – Christmas Party
👟 See You Out There!
Thank you to everyone who makes SE Fitness such a welcoming and inspiring community.
Spring is the perfect time to set new goals, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors together.
Happy running and walking!
Jo & The SE Fitness Team