​Glasgow Life closes running club despite thousands of lives being transformed over the last 18 years

A popular running club which has helped tackle Glasgow’s woeful health record is to be axed by council bosses.

Glasgow Life, the arms-length trust which runs culture and leisure facilities in the city, sent out letters to members this week informing them the Glasgow Club Running Network will end on 31 March with the loss of 17 jobs.

Members paid £3.60 a session and trained thousands of people from novices to seasoned marathon runners since it was created more than 18 years ago.

Originally it started life as Glasgow Women's Jogging Network but was extended to include men after being taken over by Glasgow Life.

Many members, some of whom are considering cancelling their membership, say closing the club means will hit the city’s efforts to boost health and wellbeing.

Network member Janette Harkness said: "People who use the network value it so much and so many of us have achieved running goals we never thought we would ever reach thanks to the support of the wonderful coaches and other runners.

"I know of so many lives transformed and have met so many inspirational people of all ages and from different parts of the city through joining network runs at various Glasgow Club centres.

"For many women in particular it has helped them build self-esteem and got them through 10k and half marathon.

For many of us it’s the only way to run safely in winter and dark nights - Janette Harkness

"And for many of us it’s the only way to run safely in winter and dark nights and it meets an invaluable need between absolute beginners and affiliated running clubs.

"I can't believe it can be argued against on cost. All of the coaches are part-time hourly paid staff, there are no room or equipment costs, and can't see why any modest admin can't be absorbed in general Glasgow Club running costs. It's just so short sighted and we're all incredibly disappointed."

A spokesman for Glasgow Life said: “We are currently reviewing the Glasgow Running Network programme to ensure that we maximise participation opportunities for inactive members of the community. One of our key priorities is to tackle health inequalities by ensuring that the services we provide are accessible to those people who need our help most.

“Current users of the GRN tend to be experienced runners. This review will see a greater emphasis placed on supporting inactive members of the community as they start their journey towards leading a more active lifestyle. At the same time we will also continue to support local voluntary groups and partner organisations to build capacity and deliver local jogging programmes in communities across the city.”