ON THE evening of Thursday, December 17, the Bude Women's

Running Network came out in force and braved the cold to raise money for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Their three-mile run in and around Bude took in the Christmas lights and the runners sported Santa hats to help keep out the chill! Every runner donated their usual subs towards the Cornwall Air Ambulance with extra donations given. A very welcome drink of mulled wine was on offer at the finish which was a fitting way to end the year!

The ladies are in their seventh week of their ten week beginners course and most women who originally started in October are still committed to their Thursday evening runs. One member has dropped a dress size since joining and many members are pounding the streets on a regular basis, enjoying the freedom and fitness running has offered to them.

2010 looks set to be a busy year for the network as Lara Trewin has been joined by Katie Davis as a group leader to take more women out running.

Katie will bring an opportunity for the Women's Running Network to run two new beginner courses and now they will be able to offer two improver groups going out each week as well.

Beginners and improvers courses will be starting on January 5 and 21; the beginners courses are for a ten week duration and improvers are for women who can comfortably run for 30 minutes and are looking for a way of getting out running in a safe, social environment.

Anyone wishing to know more about the 2010 courses dates and times, please give Katie or Lara a call on 01288 321951 or 01288 321077.