Posted on: Wednesday 17 September 2025
Six women from Torfaen are preparing to take on the Cardiff Half Marathon this October, marking a major milestone in their health and fitness journey since completing the council’s If You Go I Go programme.
The group, who recently took part in the Newport 10K as part of the female-only 100 Club, were offered free places in the Cardiff Half by Run4Wales after completing a training run in Cardiff Bay this July.
The 100 Club is an initiative by Run4Wales that donates 100 free race places to 100 inspirational people, who’s journeys look to encourage and inspire other people to start running.
Louise Worrall, a 36 year old mother of two from Cwmbran, who joined the programme after struggling with anxiety, comfort eating and being an unpaid carer, said:
“Before this programme, I only cheered on other runners as I never believed that I could run. Now I’m running 10Ks for fun and training for a half marathon thanks to If You Go I Go.
“The peer support and structured sessions have greatly helped me rediscover my strength and self-confidence. It really has improved my life socially, physically and mentally.”
The If You Go I Go programme, run by Torfaen Council’s health, sports and fitness team, supports women of all ages to reclaim their health through a 10-week course of group, PT and gym sessions, nutritional advice and peer mentorship.
Since completing the programme, the women have gone on to finish Couch to 5K, attend weekly parkruns, and complete multiple 10Ks including the Torfaen Mic Morris 10K, Sorbrook Tough 10k, Cardiff 10k and Swansea Bay 10k.
They’ve also joined local running clubs such as Pontypool District Runners, Fairwater Runners, and Easy Pacers, dropped t-shirt sizes, and now proudly wear their running gear.
Laura Robertson, 38, a mother of three from New Inn, joined to focus on improving her mental and physical wellbeing. She said:
“Taking part has literally given me my confidence back! I’ve since joined my local running club and am now fully focused on training to complete my first ever half marathon.”
Jayde Herbert, 38, from Cwmbran, who now runs three times a week with Easy Pacers and completes park runs with women she met from the programme, added:
“I’ve lost over 2 stone over the course of 11 months, but more importantly I’ve gained a community. This latest challenge feels like the ultimate celebration of how far we’ve come.”
The Cardiff Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 5 October, and will see the women set off from Cardiff Castle.
Megan Parker, lead officer for If You Go I Go, who will be running alongside the women on the day, said:
“It’s remarkable, less than a year ago, these women were sedentary and struggling with their physical and mental health. Now they’re smashing intervals and training runs with ease. I’m so proud to support them.”
The next If You Go I Go programme will take place on Monday 29 September at Pontypool Activie Living Centre.
For more information or to apply, contact megan.parker@torfaen.gov.uk