A FORMER marathon runner has set up a new club for women wanting to get fit.

Linda Davies, 60, has founded the new North Oxford running group after realising many women were embarrassed at the prospect of taking up running, even though they wanted to lose weight. She said: “I’m aiming at complete beginners, building them up to what they want to achieve, whether it is doing a marathon or a half-mile.

“So many people say they wish they could run, but think they cannot. Others are embarrassed about running in front of other people.”

Mrs Davies, who won her age-group category in a 10k race in Alicante, Spain, last year, has started offering group running sessions and one-to-one support.

For more details about the club, email lindadavies_1@hotmail.com or call Mrs Davies on 07766 823943.