Love Rugby Festival crosses the finishing line with Couch to 5K and family fun run

The five-kilometre run started and finished in Whitehall Recreation Ground, with 719 runners taking on the Couch to 5K and nearly 140 children joining the one-kilometre family fun run.

The 5K course through the town centre took in iconic landmarks such as the Clock Tower, Caldecott Park and Rugby School.

The run formed part of the Love Rugby Festival's celebration of sport in the borough, while promoting the festival theme of improving mental health and wellbeing.

Couch to 5K, part of the NHS's Better Health programme, guides novices from the couch to running five kilometres, one step at a time.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, paid tribute to every runner who took part.

"The Couch to 5K was one of the highlights of last year's first Love Rugby Festival but this year's event surpassed all our expectations," Cllr O'Rourke said.

"We saw a big increase in the number of runners in the Couch to 5K and also saw nearly 140 children take part in the new family fun run.

"It was a real community event and a wonderful spectacle, the perfect way to bring the festival to a close."

The Love Rugby Festival launched on 20 June and featured a packed programme of live music, theatre, art, sport and heritage.

More than 150 events took place during the festival fortnight, with nearly half receiving grant support from the council.

Festival highlights included Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's free Bits and Bobs Family Fun Day, Live and Loud at the Benn Hall, the Rugby Shed of Culture and the Love Rugby All In family festival in Caldecott Park.

But from Bollywood dancing to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, paddlesports to pilates, and a summer solstice gathering to stool making, the Love Rugby Festival offered plenty of opportunities to join in the fun.

For more information about events in Rugby town centre and the borough, visit The Rugby Town website.