A RUNNING network launched by Glasgow City Council 18 years ago to help boost the city's health record is to be axed.

Members and coaches have reacted angrily to a decision by Glasgow Life to axe funding for its city-wide running club, which has encouraged thousands to take up the sport.

As well as hosting coach-led session in every part of the city seven days a week, the network ran courses aimed at preparing novice runners for events including the Glasgow Women's 10k race and Great Scottish Run half marathon as well as full marathons.

Letters were being sent out to members this week informing them the Glasgow Club Running Network will end on March 31. Four self-employed coaches will lose income, while a further 14 contracted coaches were offered alternative work.

Some runners said they would be cancelling their membership to Glasgow Club sports centres in protest and said the decision "flew in the face" of one of the main objectives of Glasgow Life - to boost participation in sport.

Others said the network, which costs £3.60 a session, had allowed female runners to run safely at night and was more inclusive that other jogging clubs. It is understood that resources are being targeted at encouraging 'inactive' people in the city to exercise.

The network began life as Glasgow Women's Jogging Network but was extended to include men after being taken over by Glasgow Life, which runs sport and leisure on behalf of the council.

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.

"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."

Paul Collins, who coaches at Maryhill and Scotstoun said: "It's sad. We knew it was coming but we were just hoping they might cut the classes or make everyone self-employed.

"We get paid so there is a loss of income.They gave the coaches the option to do other jobs but no one wanted to do it.

"A lot of our members spoke about not wanting to run alone in the dark. There is the social side too and some are put off by other groups." Mr Collins said he would be continuing to run sessions voluntarily at both locations.

Another member said: "This decision seems to fly in the face of Glasgow Life's Strategic Objectives to 'encourage participation, involvement and engagement in culture and sport for all' and 'to provide opportunities for making positive life choices in a safe, attractive and sustainable environment.'

"I think there are equalities implications too as I think for many women solo running is not always appealing and group running can provide a greater sense of safety and autonomy, especially in the winter/dark.

"This may also apply to men of course, but I think may have particular resonance for women who are frequently encouraged to limit their use of social and public spaces."

Jill Irving said: "I came through the half marathon training course, about ten years ago, and have had lots of adventures, peaking with me finding myself running an Ultra marathon last summer, which I doubt would have happened if it wasn't for the network and friendships formed there."

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.”

What does the running network mean to you? Do you have an inspirational story to tell? Email caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk