A photo from a chilly morning in February 2025 including the Couch to 5K Programme cohort.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SEPTEMBER 2026 COUCH TO 5k PROGRAMME IS NOW FULL. LOOK OUT FOR OUR PROGRAMME IN JANUARY 2027.
The next programme will start on Saturday 26th September 2026 and it'd be great to have you along!
Please note that although we are starting the programme on Saturday 26th September, there will be highly recommended optional lead-in sessions on Saturday 12th and 19th September, so we ask you to register early to be able to join this session.
A quick link - you can register for this programme using the registration form here.
The idea behind Reigate Priory AC's Couch to 5K Programme
If you want to get fitter and healthier, run socially with others or feel better in yourself, then perhaps this is for you.
Whatever your motivation, we are running a Couch to 5K training programme designed for beginners, to progressively build up running ability so that you can run 5Km without stopping by the end of the 9 week course.
Couch to 5Km training courses are widely available, and so this is a tried and tested method widely accessible to everyone.
You might be aware that 5Km is generally the distance of all parkruns, which are running events all over the UK and beyond that are free and take place on each Saturday morning.
This programme will condition you for running these regularly should you wish to do so, and our local parkrun is in our very own Reigate Priory (as well as Banstead Woods, Denbies, Tilgate Park, Horsham, Ifield Mill Pond, etc.)
For the 10th week the Couch to 5K graduation will take place on Saturday 28th November 2026 at a selected parkrun.
A Couch to 5K graduation day, held at Ifield Mill Pond Parkrun.
The date of the next programme
The next Reigate Priory AC Couch to 5K training programme is from Saturday 26th September to Saturday 28th November 2026 at 10:30AM each week.
Meet location is in front of the Reigate Priory by the Sunken Garden.
Participation
This programme is open to absolutely anyone (aged 18 or above) as long as you do not have a health condition that excludes you from the course. If you do have a medical condition, then please see the Couch to 5km Training Programme Information and RPAC Couch to 5K Programme registration for more details.
The schedule for the programme
The programme lasts for 9 weeks. There is a schedule that you will receive with three activities per week, starting with gentle walk / run exercise, and ending with continuous running.
On the Saturday of each of these weeks you will be expected to join a communal training session in Reigate's Priory Park at 10:30AM, led by leaders and coaches of Reigate Priory AC.
For the other two sessions within each week, you need to follow the schedule in your own time, and we advise all participants of the programme to not exceed the training programme during the week.
On the tenth week, you will be invited to take part in a 5km run.
After the tenth week, you may wish to join Reigate Priory AC to take part in our running, which includes a Saturday Social running group that runs at 10:30AM in Priory Park.
The cost of the Couch to 5K Training Programme
The cost of the programme is £17, payable once you have submitted the registration form. This amount will be deducted from your first membership fee should you decide to join Reigate Priory Athletic Club.
Other than this, there are kit requirements, so you need suitable running shoes, a watch or phone to track your time (device with GPS or heart rate monitor not necessary), you'll need high-vis clothing and a torch if you will be running during hours of darkness, and for female participants, a good fitting sports bra is recommended. See the Information and Registration Form for more details on these kit requirements.
About Reigate Priory AC
We are a well-established local running club with a history back to the 1970's. While we do perform in competition to a high level, we pride ourselves in being a running club for all ages and abilities. While we encourage our members to take part in competition (and we do have competition for all ability groups) the primary objective is to enjoy the participation within the club.
Further details and contacts
Please see the Reigate Priory AC Couch to 5km Training Programme information here, the registration form here, and the programme schedule here.
You can email
If you have others who are interested you can distribute our Couch to 5K poster.
The couch to 5km course is limited to 10 places. Please register early to avoid disappointment.
We are looking forward to seeing you!
