Laura Pitt didn’t expect a cocker spaniel to change her life – but that’s exactly what happened.
“I rescued a 14-month-old spaniel in 2023 and suddenly I was out walking every day, especially up on the Malvern Hills. That gradually led me back into running.”
Now, less than two years later, Laura is one of our Worcester City Runs Ambassadors for 2025 – and gearing up for her debut at the Worcester City 10K this September.
A fresh start with fresh legs
Laura first took up running back in 2016 and loved the freedom it gave her. But like many of us, her habits changed during the pandemic. Her running club closed, routes shifted and the trainers were left gathering dust.
But thanks to her four-legged friend and those hilly hikes, that old spark reignited. She restarted Couch to 5K in January and completed the programme by April. Now, she runs three times a week, and the benefits are already adding up.
“I’ve got more energy, I sleep better, and it’s helped my riding too,” she says. “I compete with my horses, and being fitter has made a big difference.”
Leading by example
It’s not just her own routine that’s been transformed. Laura has now completed the Leadership in Running Fitness course, and every week she leads a lunchtime ‘Desk to 5K’ group at Worcestershire County Council.
“It gets people away from their desks and outside at lunchtime,” she says. “It’s not just good for your body, it’s brilliant for your mind too. You feel free.”
Community, confidence and new goals
Laura’s not stopping at 5K, either. She ran the Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run 10K in June as a stepping stone – and then it’s Worcester City Runs in September.
What began as a goal to “just finish” the race has now turned into a sub-one-hour target – a goal set with her physiotherapist after a few lightbulb moments at Worcester Physiotherapy Clinic.
“I’d never been to a physio before and it was a real eye-opener. I learnt a lot about strengthening my calves and improving flexibility. It’s helped me stay injury-free and made a big difference to how I run.”
She’s also joined a local running club and now runs socially around Worcester, discovering new routes and enjoying the camaraderie.
“You’ve done 5K before you know it,” she says. “It’s such a good way to meet people and explore your local area.”
Laura’s Top Tips for the Worcester City 10K
- Set small goals – Breaking the challenge into chunks makes everything feel more manageable.
- Warm up and cool down – Take care of your body before and after a run to avoid injury and feel better the next day.
- Enjoy the feeling – Running gives you a buzz like nothing else. It’s freeing, uplifting and energising.
- Make it social – Find a running group or start one at work. It makes a world of difference.
From restarting her running journey to leading others into theirs, Laura’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right motivation, support and community, you can go further than you ever thought possible.
Feeling inspired? Join Laura and thousands of others at the Worcester City Runs on 13-14 September 2025. Whether it’s your first race or your fiftieth, there’s a place for everyone on the start line.
Book your place now at worcestercityrun.com
