AN AYRSHIRE community group is planning to launch a new fitness programme which they promise "might just change your life".

The new 'Couch to 5K' sessions are being run by the Fit Ayrshire Dads and Fit Ayrshire Masses.

Six separate groups will launch across various Ayrshire locations on the week commencing on Monday, March 18.

The classes are planned for Saltcoats, Irvine/Kilwinning, Ayr, Kilmarnock and Cumnock, and have been organised to operate around a busy working lifestyle.

They will take place three days a week for nine weeks before a final 'graduation' event on Sunday, May 19, at the South Beach Esplanade in Troon.

Coaches have been appointed to run all the classes and they're asking everyone interested in improving their health and fitness to come along to what is much more than a simple running group.

The classes are open to anyone of any ability, with the ultimate goal being to train up people who have little or no running experience to the point where they're able to complete a 5km run.

A group spokesperson said: "Coaches will support you every step of the way. We all start somewhere and the banter is first class too.

"It’s not just a running group, your team mates become close pals and feel like a family. C’mon, make 2024 your year!

"Don’t sit back saying you’d love to but can’t cause you can’t run, none of us could run before starting this program, you just have to trust the process. It might just change your life.

"We realise that there will be some days that people may not always be able to attend the meetings, however, the beauty with this program is that you can catch-up on a run yourself.

"There will be plenty of helpers to help you along your journey and we can’t wait to meet you all."

Group Details

Saltcoats

Taking place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6am. The meeting place has been set for the Aldi car park at The Braes.

Ayr

Taking place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.45am. The meeting place has been set for the Blackburn Road car park on Ayr Promenade.

Kilwinning/Irvine

Taking place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6am. The meeting place has been set for the top car park at Eglinton Park.

Kilmarnock

Taking place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.15am. The meeting place has been set for Howard Park at the Wallace Street entrance.

Cumnock (AM)

Taking place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.30am. The meeting place has been set for the Robert Burns Academy car park before moving to Dumfries House after week three.

Cumnock (PM)

Taking place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.45pm. The meeting place has been set for the Robert Burns Academy car park before moving to Dumfries House after week three.

Anyone wishing to join or take part in any of the groups can sign up or find out more via the 'FADS/FAMS C25K 2024' group on Facebook.