Former boxer Tommy hopes TC60 Run Club will foster a feeling of community
Tommy Coyle is encouraging people to join in the free TC60 Run Club(Image: TC60 Hull)
Former Hull boxer Tommy Coyle says he will be “swapping gloves for decks” when he launches a new venture to better local people’s health and wellbeing. Tommy will be pumping out “the best rave tunes” from a specially-converted bicycle, as part of his latest venture.
From playing King Rat in pantomime at Bridlington last Christmas, Tommy has turned Pied Piper and will lead a band of people eager to boost their mental as well as physical health through the streets of the city on a 5K run, to the soundtrack of classic rave music. “Some people lack community in their life; some are lonely,” he said.
“Through this club I want to offer a sense of belonging to people.” Tommy is holding his first T60 Run Club event on Saturday, April 4.
It is entirely free to join in, and anyone who has the capability to run a 5K distance, at whatever speed, is invited to take part. Tommy is being helped in the initiative by Altus running club; Efectiv nutrition company and Petite Bakery, of Hessle.
“Once a month, you can get out and have a chat with people on a run. A problem shared is a problem halved,” said Tommy.
“I think if you’re strong enough to do 5K you’re old enough to take part. When you’re running along, you’ll be listening to music from the 80s, the 90s, some of the best rave tunes we all used to go out and listen to.
“We’ll set off from my TC60 gym at Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle, at 8.30am and then on the DJ box bike we’ve created, I’ll be leading everyone down Boothferry Road, music playing, and I think everyone will be running along, smiling and having a great time.”
Tommy said he felt there had been “such a spike” in mental health problems that he was inspired to create the free monthly club. “Not everyone can afford to join a gym,” he said.
“I thought this would help to build that feeling of community, it’s a run and rave club that everyone can enjoy. Our motto is nobody gets left behind, so we will have different pacemakers at the run.”
Tommy said participants would be able to access advice about running and wellbeing in general on the day; get tips on things such as supplements and hydration and after completing the 5K, they would be able to tuck into breakfast. “Petite Bakery is providing things like croissants, cinnamon buns and banana bread, to refuel,” Tommy said.
Around 70 people are booked on to the first TC60 Run Club session. “I hope I can build it to a 500-strong community,” said Tommy.
“I’m on the bike – DJ TC – swapping gloves for decks. I want it to be nostalgic.
“I want people to run, revisiting all the good times.”
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