The Birmingham Walkathon is just weeks away, which means it’s time to start thinking about pounding the pavements in preparation for the big day.

Thankfully, organisation GoodGym is on hand to help, joining Walkathon as their official training partner so participants and volunteers can get step-ready for Sunday 2nd April.

GoodGym, which formed in 2010, is a group of runners, walkers, and cyclists who combine regular exercise with helping local communities. Starting out as a concept project in Tower Hamlets, GoodGym now has groups within 59 areas across the UK.

On Saturday 18th March, GoodGym will welcome walkers, volunteers and those who are looking to find out more about getting involved in the fundraising, on a training walk. The route will concentrate on the neighbouring streets that surround Rookery Park, one of two starting points for the 26 miles Walkathon route, delivering leaflets about the event. The team will also be answering questions about the Walkathon and a qualified personal trainer will be on hand to offer advice on how to get prepared.

The Walkathon, which originally started in 1983, is being brought back by Georgie Moseley of Help Harry Help Others and original event visionary, David Bagley, who was the former director of BRMB. The Walkathon will be raising much needed funds for Help Harry Help Others, Birmingham Children's Hospital, NSPCC Birmingham, Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid, All Making a Difference and Birmingham Mind.

Edward Field, Head of Growth and Partnerships at GoodGym, said "The Walkathon is an incredible event, bringing together people from all over Birmingham to raise money for some fantastic causes. GoodGym is thrilled to be the official training partner and the perfect way to do a bit more exercise while supporting the local community. I can't wait to see those thousands of feet raising thousands of pounds come the 2nd April."

Founder of Help Harry Help Others, Georgie Moseley, said “We’re delighted to partner up with GoodGym, an organisation who share so many of our values and beliefs in improving local communities and bringing people, within those communities, together. The support from such an impressive and inspirational team means a lot to us all at the Walkathon and we hope it gives people in the city a chance to see the fantastic work they do and to get involved.”

When: Saturday 18th March @ 10.30am - 12.00pm

Meeting: Path next to the sports pitches in the North-West of Rookery Park -  Western Road, Erdington, B24 9SE

Training route: 5k circulating the residential streets that surround Rookery Park

What: Delivering information leaflets to residents about plans for the Walkathon