A WEST FIFE running club is set to launch a new group that aims to help increase fitness in an inclusive environment – for free.

Carnegie Harriers, who are based in Dunfermline, have set up a new 'Couch to Carnegie' initiative, beginning tomorrow (Tuesday), that will run for eight weeks.

The beginner's running group, which will meet every Tuesday and Thursday for its duration, has been started with a view to welcoming anyone who has "enthusiasm and trainers" together to get fit, make friends and have fun, before being able to tackle a parkrun at the end of the programme.

Led by a Scottish Athletics-qualified leader, the inclusive and supportive sessions will see participants meet at Couch to Carnegie's own location, initially the Leys Park Road car park in Dunfermline.

After the first four weeks, the group will then carry on their sessions at the same venue as the main Carnegie Harriers runners – which will be in Dunfermline or Rosyth – with a view to introducing both gradually, letting the Couch to Carnegie members see how the club operates, with the hope that they may be inspired to join.

The programme concludes with a graduation on Saturday, March 25, at Dunfermline parkrun.

Anyone interested in attending can register, or find out more information, by emailing enquiries@carnegie-harriers.co.uk or by visiting the club's Facebook page, or their website, at www.carnegie-harriers.co.uk.

Meanwhile, the Harriers are also preparing to host one of the highlights of their calendar when their Devilla Forest Trail Races return next month.

Taking place on February 12, two races – over 15K (nine miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) – will be held, starting and finishing within the grounds of the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan.

The longer of the two follows a relatively flat, anti-clockwise loop of Devilla Forest, taking in a mix of forest roads, paths and tracks of varying width, skirting three lochs and going through a variety of sheltered woodland and open ground.

The 5K event, meanwhile, follows a relatively flat, anti-clockwise loop around the Moor Loch within Devilla Forest, mainly on forest roads.

The races begin at 11am and 11.05am respectively and, for more information, visit the Harriers' website.