RECORD numbers of people are joining running clubs in the West Midlands as the region aims to shed its title of “fattest place in Europe.”

Bournville Harriers, which was founded by six friends in 2001, has this year seen its membership increase to more than 200.

In Dudley, membership enquiries have doubled since the New Year.

In Lichfield, the annual 10k road race now attracts more than 1,000 people.

The trend is in stark contrast to the findings of the Association of Public Health Observatories, which named the West Midlands as the fattest region in the European Union, with 29 percent of adults classed as obese.

Dr Jennifer Cumming, a sports and exercise psychologist at the University of Birmingham, said: “There is a condition called ‘runners high’. The rhythm of the movement along with the cardiovascular based activity leads to people feeling revitalised or even euphoric.

“People will then look to replicate and repeat that feeling by doing more runs.”

The popularity of the Birmingham Half Marathon, which last year saw 14,000 entrants take part, has led to more Brummies signing up for events such as the New York Marathon, held three weeks later.

Brendan Fox, of Sports Tours International, said: “We have around 1,200 guaranteed places for the New York Marathon in November and we are finding more of these are being filled from people in the West Midlands.”

Steve James, chairman of Bournville Harriers, said: “There is a new wave of running clubs with more people looking for the participation and enjoyment aspect, not just the performing and competing side.”

Mail Journalist Paul Bradley talks of plans to run the New York Marathon with Sports Tours International >>>>>