MARATHON mum Samantha Amend has set her sights on yet another Marlow challenge – getting couch potatoes up and running again.

The long-distance runner – who was ranked 13th in the UK in 2009 – is launching jogging groups at Higginson Park.

The mother of-two will be running an impressive three sessions a week – and has not ruled out expanding her fledging undertaking.

“The purpose of the new running group is to help people that might need some encouragement to get fit, without a huge expense,” explained Mrs Amend, 31.

“There are lots of people that like the idea of running but are maybe afraid or intimidated to run alone or question where to start.” “It aims to get people out running in a social environment and make new friends in the process.”

The irrepressible athlete only took up running four years ago but finished this year’s London Marathon in well under three hours.

She regularly covers more than 120 miles a week as part of her distance training – and she even has one eye on competing in the 2012 Olympics.

The Marlow sessions will include learning warm-up techniques, interval training, hill work and endurance building.

The scheme is in partnership with Reactivate Bucks and Run in England.

The sessions will take place on Monday and Friday mornings at 10-11am, as well as Monday evening from 6.30pm.

Contact Mrs Amend on 07764 655810 or email sammi_hudson@hotmail.com for more information.