Club La Santa UK and The Running Channel joined forces to send one lucky winner on a dream active holiday to the world’s number one sports resort, Club La Santa in Lanzarote!

We spoke to competition winner, Cara Bills, who will be jetting off to the Canary Islands in June for the ultimate seven-night stay in sporting paradise. We caught up with Cara find out how running has changed her life and what she is most looking forward to ahead of her stay at Club La Santa!

How did you feel when you found out that you’d been chosen as the winner of the Club La Santa and Running Channel Competition?

I was so excited! I never win anything, so it was such a nice surprise and made my entire week! I’m also a big fan on the Running Channel, I watch a lot of their videos where they share super helpful running tips and advice, so this was really exciting to win.

Have you heard of Club La Santa before?

I have seen Club La Santa before on Instagram, but I’ve never been, so I’m very excited to visit. I’ve been doing some more research into Club La Santa and the running facilities in particular look amazing – it’s like my dream holiday!

I’m really excited to take part in the organised group runs and meeting other like-minded people. I’m also looking forward to  taking part in the weekly running competitions! I’m going to book a running technique analysis while I’m out there. Having expert coaches to assess my form and give me advice on how to improve will really help.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your running journey.

I live up near Manchester in the Peak District and I started running back in 2019. I left University when I was 19 years-old with anorexia and I struggled with an eating disorder for quite a number of years. Eventually I realised that I needed something to help channel my negative thoughts, and running has provided that for me.

My first ever run was not very successful. I managed to run for about 10 minutes and was out of breath, but there was something about the sense of achievement that came with it, of pushing myself that made me want to continue. I persisted with it and within 4 months of running I entered my first 10k race. From then my love for running just grew.

What does running mean to you?

Running has given more than I could’ve ever imagined. It’s made me realise that I’m capable of a lot more than I thought. I love how supportive the running community is, which I’ve experienced through taking part in races and park runs, but ultimately running has been so good for my head. The feeling that I get after finishing a run, nothing beats that – it’s better than therapy.

What are your running goals for 2024?

My main goal is to get closer to a 45-minute 10k and to beat my PB from last year which is 47:23. Also for my marathons this year I’d love to get a sub 4:30 time. The past marathons that I’ve run I’ve been more focused on just enjoying the experience, but this year I’d like to try and push myself for a time. Hopefully my training at Club La Santa will help!