Mark Novels – Chairman and Coach
About 45 years ago I competed in the county swimming championships and dabbled in cross country running and longer distance track running. Since then, I’ve had an on and off relationship with sporting activity. It wasn’t until my mid-50s, when an accumulation of excess weight prompted me to detox and take up running on a regular basis. I completed my first 10k race in 2021, surprisingly coming first in my age category and 16th overall. I went on to compete at several other distances and eventually joined HRC in March 2022. Since then, I’ve made some great friends and, with HRC coaching and support, I’ve improved my running, acquired a few PBs, and become a coach. HRC has done so much for me so it’s only fair I give something back.
Susan Marren – Secretary, Membership Secretary and DBS Verifier
Joe Winter – Treasurer
Kelly Mepham – Ladies Captain
Jack Tappin – Men’s Captain
I started running 20 years ago when a friend had the bad idea of doing a half marathon at university, and haven’t (figuratively – sometimes literally) stopped since. I prefer going far to going fast, and as if being bad at running isn’t enough for me, I decided to be bad at swimming and cycling too and become a triathlete. Doing several full distance triathlons is the pinnacle of my athletics “career”, and now I’d like to support more people into sport while mulling any more bad ideas for myself. Maybe a Channel swim one day…
I love sharing my passion for sport with others and seeing them develop, and I hope that in this role I’ll be able to do just that. I’ve got experience to offer advice and guidance where needed, though I may well try and sell the merits of triathlon too! I look forward to pounding the pavement with you shortly!
Sil Clay – Committee Member, Junior Section Lead and Coach
I have been running for a long time, covering all distances up to marathons and have been a member of HRC for nearly nine years. I am a Level 3 Endurance coach and lead coach to the Junior HRC section. I am also the coach for #RunAndTalk, something I resonate with. Running is one of the three cornerstones of my life. My husband, my two boys and running have seen me through thick and thin after a life changing illness. I run because I can and there simply isn’t anything I cannot find a solution to, once I lace up my running shoes!!
Tracy Pelling – Committee Member, Coach and Lead Welfare Officer
I ran with my Dad as a youngster. He would always joke that I had a stitch before I got out of the door! I stuck with it and ran at school and at Uni. When I was in my 20s and 30s I ran a little but kept fit generally doing dance, gym and yoga activities. In my 40s I took up running again and was encouraged by friends to join the club. My running times improved and I can now run longer with the encouragement of running buddies. I have met some lovely friends at the club and know that whatever pace I am running there will be a group and friends to encourage and keep me going.
I run because it keeps me fit, gets me outside and helps to calm my mind. It makes me smile.
My Dad still runs in his 70’s and is fit and healthy, job done!
Horace Shuriah – Committee Member and Coach
I joined the club in 2007 after getting an entry for London marathon for 2008 and have since competed in several distance races from 5k upwards, with my best achievement being the Grand Union Canal Race in 2018, which was made possible with support of the running club. I am also an England Athletics qualified run leader. I decided to be part of the committee so I can give support to the club and community who have supported me over the years.
Cheryl Trundle – Committee Member, Health and Safety Officer, and Coach
You’re never too old to try something new! With retirement in the near future and more time on my hands, someone from the running club suggested I come along to the beginner’s group, the equivalent of couch to 5K, as she thought I might enjoy it. At 59, and having done no serious exercise for about 30 years I was more than a little apprehensive but at least my knees and legs were in reasonable shape.
I LOVED IT.
Friendly people, structured sessions to ease you in gently and at your own pace, great support and a sense of achievement. I found out I was rather competitive and even managed to go at a reasonable speed over a variety of distances.
Beware, the running bug will take you in its grip. ‘I’ll never do a marathon’ translated into races from 5k upwards, to, you’ve guessed it, marathons. I even managed to pick up some ‘good for age’ awards on the way.
Runners the world over always find lots to talk about and experiences to share wherever they are, and its always good to give something back to those just setting out and to those who’ve been around a little bit longer.
Lynnette Garstang – Committee Member
I signed up to do a 5k charity run with my dog, but I realised I’d never run 5k before, my brother Carl encouraged me to sign up for the beginnings course starting in January 2017, a few months later I smashed the run with the dog. Since then I’ve run the London Landmarks half marathon 3 times as well as a few other races. I’m not a fast runner and I certainly don’t find running easy but I really love the buzz running gives.
Andy Gage – Committee Member
Stephen Reyes – Committee Member and Beginners Run Leader
Steve Oglesby – Committee Member, Welfare Officer and Coach
Non-committee roles
Suzanne Pattinson – Club Welfare Officer
James Minnette – Club Welfare Officer and Coach
Veronica Lewis – Junior Membership Secretary
Hayley Wilson – Head Coach and Race Director (Suffolk Winter XC Series)
Andrew Bell – Race Director (Summer 5K Series)
Matt Cowell – Club Shop
Ian Elden – Race Results (incl. Club Champs)
Grace Judge – Race Results (PBs League)
Contact Us
General inquiries should be directed through the Club Secretary, but any committee member is happy to help you!