Ailsa Nelder

I saw an advert on FB saying a new club was going to be put together in Essington so I went on the very first EHRC run with a handful of people to see if I could do it.

The club was then officially set up and I’m still here lol.

Q & As My Races

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Stafford Half

What advice would you give a new runner?

Keep going you’ll get there

What’s your proudest running achievement?

PB Stafford Half 1:53

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

I’m awesome.
Love DIY and commercial aircraft.

What are your pre-race rituals?

No Beer

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Beer and scratchins

What future race ambitions do you have?

What are your favourite running shoes?

Brooks

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

Drew Allen

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Member: Vice Woman’s Captain

I have always been into sport, doing hockey and GCSE sport at school. I started running, by just about, completing a few ParkRuns and then joining the Harriers in 2019.

My run journey really started in lockdown when there was nothing else to do! Tammy dragged me out for the ‘one outdoor activity a day’ and from there, when things started getting back to normal I signed up to many races! Going from 5k, to 10k, to half marathon, and now marathons (mind blown). I have now completed 2 out of the 6 majors. On to the next…

Drew Allen, Member 2019, Member 2020, Member 2021, Member 2022, Member 2023, Run Leader

Q & As My Races My 2022

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Its got to be the New York Marathon,
The people, the place, the crowd!

What advice would you give a new runner?

You can do it !!

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Running my first marathon

What running kit do you use?

Body glide

What one thing should people know about you?

I don’t like running on my own

What are your pre-race rituals?

Having a wee multiple times

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Everything I see

What future race ambitions do you have?

Complete The Abbott World Marathon Majors

What are your favourite running shoes?

Nike

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

I have been in a function band since I was 14, playing weddings and festivals. I play the bass, double bass (like a very big violin), and sing.

My Races

No posts

2022 Runner Review

Dave Poynton

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Member: Vice Men’s Captain

As a way of losing weight I did a couch to 5k on a treadmill in my kitchen as I was very self conscious about my appearance. Once I’d started losing weight I gained enough confidence to venture outside and found parkrun which was an absolute game changer ! This lead to me joining another local running club before I tried Essington Harriers on the recommendation of friends.

Have to say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s a fantastic club with a broad range of abilities and everyone is welcomed and no one is ever left behind. Since joining Harriers I’ve achieved my ambition of running a marathon .. or two !

This was once again made possible by the unbelievable support shown by the club. I really wouldn’t want to anywhere else as I enjoy my running here so much.

Q & As My Races My 2021

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

London landmarks half marathon. An amazing event with unbelievable support and a lovely goodie bag !

What advice would you give a new runner?

Enjoy the journey!

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Completing a virtual marathon

What running kit do you use?

The right pair of socks!

What one thing should people know about you?

When I was very young i once auditioned for the Saturday morning kids tv show TISWAS ! Before my voice broke I used to do impressions. Never made it on to the show as they chose a ballerina girl.

What are your pre-race rituals?

None

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Energy bar

What future race ambitions do you have?

I’d love to compete in the London marathon one day

What are your favourite running shoes?

Mizuno

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

A year which saw me continue to enjoy my role as Run Director and running at parkrun upon its resumption culminating in a few pb’s along the way

Thankfully more ups than downs mainly down to friends on lockdown runs and club members when we were all back together.

Highlights :

Scarborough 10k
My award
Stafford Half
Alton Towers.
Running 1000 miles

Scarborough 10k: Although there’s nothing particularly standout about this race it allowed me to travel up and see my brother for the first time in nearly two years

Delighted to voted Runner of the year by members.

Stafford just because it’s a lovely run with a great turnout from the club.

Alton Towers was all about the rides ! The rides afterwards were just amazing and we all had just the best time with lots of laughter.

To reach 1000 miles gave me a focus with all that was going on around us. Absolutely thrilled to finally hit my target.

Looking forward : To continue being healthy enough to run with such a fantastic and supportive club with an amazing group of people ……. oh and maybe a Marathon x

Gary Jenkins

Member of Essington Harriers since 20021
Run Leader

Starting running in 1984. Joined Sneyd Striders as I went to school at Sneyd. First race was Walsall Half Marathon in 1985. Raining and finished on the cobbles under the Overstrand. Carnage!!

Left Striders early ’90 and went to Wolverhampton and Bilston.
Member of Aldridge RC for a few years mid / late 90’s, then a break until 2005.

Dave Poynton got me to join EHRC after much nagging and it is without doubt the best club I have been a part of. The whole ethos / values of the club are spot on

Q & As My Races

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Getting back on the start line for the London Marathon after 17 years.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Don’t look at the watch, just enjoy it

What’s your proudest running achievement?

New York City Marathon. Unreal experience for so many reasons. First did it as a 20 year old (No Dave Poynton, there weren’t any dinosaurs!).

What running kit do you use?

Long short. Fat thighs!!

What one thing should people know about you?

One of the RD’s at Chasewater parkrun. Previously did the same at Walsall Arbo.

What are your pre-race rituals?

I tend to get there very early

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Weetabix and a banana

What future race ambitions do you have?

Manchester Marathon 2024. Very proud to help Phil Mew with this after his disappointment, but brave decision last year.
It will also be my daughter, Emily’s first marathon too.
Would like to do Loch Ness marathon at some stage

What are your favourite running shoes?

Hoka Gaviota

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

I have managed to get away with blowing my nose on Dave Poynton’s Wolves shirt without him knowing!

My Races

No posts

Gemma Spooner

Member of Essington Harriers since 2021

Runner Intro

Q & As My Races My 2021 My 2022

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

2022 Runner Review

2022 Runner Review

Debbie Sherman

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019

Runner Intro

Q & As My Races

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

Adam Riddle

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Member: Treasurer

When i started with the harriers i wanted to grow my friends in the local area, lose some weight and become healthier.

Adam Riddle, Member 2019, Member 2020, Member 2021, Member 2022, Member 2023

Q & As My Races

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Im not a racer but i take part in the odd one! Stafford relays was a great evening out!

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

Im a big fan of football! Many of you see me down molineux most weekends – but if im not there, im on a plane somewhere!

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

When i started with the harriers i wanted to grow my friends in the local area, lose some weight and become healthier.
Been aiming for 10K for a while!

My Races

No posts

Chris Dodd

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019.

Q & As My Races My 2021 My 2022

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

VLM40

What advice would you give a new runner?

Be consistent

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Great North Run PB

What running kit do you use?

New Balance

What one thing should people know about you?

I’m always up for a laugh

What are your pre-race rituals?

Warm-up dance

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Peanut butter on toast and hydration drink then protein shake and banana

What future race ambitions do you have?

Marathon PB 3.30

What are your favourite running shoes?

Brooks

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

2022 Runner Review

2022 Runner Review

Lisa Hickman

Member of Essington Harriers since 2020
Committee Member
Lear Welfare Officer

I started running C25K just before lockdown. I had been trying to motivate myself for ages. I then met an old friend who had been diagnosed with a very serious illness & yet were so motivated to stay well & live each day to the full. It made me realise good health is a blessing & I should count myself lucky that I get to choose to keep fit & active. It gave me the kick up the backside I needed.

Running kept me sane through lockdown. I was so glad to have made that effort. I ran regularly but always on my own.

I then saw a post about EHRC & joined when I could. I have had the best time over the last 3 years with them. I have never met such a great bunch of people.

Lisa Hickman, Member 2020, Member 2021, Mental Health Champion

Q & As My Races My 2020 My 2021 My 2022

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

My 1st 1/2 marathon in Stafford 2022. I never thought I would ever run that far & it was a brilliant feeling on the day.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Run for you. Commit & do what feels right to you.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Stafford 1/2

What running kit do you use?

Jelly babies

What one thing should people know about you?

I never back down from a challenge.

What are your pre-race rituals?

Try to sleep well & have everything ready for an early start.

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Porridge & coffee (or Peroni if I’m not driving)

What future race ambitions do you have?

I’m looking forward to Benidorm 1/2 marathon

What are your favourite running shoes?

Now trying Brooks

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

This club is fantastic. It welcomes you & offers you real friendship.

My Races

No posts

2020 Runner Review

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Yet to attempt a race. Managed a Park Run pre lockdown.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Enjoy your running. Do it your way.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

10k with the Harriers. These guys got me there without me even noticing. I had never thought I would run so far.

What future race ambitions do you have?

Just to try one. Lockdown has not let me even attempt one.

What are your favourite running shoes?

Asics

What running kit do you use?

Strava so I know what I have achieved.

What one thing should people know about you?

I enjoy good chats.

2021 Runner Review

2022 Runner Review

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

The Santa Run 2021 West Park. You can find the photos on the facebook page. Funniest time with such lovely people.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Give it a shot. What’s the worst that can happen? Everyone had bad runs. But the coffee & company at the end is worth it.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Chester 10k 2021 1st race ever

What running kit do you use?

Hybrid Sainsburys to Adidas

What one thing should people know about you?

If you come on one of my runs, we will probably get lost.

What are your pre-race rituals?

Just learning them now. Tell you next year 🙂

What are you pre & post race snacks?

See above. But Jelly Babies & Haribos are becoming my new favourite snack.

What future race ambitions do you have?

1/2 marathon I said I would never do. Attempt at sub 60 min 10k

What are your favourite running shoes?

Asics