Stopsley Striders Presentation Awards 2022
The Stopsley Striders Awards night was held on 5th March 2022.
The Return of our Annual Awards
This is an opportunity to celebrate our running achievements across the year of 2021.
Awards will be given for age category runners, improvements, special achievements and performances.
We will also recognise runners with some really important awards such as the Rosa Trophy (voted by members), the Bill Barrett Awards and the Ken Abbott Award.
Thanks to Tessa Neal for taking the photo’s. They can be viewed in the gallery.
Senior – Female
This Strider has achieved amazing results in the short time they have been bitten by the running bug.
In the past year they have reported PB after PB, across all distances but it is the longer distance where significant improvements have been achieved: Hatfield 5 mile, Hitchin 10k and the most exciting of all the London Marathon.
This Strider is always happy to help, always supportive at the club, with individual runners and at parkrun, recently taking on the challenge at Pacer Weeks.
I would say the greatest achievement for this Strider is the 58 min PB for the London Marathon….yes that is nearly an hour off the 2020 time. That is outstanding running, and her dedication to training week on week despite the rain, snow, and heat waves we saw last year is the reason behind her success. This is truly an amazing result for someone who has only been running a couple of years.
On top of this she also part of our ever-growing Buggy Club and became a first time mum in 2019, and is now part of the Strider committee to help the club successfully move forward in these challenging times.
I am so proud of her achievements and to run alongside her, when I can keep up that is! Huge congratulations and here’s to our next adventure but please let it be less than 26.2 miles though.
A very well-deserved recipient for this Senior Female Award, well done Kate Mutter
Senior – Male
The Senior Man Award for 2021 goes to someone who only joined our club in 2018 and has only been running for 5 years.
This year he has gone from strength to strength competing in some extraordinary races including IRONMAN UK which was a personal goal he had set himself to complete before he was 35 which he completed in 14 hours 33 minutes and 29seconds, the Conquer 24 which was a 24hours race where he ran 85miles as a solo competitor in 20hours 56minutes and 31seconds, and The Great Hertfordshire AONB ultra marathon where he came 2nd over the 50km distance in a personal best time of 5 hours 27minutes and 40seconds to name just 3.
As well as the longer distance and endurance events he is also continuing to push himself over the shorter distances gaining personal bests at both the Marston 5km in a time of 21minutes and 21seconds which was very apt for 2021 and the Hitchin 10km where he pb’d with a time of 42 minutes and 18seconds.
This Strider has not only had a very successful year himself but has also been a great support to other members of the club including being cheer squad at several events including the London marathon for his wife.
He is now taking on the role of Leader in Running Fitness to continue supporting those around him whilst continuing to find new challenges for himself for 2022.
This years Senior Male Award goes to Shaun Mutter
Vet – Female
This Strider has had a very busy running year and it has been great to see her going from strength to strength.
She’s competed at the Mk Rocket, Dorney and Hitchin 5K’s, the Herts, St. Alban’s and Love Luton 10K’s, the Hatfield 5 Mile race, the Dorney and Bedford Half Marathons, the virtual Edinburgh and real London Marathons. All of this whilst maintaining a demanding regime of socializing and eating out.
This Veteran Female Award deservedly goes to Calista Strange
Vet – Male
This man has been running with the club for a couple of years now and 2021 was by far his best year.
He achieved PBs in every distance he raced! The 5K at Hitchin, 10K at St Albans, our 10 Mile trail run and the London Marathon.
He even took on a brand new challenge by completing his first Ultra Marathon.
The Vet Man of the year is Mark Smith
Super Vet – Female
This lady has gone from strength to strength over the last year, with one PB after another.
She ran a PB at the Marston 5K in a time of 25.13, followed by one at the Stopsley 10 mile race, which was since bettered by 7 mins earlier this year at the Fred Hughes 10 miler.
She also took 5 mins off her 10K time at the Love Luton event and followed it up with another PB at the Hatfield 5 in November.
She is a mainstay of the Tuesday night track sessions at Stockwood Park, always one of the first on the list to attend and I think it is no surprise the results she has achieved with the hard effort and dedication put into her running.
She has also taken on the role as Ladies Club Captain with great enthusiasm, quick to encourage others and leading by example.
The Super Vet Lady for 2021 is Ruth Doyle
Super Vet – Male
In 2021 this Strider has taken part in 21 races including a marathon in 3 hours 7 minutes. He has achieved an age group PB in 5k, 5 mile, 10 mile and a half marathon distance, and is currently running at 75% in his age grading which is a fantastic achievement in itself.
He is also a regular coach at track on a Tuesday, encouraging us all when he sprints past taking part in his own sessions.
A thoroughly deserved award.
Well done to our Super Vet Male Gez Fallon.
Super Great Vet – Female
This lady has been a member of the club for over 30 years and in that time has completed all the distances from 5k up to a Marathon.
Over the past year this lady has participated in several virtual events to keep herself fit including completed the Lands End to John O’Groats virtual challenge and back again in 13 months as well as doing a 10k Summer Solstice run starting at 5am to complete.
During the past year when races have been slowly opening up this lady has completed in several races during the year in which she has been in the 1st 3 in her age category including 2 1st at Hatfield 5m at Bovingdon, and the Knebworth 10k , and 2nd at the Love Luton 10k, Hatfield 5m at Hatfield and London Vitality 10000.
The Super Great Vet Lady for 2021 is Pamela Abbitt.
Super Great Vet – Male
This person has long been an integral member of Stopsley Striders, held various committee positions and loves to race. When he dons his red and black Striders vest, it always brings out his competitive side.
His recent return to racing after some health treatments, have shown that despite his advancing years, his competitive spirit is still alive and this was evident during August and September when he competed in the Standalone 10K and Hitchin 5K. His finish time for Standalone was 54:38 and for Hitchin 5K was 26:50, also winning him the 1st Male Vet 70 award.
The Super Great Male Vet Award goes to Dave Debnam
Performance Award
This lady is a popular member of the club, friendly, approachable for a chat or advice and also can be a very competitive runner. When the lockdown restrictions started to ease and Striders started to meet at Inspire car park for small group runs, she could often been seen leading groups of runners out.
Being the driven person this lady is, she persevered to return to racing once they started to reappear on the calendar and put in some good race performances. One of these was in the Marston 5K in July where she came 1st in the 55-64 age category with a finishing time of 26:02.
This Improvement Award goes to Karen Ashby
Performance Award
This Performance Award goes to a lady who had a tough start to 2021 but is now returning to the type of form we have come to expect from her.
She was the first lady home at the Love Luton 10K with a time of 41.48, 17th overall and smashing the club V45 record at the same time which had stood since 2010.
She followed that performance up recently by finishing 4th overall in the Beds AAA County Cross Country Championships and 1st V45 Female, skipping and gliding her way through the hilly and muddy course with her customary smile on her face.
This Performance Award goes to Christine Lathwell.
Performance Award
This Performance Award goes to a man who has been a mainstay at the club for a number of years, always performing at an extremely high level and setting standards for others to aspire to.
After a few niggling injuries earlier in 2021, he set a goal of not just running but competing at the Love Luton 10K and completed it in a great time of 43.00 mins, the 2nd Strider home and the 1st in his age category of V60. He also beat a certain Nathan Jones along the way.
This Performance Award goes to John Chapman.
Performance Award
This Strider has had another incredible year.
He achieved a new club V35 half marathon record at the Herts Half in an astonishing time of 1hour 15minutes and 28seconds.
On top of this he also proved he is the fastest man to run the North Chiltern Trail by setting a new fastest known time, unsupported, over the 66.8 km route in an incredible time of 5 hours 30 mins and 1 second, shaving nearly 3 minutes off the previous FKT.
If that wasn’t enough, he also set a new 100 mile PB at the Lakeland 100 in a time of 21hours 41minutes and 11seconds and completed the world’s toughest mountain race, The Montane Dragon’s Back, for the second time coming in 12th in a time of 63 hours 6 minutes and 6seconds.
This extremely well deserved Performance Award goes to Robert Barnes.
Performance Award
This Strider has really grown in confidence as a club coach. His sessions are always well thought out and take into account all abilities. They are always varied and can really push you to improve your running.
He also contributes to our annual Alf Brown Handicap race by being the main administrator on race day, making sure that the race runs smoothly and that runners run at the right time.
As well as this he has had a good race season, running in many races with his wife and wearing his vest with pride.
His standout performance this year was coming 1st in his age category at the Love Luton 10K in a great time of 60 mins 39 secs.
This Performance Award goes to Phil Abbitt.
Improvement Award
This Striders regular had two running goals in 2021 – to compete at the London Marathon and to improve her marathon time.
She trained hard, juggling family time and fitting her training around her career as an NHS key worker.
As part of her training, she achieved a PB at the Bedford 20 mile race, and indeed, did succeed in getting a PB at the London Marathon.
This Improvement Award goes to Dawn Boon.
Improvement Award
This young chap is a veteran of the 2019 Beginners Course and is a regular at both track and club socials.
This year he’s knocked just under 4 minutes off his 10K time, achieved a personal best at the Hatfield 5 mile race and, at the age of 71, ran his first half-marathon.
This Improvement Award goes to Denis Rowley.
Improvement Award
This Strider is a dedicated club runner who had an outstanding 2021, notching up four PBs.
His achievements were running a time of 21.45 at the Hitchin 5k, 36.08 at the Hatfield 5 mile, 45.42 at the Beds AAA 10k and a brilliant time of 1.41.11 at the Luton Half Marathon.
We all know how he loves running up hills, he clearly loves the rain as well.
This Improvement Award goes to Ian Pitkin.
Improvement Award
This lady, a former graduate of our beginner’s course, has shown everyone at the club her great improvement throughout the year in both times run and distances achieved with personal bests from 5km to the marathon, recording an excellent maiden time of 5:18:39 at Dorney Lake marathon!
We are very lucky to have this lady at our club.
It is my pleasure to present this Performance Award to Jill Bywaters.
Improvement Award
This Strider has shown that with hard work and dedication it’s amazing what you can achieve in your running journey.
He recorded 8 personal bests from 5km to Half Marathon.
One of those personal bests was at the St Albans 10km and he then went on to break this time twice more in the coming months and in doing so took 4 minutes off his time with a new excellent mark of 52.34 at the Bedford 10km back in July!
It is my pleasure to present this Performance Award to Sam Whaley.
Improvement Award
This man is a true inspiration of a runner, he has lost a tremendous amount of weight in the last few years and times have tumbled in his wake with personal best in both the distances of 5KM and 10KM.
An avid parkrunner and tourist is a credit to our club and who is always willing to help support his fellow club members!
It gives me the great honour to present this Improvement Award to Martin Ball
Improvement Award
This runner is a comparative newcomer to running, she has progressed from our beginners course to running marathons.
At the start of 2021 year she had a foot injury and was not able to train or run. Despite this injury she made a recovery and started running again.
She went on to complete several runs from 5k to a marathon. Her time for the Bedford 20 mile run was 4hrs:27mins and 5hrs:16mins for the virtual London Marathon at Dornay Lake, both of these times were impressive. This runner deserves recognition for the progress they have made.
This recipient of Strider’s Improvement Award is Claire Bracey
Improvement Award
This runner is a graduate of the Strider’s beginner’s course.
2021 has been an outstanding year of running achievements from 5k to Half Marathon. She completed the Kempton Park Half Marathon in a time of 2hrs 21mins and the London landmark Half Marathon in 2hrs 37mins. In addition to this she completed Halloween walking marathon.
She has trained exceptionally well to improve her running and has achieved her ambition to run a sub 30 minute 5k parkrun, which she accomplished in November 2021.
After a year of excellent progress this recipient of Strider’s Improvement Award is Theresa Gunnell.
Improvement Award
This runner is a graduate of the Strider’s beginner’s course. In 2021 she set herself a target of not only completing the London Marathon but also supporting others in training and raising sponsorship for the event. As part of her preparation for the Marathon she completed several runs including the Bedford 20 mile run in a time of 4hrs 11mins. She completed the London Marathon in 5hrs 16 mins, which is an excellent achievement.
This recipient of Strider’s Improvement Award is Hilary Blessing.
Improvement Award
This Strider improved their running in the last year despite coping with family upset and personal issues. With inner strength and the support of her running family she gradually returned to running with outstanding results. Again, another new runner who has achieved so much in the past year.
From winning the Alf in what seems like years ago to supporting her fellow striders train for their marathons. Always happy to help, whether that is a lift to a race, a car share to training, setting the pace for a jeff round Luton or just general merriment within the running family.
In 2021 this Strider ran her first marathon, not because it was on her bucket list but to support her fellow runners. With the attitude of I’m doing the long run training, I may as well do the actual event, she completed her first, and I’m regularly informed her last marathon.
With huge congratulations and well done on the past 12 months, this Improvement Award goes to Tracy Macdonald.
Improvement Award
This Strider does so much for the club I have no idea how they still fit in their own runs, but somehow they do.
Often seen at club night, track, races and parkrun (although often now on child duty) he is always a great ambassador for the club.
In 2021 not only did this Strider get their fastest 10k time for some years at the Love Luton race, but they earned themselves an age-group PB.
This Improvement Award goes to Thomas Darby.
Special Award
This Strider amazes me. She has been racing so well, like many of our club, but when you consider that she has usually been there for several hours when we all arrive, getting it all set up for us and then has to clear up after we all leave the performances are outstanding.
Not only this but she arranged our ATW race discount (thank you) and manages our social media.
This Special Award, our congratulations and thanks goes to Nadia Hall.
Special Award
During the last two years, as we all know only too well, it has been difficult to maintain any sort of normality due to the lockdowns caused by the Covid 19 epidemic.
Striders were unable to use our regular home at Inspire because of it being closed to everyone. We are a social running club, who also enjoy our twice weekly meet up for a run and a chat and without this there was a real danger that the heart of our club could weaken. It would have been easy to sit back and ride out the problem but the club committee of 2020/21, led by Thom Darby, investigated and implemented alternative ways for the members of the club to keep in touch and be kept informed with what was happening behind the scenes through social media and other methods. When circumstances allowed, small get togethers for social runs and some fun competitions were arranged with members encouraged to take part so that we all would have a common bond.
These actions kept the core of Striders alive and enabled the club to still be in a strong position now that we are emerging from lockdown and allowed to meet as a club once again.
This Special Award goes to the members of the 2020/21 Committee
Special Award
This Strider stepped forward when the club needed volunteers the most. At a very challenging AGM and when the club needed people to come forward to help it get back on its feet, this member cam forward to support the club.
She became a very supportive member of the committee, putting in time and effort into much of the club communication that occurred during 2021 and supporting other committee members in helping the club move forward. Many of the graphics you saw on social media were put together by this Strider and helped our message become more cohesive and coherent.
This Special Award goes to Vicki Crowston.
Special Award
This Strider stood up when the club needed volunteers the most. At a very challenging AGM, and when the club needed people to come forward to help it get back on its feet, this member came forward to support the club.
She quickly became a vocal member of the committee showing skills that are required to help the club move forward. Since this moment she has taken on more responsibility and given many hours to ensure that the club can run smoothly.
This goes alongside also being a coach and fitting in somewhere her own running.
This Special Award goes to Maria Petts.
Special Award
These Striders come as a pair, a bit like gin and tonic or a glass of good wine and . . . another glass of good wine!
They have had a hell of a year! They took on the charity fundraising for 2020-21, supporting Action for Children, and threw themselves into a variety of imaginative ways to raise money and bring people together, often having to deal with changing rules and regulations along the way. From the wonderful Treasure Trails around Stopsley and Wardown Park, the bingo and Run the Rainbow challenges, Zoom socials, raffles and the Alf Brown Relay plus the much postponed and long awaited Bingo Night.
As part of their fundraising they also both took on the London Marathon but decided this wasn’t a big enough challenge! With a variety of postponed races also lining up they developed their October Running Pyramid (a bit wonky!) and over 6 weeks ran:
London Marathon (26.2 miles)
Royal Parks Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Great South Run (10 miles)
Luton Wardown parkrun (3.1 miles)
Love Luton 10k (6.2 miles)
Reading Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
In total they raised £3600 for Action for Children during a pandemic!
And in amongst all of this they initiated, and continue to support, the Stopsley Steppers group. A walking group that allows Striders who may not be in a position to run for whatever reason to still get out in a group as part of the club.
This Special Award goes to the two very special, and slightly bonkers Striders Liz Evans and Amanda Rankin
Special Award
I’m sure this Strider didn’t expect to be challenged quite so much when she took on fundraising for the club charity at the end of 2019. After a few months of ‘normal’ fundraising and with quizzes and raffles in the pipeline it all got a bit complicated!
I think this would have stopped most people but not this Strider. A whole variety of virtual challenges were dreamt up and fundraising continues.
The first was the 100 Mile Charity Relay Challenge which connected us, via Whatsapp and some decent team rivalry, when life was very disconnected.
We also had the 2020 Virtual Challenge, the 5p collecting jars and a variety of online raffles.
Overall £3000 was raised for Autism Bedfordshire plus a sum from the Challenge relay for NHS Charities – an amazing amount in a challenging year.
This Special Award goes to Valerie Dawson
Special Award
This Strider moved away a while ago but continues to represent the club on every occasion, both in races local to her where she is often #1st Strider Home and in races over here.
She also turns up to club nights, track and coached sessions whenever she is visiting, took part in the 10 mile club championship race over the summer and was one of the Team Captains for the 2020-21 Virtual Cross Country Challenge – leading from afar.
This Special Award goes to Donna Wiggett.
Special Award
This man started out as beginner level runner in 2018 but by 2019 had set himself a challenge of running 84 miles across three counties in just three days.
Unfortunately due to injury and then a global pandemic this goal was put on hold.
In 2021 it was all systems go and he finally got to complete the challenge and bring home that well earned medal.
This Special Award goes to Sanjay Roy
Special Award
Out of the many Marathons this Strider has run, this one must have been the hardest.
It was in the heat of the Berlin Marathon, and at around the 11th mile she slipped on a bottle and managed to dislocate her shoulder. Others would have ended the run at that point, but this Strider showed resilience and determination to go on and complete the marathon.
She was on for a pb but, had to run/walk to get to the finish line, in still a respectable time of 5h 20m 27s. Amazingly still smiling at the end, she was able to collect her 4th Star for the Abbots World Marathon Majors.
Very well done.
This Special Award goes to Carly Eaves
Special Award
This Strider has only been a member for 3 years but has been a keen member who regularly attended club sessions including track.
2021 was a very frustrating year for this Strider as after getting injured during marathon training, fairly early in, he seeked help and advice from others to ensure he was race ready for the Manchester Marathon which was taking place on the 10th October 2021.
He did lots of cross training to build the strength back in his knee and started to feel things were heading in the right direction. After doing some gentle training runs in the build up to the marathon it was looking like it was all going to be ok.
On the day, the race started well and the first 9 miles was looking good and on pace. However, at around 10miles the injury reared its ugly head and this Strider had to dig deep.
After giving it everything he had and determined to complete the race, this strider pushed on and managed to complete the Manchester Marathon despite getting injured in a fantastic time of 4hours 59mintes and 20seconds.
This Special Award goes to the very determined Eammon Deavanne.
Special Award
This person has been an active member of the club on the committee for over 10 years in the past before handing over their responsibilities to someone else, but this doesn’t mean they have stopped helping the club in the background since being a committee member.
This has included advice and guidance to past and present committee with valuable feedback as well as helping in club events such as the Alf Brown and the Cross Country.
For all this work in the background contributing to the club over the past years this Special Award goes to Chris McLaren.
Special Award
This Strider spends most of his time living abroad, but being in a foreign city 650 miles away does not deter him from taking part in club events.
He searches out suitable routes in both distance and elevation and this has allowed him to take part in the Alf Brown Relay and the cross country challenges, keeping him very much involved in the club.
When he is back he supports the club running the Luton Half Marathon and the cross country with Dunstable, he also attends club and track nights.
This Special Award goes to Gary Fowler.
Special Award
This guy deserves this award for his sheer grit and determination to achieve his goal.
After not having the easiest time this year he pulled it out the bag in Portugal to complete a full Ironman in 15 hours and 2 minutes. This also included him physically picking up his bike and throwing it during the race, fortunately not breaking it, then being sent on his way by a couple spectating the race after calming him down. Personally I am so proud of you.
This Special Award goes to Martin Smith
Special Award
This Strider has been an invaluable member of Striders. During lockdown he worked tirelessly sorting out the quizzes for our quiz nights on zoom. He proved to be an excellent quizmaster, we will always remember him playing the tunes we had to guess on his kazoo.
He then went on to lead a walk run group when we were able to be back together simply because he saw the need and could help.
He achieved an age group PB at Bedford for his 5k distance and has secured us a Striders 20% discount at Old School Pantry for breakfast on Tues, Wed and Thursdays. Fantastic.
This Special Award goes to Charles Nelis
Bill Barrett Award – Female
This lady has had a great year of running putting in hours of training to complete 3 marathons.
She completed in a virtual one taking herself to Edinburgh, then a walking one soon after followed by the London Marathon in 5 hours and 6 minutes.
She has picked up some injuries but is taking it easy and is now back running with us.
A thoroughly lovely lady who is very encouraging and motivating to other members including me.
You really deserve this Bill Barrett Award Calista Strange.
Bill Barrett Award – Male
The Bill Barrett Award goes to a Strider who is an exceptional runner over all distances but this is for an exceptional run.
This Strider has completed two exceptional runs – he came second in the Great Herts AONB Ultra 50km race and he took part in the Conquer 24, where he ran 85 miles in just under 21 hours.
Proving that there are no lengths to which a man will go to avoid housework, this Bill Barrett Award goes to Shaun Mutter.
Ken Abbott Award
This lady is an amazing runner.
After months away due to illness, she reappeared supporting her daughter (who has inherited mums talent) and then was back at parkrun showing us just how resilient and talented she is.
We’ve already heard tonight how well she has been racing, but we should also recognise how supportive she is of other runners which made her a wonderful Ladies Captain in the past.
We are so happy to see you back doing so well at something you love.
This Ken Abbott Award goes to Christine Lathwell
Ken Abbott Award
This lady has been a member of Striders for many years but has had rough couple of years due to illness.
For this she underwent prolonged treatment which she found hard at times and found quite draining. She never lost the desire to get back her fitness and back to the club to run with her friends.
What followed were regular slow walks, gradually increasing in distance and then with the support of her friends, soon wanted to try short, slow runs gradually increasing in distance. This progressed in time to her being able to get back to entering club competitions and races in which she was pleased to be able to do and also did well in finishing them.
She is now back to being a regular runner, stronger, both physically and mentally and has confidence in her ability for competition.
This Ken Abbott Award goes to Judy Reid
Ken Abbott Award
This Strider is back running really well after illness.
Often a scorer at Cross Country, running consistently well, participating in long distance events and being an active run leader on club nights. He is now back to running consistently well and has been an active club member supporting many events since our return.
It shows after his turnout out at the X country being part of the county champions. It’s great to have you back.
This Ken Abbott Award goes to Paul Keech.
Ken Abbott Award
This Strider has had to overcome surgery in probably the worst areas of the body for a runner, the knee. But, in this case not just 1 knee, he had to undergo operations in both of his knees.
He has been able to overcome this and recover very well.
He is back to his competitive self. After 2 years of waiting to race again he was able to run Love Luton 10K, last October, in a time of 1:03:09. And most recently he competed in the Love Welwyn 10K in a PB time of 58:56! What a brilliant achievement!
This Ken Abbott Award goes to Amrik Singh.
Rosa Trophy
The Rosa Trophy is given annually to a club member who, in the opinion of the other members, has contributed greatly to the club over the previous year. The ballot is a secret and its not a running award.
The award is given in memory of a much loved young lady whose life was taken away from her at the age of 26. Rosa was a good runner, warm hearted, encouraging and a friend to all. A lovely lady who entered into the spirit of Stopsley Striders.
Members have the chance to nominate a fellow member who they think has contributed to that spirit of friendship, help and encouragement over the past year.
This prestigious award is unique in that it is voted for by members and is for a club member who has been seen by others to go over and above for the good of the club. This year we asked members to state a reason as to why they voted for the individual they chose, the following comments are these reasons from members.
“This member has worked tirelessly for the club during the most challenging of years. He puts in so much effort into our club and does it wholeheartedly. A lovely genuine guy.”
“His boundless energy and enthusiasm for keeping us connected, via organising virtual events and similar has been brilliant. Despite having many responsibilities outside the Club, the sheer amount of time and effort he has put in.”
“He embodies the mission and philosophy of the club. Inclusive, supportive, knowledgeable and approachable, he has gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep the club spirit going during the pandemic.”
“He is an excellent leader and goes above and beyond to support and encourage all Club members. The Club faced extremely difficult challenges through the pandemic but he managed to successfully steer us through and arrange lots of running activities which we could be involved in. This kept us all going through difficult times and his ongoing efforts are greatly appreciated.”
We had votes for Amanda Rankin and Liz Evans both individually and as a double act, Charles Nelis, Claire Bracey, Kate Neale, Maria Petts and Nadia Hall but with 55% of the votes…
The Rosa Trophy goes to Thom Darby.
Chairmans Award
This award goes to a Strider who has made an incredible contribution to the life of the club over the last year or so. They have contributed to decision making that ensured that the club was able to continue during difficult times and helped enormously when it has come to getting things more back to normal in the last 6 months including getting the very popular track sessions back. You have been a good organiser of the troops when it comes to looking after the coaches and you have become an asset to the committee, being a sounding board for some of the ideas and ensuring that the things the club need to do to achieve what it needs, get done and in a sensible order. As well as this, somehow you manage to fit in training and running races, ensuring that when you do you also help other Striders achieve their goals or just enjoy running the race with you.
The Chairman’s Award goes to Maria Petts