CARL BERRIMAN
I have been running since 2006 and competing in half marathons and triathlons since 2009.
I have completed 27 half marathons, a single marathon to date, several sprint and standard distance triathlons and the Holkham Half Ironman twice.
I have been with RCR since 2021 and run with 4B on a Thursday night.
HAYLEY HOWARD
I have been a member of RCR since the beginning and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to become a run leader in 2020. I love being part of the club as it feels like one big family! I have been lucky enough to run London marathon amongst others but now I run mainly for the social side and the cake!
GLEN PAGE
With a busy home and work life, running often acts as a pressure relief valve, but it can also be a focal point. It can be inspiring, disappointing, challenging, invigorating, demoralising and yet at the same time confidence boosting. Physically it can be wet, cold, hot, easy, hard or painful.
So that’s the first mile of most runs covered…….
For me the main adjective is ‘fun’ it should be fun.
I select races now which offer maybe something different, a trail marathon in the spring or an autumnal night-time half in the forest.
Run Leading offers something different again. The chance to encourage, assist, advise or just support others. Sometimes something as basic as showing a group of runners a different route or place to run can be pleasing.
DAVE ROBINSON
I was lucky growing up. I had many opportunities, through friends and family, to participate in varied sports. I believe I was competent at most, but would not claim to excel in any. I started running as a sport when I stumbled into it whilst working as a fitness instructor, coach and lifeguard in Felixstowe. A member of the local club saw me running, said I looked “reasonable” and suggested I entered a race. The only one I’d ever heard of was the London Marathon, so I entered it, ran it and the rest is history. Whilst the many years since then has seen me distracted by rowing, triathlons and numerous other sports (I have stories which bore run buds on many a run!), 2023 sees me complete my 50th marathon.
The one constant which links these varied sports, is the sport community. Every sport has one. The coaches, the team mates, the rivals, the elder statesmen (and women), the organisers, the person you can never beat, as well as being one people love to beat! I have been involved with RCR as a runner, coach and on the committee in different capacities since it was established, having previously been with SRC from which RCR emerged. I have been lucky to have been helped, supported and coached by many over the years, and I hope that my roles at Rushmere offers some opportunity and guidance to others. Running is a community, be part of it.
HELEN SAAGI
I started running over 10 years ago. Very intermittently at first, and go through phases of running lots or little. I’m not very fast, but enjoy the feeling of exercising outside, whether I’m on my own or with friends. I do a few events, and am often off to North Wales or other parts of the country to enjoy running in different scenery, even though I am not a fan of hills!
I joined RCR a few years ago as I wanted to improve my running. I loved the camaraderie of the club and last year decided that I would give something back to the club and become a Run Leader.
Running gives me time to set my mind free and have a laugh with friends.
MARTIN SPILSTED
How I got into running… Might sound strange but I was watching the London Marathon 15 years ago and saw not many runners of my size (6ft 5), and was curious as to why.
I get out of running, an exercise that you can progress at your own pace, great way of meeting inspirational people who can show you how goals can be accomplished.
Been running for 15 years. Completed 4 London Marathons, and 36 Half Marathons.
LEE STEPHENSON
I was never a runner growing up. Never ran until I was 37 and then started sporadically running. 7 years later I joined a running club up in the north east of England where I was living and when I moved down to Ipswich during the dreaded Covid years I joined RCR. I have completed a few marathons and many half marathons over the years with the highlight being London marathon in 2023. I love to run in a group instead of on my own. Never really enjoyed solo running. Joining a running club is the best thing I could have done.
STU WARD
JO WEAVER
I have been a run leader for a number of years now. I enjoy the Tuesday night sessions helping such a friendly bunch to have fun and keep fit.
Thursday group runs with 4b explore numerous pubs and places to eat and drink after the run. It has been a great way to socialise and talk about running, races, and life in general!
RCR has a place for everyone and I would encourage anyone thinking about joining to come and see us.