I have been a part of Sandbach Striders since May 2003 when the group met on the carpark of Bradwall Village Hall. I started running for the first time that May, a month after my 58th birthday.The welcome I was given and the encouragement to "have a go" provided the support I needed to give running a go. I completed the London Marathon the day after my 60th birthday in just under 5 hours.

To become Chairman of Sandbach Striders makes me very proud. It is a club to be proud of. It welcomes everyone. We have members of outstanding capability and runners who run to keep fit and many types of runner in between. But the unifying element within our club is its friendliness. When I joined I was new to the area. Within the club I found friends, activities and events and developed a love for running which, as I approach my 63rd birthday, I know will keep me fit and  running for many years to come. As chairman I wish to see our club continue to develop and grow but I do not want to see any changes in how our club is. To those of you visiting our website with a view to joining our club, we look forward to welcoming you

 

I have been a member of Sandbach Striders for 2 years and have been running since I was 12.  As one of the keener runners in the club, I want to develop the opportunities available to help our members improve.  I have instigated our club championship which constitutes a series of races for which our members score points according to their performance.  However the points are scored in relation to one's own personal best - hence the fastest runner does not necessarily win.  I am also keen for the club to retain its social vitality and be a welcoming place for complete beginners.  As Treasurer I am also responsible for looking after the pennies!

Jill Young ( Committee Member ) email

I am in my 3rd year of Sandbach Striders. I used to run 1 or 2 miles on my own now and again, but decided I needed other like minded people to run with. I found the club via the website. On my first night I was made to feel very welcome, regardless of my ability. Someone is always there to run with you, at your pace and distance, whether it is just a short, slow jog or training for a race. I now run twice a week, and have completed 3 half marathons. However, I think the strength of the club is as a social one. Everyone is friendly, and we have social events, which include partners and non-runners - The best £4 a month I spend !

Christine Harding – Committee Member & Social Secretary email

I started running in 2004, at 36 years of age, I was persuaded to take part with a group of Colleagues in a Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK.  Until then I had done very little running, however the challenge of becoming a runner inspired me and I am now hooked on the great sense of achievement I feel at the end of my runs.  I ran the Great Manchester 10K in 2005 and joined Sandbach Striders the same year.  I have since run several more 10K races and Chester Half Marathon is my most recent achievement.  I enjoy running with a group of people, have made plenty of new friends, love going along to races with fellow club members and wear the club colours with pride.  If you are thinking of joining a running club as a beginner or experienced runner, come and run with us and see how much fun it is!

Elaine Tatham ( Committee Member ) email

I joined Sandbach Striders after moving to the area in 2005.  I felt very
welcome and found the club by far the friendliest I have ever been involved
with.  I am not a fast runner so felt a little nervous about the first run
but there are so many people with different abilities to run with that I
soon fitted in.  I have taken part in many races and it is so nice to have
a welcoming party when you cross the line.  I am pleased to be able to give
something back to the club by sitting on the committee.
 

Fred Davies ( Website ) email

I joined the club 3 years ago as a non running member and propped up the bar for an hour while my wife ran around Sandbach. It sounds ideal, but I soon grew bored and started running. My first competitive race was the "Nick Beer" up around and down the Great Orme at Llandudno. It was up a very steep hill in a howling gale and as it was high tide you got a thorough soaking at the start. The last mile along the prom was spent dodging waves and young boulders which were being thrown in by the storm which was now at its peak ! Come and join us, its great club, and great fun. I am also responsible for the web site, but that's another story.