2015 WINNERS:
June 2015 – Matthew Pollard
How long have you been a member of BvH?
I joined BvH in July 2014 so I have been a member for just about a year.
If you see me in the Pavilion Bar, you can buy me a…
Anything that comes by the Pint – Lager, Guinness, Ale… I don’t mind really!
Favourite racing distance?
Something I have been thinking about quite a bit recently. I would say, at the moment, I am enjoying shorter distances and I would probably say 5k.
Favourite race/event?
I ran two legs of the relay in Man Versus Horse in 2015, which I would say is my favourite race so far. London Marathon is a very close second place though!
Proudest moment as a runner?
Completing London Marathon without doubt. I had only really taken up running just over six months before entering a marathon, so I was really proud of what I have achieved in a short space of time. Plus, between myself and Monica, we raised over £1200 for the charity Mary Ann Evans Hospice.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvH, what would you tell them about the club?
I didn’t really enjoy running until I joined a club and I would recommend that to anyone who wants to run for fitness, for fun or even just to meet with friends on a regular basis. I often tell non-runners that going to run with a club is like my version of going to the pub but except instead of drinking pints and chatting, we run the streets and parks of Birmingham, chatting away. (You can always have a drink afterwards anyway!) Bournville Harriers have a real mix of runners, which means it is a club for everyone of all abilities.
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July 2015 – Sharon Newman
How long have you been a member of BvH?
I have been a member of Bournville Harriers for a year now and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever joined.
If you see me in the Pavilion Bar, you can buy me a…
If you want to buy me a drink at the bar I would like a glass of white wine but that’s only if I’m not driving!
Favourite racing distance?
My favourite racing distance would be 10k races market Drayton is a great 10k race I would recommend it to anyone.
Favourite race/event?
I would say my favourite race I’ve done is the Birmingham Half Marathon – even though it has a hill at mile 11, but it is a great event and has loads of Bournville Harriers and spectators shouting your name even though they don’t know you.
Proudest moment as a runner?
My proudest moment has got to be when I had completed the Manchester Marathon and receiving the medal as I’ve never manage to do an marathon before and never thought I would if it wasn’t for the teal team.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvH, what would you tell them about the club?
It’s a very friendly running club no one is left behind no matter how slow you are. It’s a great club to run with.
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August 2015 – Sue Ward
Q & A Coming Soon
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September 2015 – John Cheel
How long have you been a member of BvH?
I went on a BvH beginners course in May 2012, but didn’t actually join up until September 2013 just before my first half (Birmingham).
If you see me in the Pavilion Bar, you can buy me a…
A pint of real ale.
Favourite racing distance?
10 miles (ie anything between 10k and a half).
Favourite race/event?
Thunder Run (closely followed by Clent mid-week).
Proudest moment as a runner?
Maybe completing 30k in two days (at Thunder Run), or completing my first half. Or maybe the best is yet to come.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvH, what would you tell them about the club?
That everyone is very welcoming, that it’s more fun running with others than running on your own, and that BvH caters for all abilities, not just elites.
October 2015 – Pete Hickman
How long have you been a member of BvH?
I joined the club in March this year having never run with a club before. If I’d known how much I was going to enjoy it I would have joined ages ago.
If you see me in the Pavilion Bar, you can buy me a…
Normally a pint of IPA unless there is a guest ale on that I like the look of.
Favourite racing distance?
No particular favourite really, I run from 5k up to marathon distance.
Favourite race/event?
Given the fact it was a big PB for me and it was my first overseas race, I’d have to go with my recent Ljubljana marathon.
Proudest moment as a runner?
Winning my age category in this years Lichfield 10k.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvH, what would you tell them about the club?
I’d tell them that we are a very friendly club and we are happy to welcome runners of all capabilities.
November 2015 – Lynda Batchelor
How long have you been a member of BvH?
I joined the after the Beginner’s Course in 2012.
If you see me in the Pavilion Bar, you can buy me a…
Glass of dry white wine.
Favourite racing distance?
My favourite distance is 5k, it’s as much as I can manage most days!
Favourite race/event?
Ironically, it’s the Birmingham 10k!.
Proudest moment as a runner?
Proudest moment as a member of the club was winning this award. My proudest moment as a runner was completing my first Race for Life and raising over £1000. My most exciting moment as a runner was the last 400m of my first Birmingham 10k.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvH, what would you tell them about the club?
Runners have a reputation for being solitary animals, being part of BvH dispels this myth; they are the most sociable group of people I know. The regular runs are organised so that runners of all ability levels can run as part of a group, whilst the rep sessions are truly aspirational yet achievable. There are also plenty of opportunities to go ‘off-piste’: Park run events, X-country events, Mud runs, Mad runs, Weekend informal runs, National and International Marathons, there is always someone to run with no matter what your thing is.
December 2015 – Liz Lepa
How long have you been a member of BvH?
Since August 2015
If you see me in the Pavilion Bar, you can buy me a…
Spirit, beer, wine anything alcoholic really, but if I’m being spoilt a ‘perfect Manhattan’ cocktail.
Favourite racing distance?
Haven’t been running long enough to know but probably half marathon.
Favourite race/event?
Up to now the Wasely Wobbler.
Proudest moment as a runner?
Completing the Birmingham Half in a time I never expected and relishing in the support from BVH supporters along with anonymous Birmingham folk.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvH, what would you tell them about the club?
The club is full of friendly, enthusiastic diverse people who are encouraging, inclusive and supportive. Also BvH caters for most levels and abilities of running through club sessions and events so newcomers can feel they have a choice in what they participate in.