Alice Hopper – October 2024
How long have you been a member of Bournville Harriers?
I did my first run at BvH in October 2022 so two years ago.
If you see me in the Pavillion Bar, you can buy me a
… G&T is my usual to go
Favourite racing distance?
5k is probably still my favourite distance as I love parkruns.
Favourite race/event?
Being from the North East the Great North Run is definitely my favourite event. The crowd support and energy there is amazing.
Proudest moment as a runner?
Probably either my first time running a sub-2 hour half marathon in Cambridge in March 2024 or the first (and currently my only) time getting first female at parkrun.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvHarriers what would you tell them about the club?
The variety of runs offered each week has really helped me to improve however it is the friendly faces and welcoming members that have kept me motivated and really made me enjoy the past two years with BvH.
Tom Robinson – September 2024
How long have you been a member of Bournville Harriers?
5 and a half years
If you see me in the Pavillion Bar, you can buy me a …
I’ll try the guest ale please thank you!
Favourite racing distance?
Half Marathon
Favourite race/event?
The Grizzly, 20 miles of varied trail on and near the South coast. This included wading through streams and running along beaches. Awesome fun.
Also a mention for the Great North run, which I have done twice now, once in boiling hot conditions, the other decidedly wet, but the support throughout both was unbelievable.
Proudest moment as a runner?
Completing my first marathon in Milton Keynes during lockdown. It seems a distant memory now, we were allocated a 15 minute start slot, we were set off in groups of 6, and had to pour our own waters.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvHarriers what would you tell them about the club?
A very welcoming and encouraging group of people, offering the runner a superb variety of social runs, reps sessions, team events such as the road relays and cross country, plus social events. Give it a try if you are unsure!
Suzanne Bunn – August 2024
Michael McDermott – July 2024
How long have you been a member of Bournville Harriers?
I’ve never been a runner but I did the beginners course in May/June 2022 (Thanks Nicola) and a few of us joined up and have carried on together since then.
If you see me in the Pavillion Bar, you can buy me…
a pint of IPA or something similar.
Favourite racing distance?
I’ve done a couple of half-marathons which probably weren’t as bad as I expected but 10k is about right for me.
Favourite race/event?
I really enjoyed the 2 Castles 10k, great start and finish venues, nice course and great support along the way.
Proudest moment as a runner?
I took the plunge on New Year’s Day to sign up for the Birmingham half marathon, my first ever, so passing the finish line in May was a great feeling. I was proud of the willpower I’d shown going out on cold mornings and dark nights to make sure I was able to do it. In my other half marathon at Kenilworth I took 10 minutes off that time, so that was nice as well.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvHarriers what would you tell them about the club?
I would tell them that if they do join they won’t regret it. It’s friendly and supportive and great if you really want to improve your running or if you simply want to do some social running in a relaxed environment.
Paul Anderson – June 2024
How long have you been a member of Bournville Harriers?
Since 2016.
If you see me in the Pavillion Bar, you can buy me a …
I would previously have opted for a lager, but these days (perhaps now that I’m making my way through the “V40” age category!) I’d choose an ale of some kind.
Favourite racing distance?
I would have to say 5k, since I run (race!) Cannon Hill Parkrun pretty much every week.
Favourite race/event?
Running the Telford 10k has become an annual tradition for me and a few running peers. I always enjoy the exciting race atmosphere here – although with the national talent that this fast course attracts it’s quite a humbling experience to race here!
Proudest moment as a runner?
In the summer I completed a buggy marathon, pushing my 7-year-old autistic son around a course of our own design. This was to raise money for providing free tutoring to autistic students. Reaching our finish line together and securing the pledged funds was a very special moment.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvHarriers what would you tell them about the club?
Right from the start I have always found friendly, welcoming faces at BvHarriers. The cast might have changed a little over the years, but I’ve consistently enjoyed the company and camaraderie. This has helped me during some lonely times and is an invaluable aspect of being part of the club.
Sara Hewison – April 2024
How long have you been a member of BvH?
I have been a member for 5 years.
If you see me in the Pavilion Bar, you can buy me a…
I drink Prosecco, of course!
Favourite racing distance?
Half marathon is my favourite distance.
Favourite race/event?
Great North Run is my favourite event.
Proudest moment as a runner?
London marathon, raising money for St Mary’s Hospice.
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvH, what would you tell them about the club?
Bournville Harriers has the loveliest, friendliest most caring bunch of people I have ever met! We are competitive, but fair in everything we do! There’s something for everyone at every level.
Definitely the most welcoming club in the Midlands. The coaching team is phenomenal with expert help and advice. Everyone is and would be made welcome. An excellent club, and the only place to be on a Monday night!
Xenofon Gogouvitis – March 2024
How long have you been a member of Bournville Harriers?
I’m fairly “new” to the club as I joined in April 2019.
If you see me in the Pavillion Bar, you can buy me a ………..
I don’t frequent alcohol serving establishments unless we are celebrating something! If that is the case, then it will have to be something non-alcoholic…
Favourite racing distance?
I like them all (bar the 10k) but if I had to choose one distance, it has to be the marathon; tough training, but totally worth it every single time.
Favourite race/event?
I have to go with my home events so the Birmingham Great Run and the Athens Marathon are the two events closest to my heart (and the ones I’ve run most).
Proudest moment as a runner ?
I don’t take much pride in running itself; it’s just putting one foot in front of the other!
If you were trying to entice someone into joining Bvharriers what would you tell them about the club?
Inclusive environment, willing members, good training sessions, competitive inside and outside of races. If I had to summarise, I’d use the moto of a famous Catalan football team: “More than a club”!
Tom Bunn – February 2024
How long have you been a member of BvH?
Just over 6 years – I joined in November 2017
If you see me in the Pavilion Bar, you can buy me …
Pint of Pepsi – no ice
Favourite racing distance?
Anywhere in the 5-8km region on cross country is my favourite; short and sharp enough to make you work but not long enough to make you hate it (in theory).
Favourite race/event?
I was recently lucky enough to be selected by Worcestershire to run at the British Intercounties XC Championships. The experience on the day was phenomenal. The quality of the runners was crazy and I just loved every second. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to finish so close to last!
Proudest moment as a runner?
Taking individual silver in the XC league this year was beyond anything I thought I could achieve. I had thought that my podium in race 1 was a fluke so I was just over the moon to be able to stay consistent enough throughout the season (Even with the DNF in LR4). I’m hoping next year to try and replicate it so we can get promotion!
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvH, what would you tell them about the club?
Whenever I’m trying to get anyone to join the club I always tell them to get down to a Saturday morning 8:30 session coached by Sean. It’s definitely where I found my love for BvH so hopefully others will come along and enjoy the experience.
Nic Sykes – January 2024
How long have you been a member of BvH?
11 years
If you see me in the Pavilion Bar, you can buy me …
A blackcurrant squash
Favourite racing distance?
Just a 6-8k cross country at the moment, but I used to love a half – just need to do a bit more running to make that my answer!
Favourite race/event?
Generally anything off road and a bit tough. Parliament Hill used to be my favourite XC race, you started straight up an enormous hill and it’s just like a mud rollercoaster from there. The Birmingham Half is hard to beat on the road, though that is purely down to the support and not really the Pershore road!
Proudest moment as a runner?
Probably winning Birmingham Half. It was absolutely chucking it down and I kind of knew I’d win. It was good fun, the support was brilliant and it made up for the previous two times when I dragged my very anaemic body round with no enjoyment whatsoever and another time when I started on the wrong start line; I could’ve cried!
If you were trying to entice someone into joining BvH, what would you tell them about the club?
I think there is still an assumption out there amongst people who run that you have to be a ‘serious’ runner to be part of a club, so I would do my best at dispelling that myth. Bournville Harriers gives you a support network to help you get what you want from your running. In a nutshell, I’d say it provides social motivation, a structure and a space to keep running when we are busy, motivate us when we need it and push us if we want it!