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!