Andy Found – Chairman
I started running quite late in life when someone at work challenged me to do the 2019 London Marathon. I started training for it in 2018 and done the majority of training on my own which was incredibly boring and lonely. After completing the marathon I was going to pack up running but the running bug had taken hold so I joined Ashford Striders. Since joining I’ve never looked back as I’ve made so many friends and running with them is so much more enjoyable. At the time of writing I am just about to start training for the Brighton and London marathons 2022.
Nicki Crawley – Vice Chair / Kit Co-ordinator (orders@ashfordstriders.uk)
I’ve been running with Striders since early 2018 when there were just a handful of us! It’s great to see how the club has grown and I love that we cater for all ages and abilities.
You’ll mostly find me running in the woods, sometimes with my dog, sometimes without! I’m also a big fan of parkrun and love a bit of parkrun tourism followed, of course, by cake!
I am the kit co-ordinator for Striders, mostly the Strider shop is kept up to date but contact me if you have any queries at all.
Jason Caldwell – Treasurer
Hello, my name is Jason, and I am your current Treasurer
I started running, in earnest, late in 2018 and got the bug soon after. Just after my 50th birthday I decided to take part in my first park run with subsequent park runs following. It was at one of these runs that I first encountered Ashford Striders – the 2019 Striders take over. Although I enjoyed running and felt happy with my pace, I felt I lacked technique so applied for membership at the beginning of 2020.
I believe that every member will have their own reasons for joining Ashford Striders and will each gain something different from their membership. For me it’s the social element that the club runs provide and the support that I have felt from the club since I joined – it is very much a family.
I decided to apply for a position on the committee because I very much wanted to contribute to its continued growth and success and to help shape it into a club that works on behalf of all of the members – whatever your reason for joining.
Julie Foster – Head Run Leader
I’ve been running 14 years, I have been with other clubs but after covid etc I wasn’t feeling great about my running, I knew a lot of people from parkrun and generally running so gave it a go.
Sharon Gardner – Club Secretary (secretary@ashfordstriders.uk)
Vicky Shrubsole – Membership Secretary (enquiries@ashfordstriders.uk)
Ian Watson – Male Welfare Officer
Tamsin Ritchie – Female Welfare Officer
I have been a member of Ashford Striders since it was originally formed 4 years ago. I have held the role of Female Welfare Officer for 3 years.
I’m here, alongside the Male Welfare Officer, for all of our members to provide a supportive and listening ear and to help where I can. The aim of the two welfare roles are to ensure all members are getting the best from their membership, without bias, prejudice and ultimately thriving and enjoying running with us.
Amanda James – Social Secretary
Jayne Hatton – Social Media Secretary