OUR COACHES
Our club is blessed with phenomenal coaches. Ranging from Leaders in Running Fitness to Endurance Event Group level, the team have the knowledge to match their determination to help you meet your training goals. This knowledge comes along with a high amount of experience ranging from rapid 3ks to industrious 70mile ultras. If you're looking for a little advice on training or want to discuss anything give them a tap on the shoulder at the group run or drop a message.
JOANNE THORBURN
Coaching in Running Fitness (CiRF)
Joanne has been with us since the start and is a real force of nature when it comes to making things happen! Joanne is the leader of the club and helps organise everything we do. She drags the rest of the group along with her determination and propeller pony tail! Always great to know if you're looking for a long run on a Sunday morning...or a Saturday prosecco.
ALISTAIR MACDONALD
Coaching in Running Fitness (CiRF)
Al is the man who is renowned for keeping the chat going from start to finish, taking your mind off those tough miles. Although there is no promises to where the conversation will end up! Determined to get the best out of you and supportive in reaching your potential. An incredible road runner whose heart belongs to the trails.
JOANNA WALLACE
Coaching in Running Fitness (CiRF)
Not only one of our coaches but also a qualified personal trainer. Joanna is a regular boot camper and a real speed demon on a run! She’s been in the club since day 1. A lover of hills and speed, she loves to get the best out of people and isn’t afraid to lay down the challenge! Despite the sadistic nature of her sessions, Joanna is one of the very best at finding your best!
CRAIG LAWTON
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
The Benjamin Button of Exercise! Running, Gym, Bike... the man never stops! Craig has a massive amount of experience from 5km to marathons but it's his achievements in the latter that stand out. In 2025 Craig completed Tokyo and Boston to achieve his 6 star medal. Luckily for us he's very modest and barely mentions it. A great support on those long runs when you need it.
AL DRUMMOND
Coaching in Running Fitness (CiRF)
Al is our other major marathon chaser, just waiting on Boston for that prestigious 6-Star medal. He has gone to great lengths to hit the qualifying times... unfortunately 'great lengths' can't be used to describe the shorts in his photo!! Always up for a laugh and on hand with snacks for that morale boost.
JAC WYLLIE
Coaching in Running Fitness (CiRF)
Jac has been with the club since the start and seems to get stronger every year across all distances. Great company on the club runs and a really supportive person to have on those nights when you feel you need that extra bit of encouragement. Just make sure you try and keep pace with her feet and not her conversation.
JESS HARDY
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
Little miss support, Jess tends to run with the back of the shorter route but don't let this fool you! The winner of the 2024 5k handicap race and PBs galore, Jess is on a roll improving her own running, as well as dragging the best out of those around her.
BETH SHEARER
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
Resilience and positivity personified! Not only is Beth a phenomenal runner in her own right, with a Boston finish and a London Championship Time, she is an inspiration to others pursuing their goals. The perfect person to chat to on your run after a tough day. If Monty Python's 'Always Look on the Brightside of Life' was a person, it would be Beth.
BEN WATSON
Endurance Event and Coaching in Running Fitness (CiRF)
Self-described as 'A product of Newton Road Runners'. Ben started running during the pandemic and signed up to the club to get him to the 10k mark. A few years later he is a coach and completing 70-mile ultra marathons. Ben is a massive advocate for running and its links to positive mental health... although you may question his mental health when he turns up in 4 layers in the dead of summer.
LAINE MCGOWAN
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
Laine joined the coaching team in 2024 and took to it like a runner to Parkrun. Speaking of which... if you want to know anything about Parkrun, Laine is your gal, completing 50 different venues! The queen of support, and an ever present, it was as if Laine was born to help our runners, in particular those who are finding it difficult.
FIONA THOMSON
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
Fiona seems to have perfected two things when it comes to running... constantly smiling and falling over. Weirdly she still smiles while she is falling!
Shortly after completing the Chicago marathon in 2024, Fiona joined our coaching team and it felt like the most natural of next steps. She is a social butterfly, a part of the wider running community and an inspiration for many.
ANDY DEAN
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
The club's jolly giant. Standing at 6ft 7in and a distinctive North West accent, you really can't miss Andy. A man who will talk about anything, Andy is one of the very best when you're needing that supporting distraction from the hard work.
LIZ FRASER
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
Our original English import! Liz returned to the role of Welfare Officer in 2024 following a wee hiatus from running. She is on her own journey to rebuild her running and is the perfect person to take you on yours.
Foolishly, Liz thought a return to running might give her a break from the kids but she has ultimately ended up babysitting Ben in the Welfare Officer role!
JEN WATSON
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
The better half of our Watson team! Jen took up running in 2023 after deciding to take on a 5k as something which pushed her outside of her comfort zone. Fast forward 18months, Jen has completed half marathons and now has a marathon in her sights.
Jen joined the coaching team in October 2024 and is a great example of the progress that could be made with hard work and dedication... despite Ben trying to claim the coaching credit.
KENNY DALGLEISH
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
No... Not Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish but our Kenny is definitely a legend!! Quite possibly the nicest man you'll ever meet with the finest repertoire of 'Dad Jokes' known to man. Kenny qualified as a coach in October 2024 and is a great addition to the team.
He's a keen supporter of the club and all of the members in it. If he hasn't ran with you on the night, you can pretty much guarantee he'll be at the end cheering you home.
COREY CRAIG
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
The 'Baby' of the coaching group! Despite Corey's face looking about 12, his running CV reads like a veteran. He has experience in distances from 3k through to ultra marathons.
Not only that, he just keeps getting quicker! In 2024 alone, Corey has conquered a sub 40 10k and sub 90 half marathon.
This experience, and his puppy-like energy and enthusiasm, makes him a fantastic running companion regardless of the pace.