OUR COMMITTEE
Our club is blessed with a very passionate committee that is determined to make our club an inclusive and supportive space for everyone. If you're looking to discuss anything, feel free to tap them the shoulder during the group run or drop them a message.
JOANNE THORBURN
Club Chairperson
The gaffer!! Newton Road Runners has grown significantly over the last couple of years under Joanne's watch.
Joanne has been the keystone of creating a welcoming environment for runners of all abilities.
The only thing that matches the passion Joanne has for the club is Joanne's passionate for a prosecco to celebrate the club.
PETER ALEXANDER
Interim Vice Chair
The man who gets stuff done! Pete is the one man machine behind a lot of the detail in the Newton Road Runners. From designing the infamous black and yellow kit to organising the annual 10k event, it's usually Pete pulling the strings to make it happen. A fantastic runner but he is a Leeds fan... goes to show nobody is perfect.
AL DRUMMOND
Treasurer
Al is our man on the books. Over the last 18 months, Al has helped the club's finances in tip-top shape. This has allowed us to ensure we can deliver the best club at the lowest membership fees possible. Surprisingly, he is yet to re-enact the "show me the money" scene from Jerry Maguire.
CRAIG LAWTON
Social Media Manager
The digital face of the club! Craig is a 24/7 social media posting fiend, bombarding our Instagram followers with 'Medal Mondays' and 'Throwback Thursdays.' Craig's hard work has been a key component in promoting the club, helping us sell out our Cat Gaskell Memorial race 10K and subsequently raising thousands for charities.
Katie Sloan
Interim Secretary
Katie agreed to join the committee in June 2025 to cover the club secretary position on an interim basis. Katie goes about her business in the quietest of manners, but do not be fooled!
Katie is extremely modest. Therefore we are going to point out that she was awarded the inaugural Alexis Rose Most Improved Runner at the 2024/25 club awards because she'd unlikely tell you!
BEN WATSON
Interim Head Coach
For someone who didn't run in 2020, Ben has clearly swapped his soul (and personality) to become a coach. He has stepped into the role of Head Coach during an interim period, attempting to fill the large shoes left by Jac.
Ben is a qualified Level 3 Endurance Event Coach and has put this to good use by coaching club sessions and individual members, ranging from 10k to ultra marathons.
LIZ FRASER
Welfare Officer
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 Stuart in the Welfare Officer role!
STUART MILLIGAN
Interim Welfare Officer
Stuart took on the role of interim Welfare Officer in June 2025. A perfect blend of banter and heart, Stuart is the man for positive conversations. Whether it's a quiet word over a pint or a playlist on the party bus, Stuart is there with a keen ear.
I mean... Who better to provide you support than the man the determination and mental resilience to run 50k around a windy Tiree?!
BETHANY CUNNINGHAM
Interim Vice Treasurer
The girl with the spreadsheets! Bethany joined the committee in June 2025 in an interim role to help provide support. A London Marathon finisher and the longest holder of the fastest marathon time in the Cunningham/Craig household, Bethany knows how to run fast!
Bethany is famous for her running pal, Doug the Dug, and infamous for her ability to sink pints of Dark Fruits!
BETH FERGUSON
Club Secretary - currently taking a sabbatical
In a role like a secretary, where appreciation can often be overlooked, having an incredibly positive person is a game-changer! Beth is the heartbeat of our team, effortlessly keeping everything on track by managing club registrations, answering membership forms, and tackling a mountain of emails with a smile! Unfortunately for the club, Beth is temporarily stepping back from the role for an exciting globetrotting adventure.