Our Committee

Nick Whitley

Founder & Chair of Clarence Runners

I started running back in 2015 with one very clear goal: to get in shape for my wedding photos! Before that, I kept fit as a professional dancer, but running was a whole new challenge (and one where I didn’t have to worry about remembering the choreography).

Fast forward a few years and I’ve somehow gone from short jogs to marathons, triathlons (yes, even the Iron-distance ones), and ultra runs of over 50k. Turns out I actually enjoy running up ridiculously big hills and getting muddy on the trails — who knew?

Along the way, I realised the best part of running isn’t just the medals, it’s the people. I love encouraging new runners and showing that you don’t have to be fast to enjoy it — you just need to start.

That’s why I set up Clarence Runners and later Clarence parkrun: to create a friendly, fun, no-pressure space where everyone’s welcome (and no one gets left behind).

When I’m not running or planning routes, I’m usually chasing after my two girls, who provide just as much training as any ultra.

Jayne Jackson

Secretary

I began running as a New Year’s resolution in January 2017, nine weeks before turning the big 5-0 (and not having owned a pair of trainers since high school!).

A stone and a half of menopausal weight gain coupled with crashing fatigue had left me increasingly lethargic and with diminishing self-image; something had to change, and quick!

The circumstances that first motivated me to engage with running took place whilst spectating at the Run for All Sheffield 10k on 30th October 2016. My husband, Brian, and I had gone to support our daughter who was participating in only her second 10k event. When a blind runner and his guide sailed past effortlessly, I felt a huge wave of shame and embarrassment. What reason could I, a fully sighted, able-bodied defeatist, possibly have not to give this running lark a try?

Initially, I ran just once a week: Saturday mornings, 9am, 5k at Heaton parkrun. It took a further nine months before I attempted anything longer: the Jane Tomlinson Run for All Bury 10k in September 2017.

Since then, I’ve completed almost 350 parkruns at almost 100 different locations, numerous 10k events, a few 10 milers, around a dozen half-marathons and the full 26.2 miles at the Yorkshire Marathon in October 2022.

Early in 2022, Andrea Sidebottom contacted me to gauge my interest in beginning a new local running group along with Nick Whitley. What began with just seven participants one dark and cold night in January has become a well-attended weekly event focussed on physical fitness, mental wellbeing, social interaction and community cohesion.

If you’re wondering whether to give us a try, don’t hesitate - we’re friendly and inclusive, with no runner left behind thanks to each group having a dedicated back marker.

Sacha Roy

Treasurer

Started running with my dog Patch, fell in love with the trails, and never looked back.

Now a Run Leader with The Ducks, I’m proof that pace doesn’t matter — if I can run a trail marathon, anyone can!

Thursdays are my favourite day, running with the best people and embracing my love of the outdoors.

Alan Blagburn

I started running round Ramsbottom on my own in spring 2019. During long walks, I built myself up to run more and more each time.

My first race was the Blackburn 10k in November 2019. Shortly after, I started parkrunning, with my first one at Cardiff.

I joined Ramsbottom Running Club in 2020. Andrea suggested I come to Clarence Runners in August 2022, and I have been a regular since.

Amanda Peplow

I started running at the start of lockdown in 2020 when all the leisure centres closed. My motivation for running was to support my mental health.

Towards the end of that year, I started running with The Sunnywood Project, where I met a fabulous group of people who have become good friends. I was introduced to Clarence Runners at the start of 2024 and met some more fantastic people. Through the support at Clarence, I was able to complete my run leader training.

I love supporting others to fall in love with running like I did, and seeing them achieve things they never imagined they could. From not being able to run 5k at the start of my running journey, I have gone on to run marathons and ultra marathons. If I can do it, anyone can!

Debbie Pendlebury

In 2023, following surgery and a long period of illness, I began rebuilding my strength and fitness. In July 2024, aged 52 and having not run since high school, I took on Couch to 5K, which I celebrated completing by running my first ever Parkrun at Clarence Park, where I first met some very friendly ducks.

What started as a challenge to improve my fitness quickly became so much more. After joining Clarence Runners in April 2025, I discovered the joy of running with others, completing my first 10K, 10 mile run and half marathon in that year. I also discovered a love of trail running with the wonderful Sunflower Trail Ladies and in March 2026 I completed the Sunnywood Village Link. A 21 mile trail run with 800m of elevation.

The support, encouragement and friendship I have found within the running community have transformed not only my running, but how I see myself. I am now training for the Manchester Marathon in April 2027.

Having grown as a runner, both in ability and confidence, I decided I wanted to give something back to the club. In addition to supporting the Website for the club, I have completed my England Athletics Leadership in Running Fitness course, enabling me to volunteer as a Run Leader and hopefully help others discover the joy of running too.

Debbie Price

Profile coming soon.

Steve Hamer

Profile coming soon.

Justin Bones

I started running with Couch to 5k in 2019. I very quickly ended up turning it into Couch to 50k!

I love running around here — there’s so much to discover, from the Kirklees Valley to Cheesden and then the moors. My favourite run is The Link and my favourite road run is Coniston 14. Toughest was the Pennine Barrier. Just give me something nice to look at and I’ll run.

I love leading groups with Clarence. Everyone is so nice. I enjoy taking people around some of the places I like to run. I’ve especially loved doing the Next Steppers and seeing everyone progress.

Luke Barnett

Favourite run: Tuesday morning run, as I’ve been leading it from the start.

I started running with Clarence Runners a few weeks after it was set up. I was overweight and still smoking, and 5k was a challenge. Since then, I’ve become a run leader, stopped smoking, lost weight and graduated from 5k to 10k, onwards to a half marathon and then a marathon.

I love Clarence Runners because everyone is welcome, no one gets left behind and, with this ethos, many go on to fly — well, run!