Our Run Leaders

Alan Blagburn

I started running around 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 event 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 beginning of lockdown in 2020, when all the leisure centres closed. My motivation 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!

Andrea Sidebottom

I began running in 2016 after a health scare, with my 60th birthday approaching. Wanting to improve my fitness, I started the Couch to 5k programme. It took me six months to complete, but it gave me the confidence to keep going.

In 2018, I joined Prestwich Plodders, an all-ladies running group, and soon discovered parkrun. What started as one run at Heaton Park has grown into a real passion: more than 200 parkruns at over 100 locations, plus more than 200 volunteering roles. Later that year, I joined Ramsbottom Running Club, built up my stamina and ran my first official 10k at Run the Lights in Blackpool.

Since then, I’ve taken part in countless races, from 5ks to half marathons, including the Manchester Marathon relay, Amsterdam 8k, Balmoral 10k, Belfast Marathon relay and my first half marathon at Wilmslow. Parkrun tourism has taken me further afield to Jersey, Cork, Poland, Belfast and even Norway. I also found a love for trail running thanks to The Sunnywood Project.

In 2022, I became one of the founding members of Clarence Runners, where I now lead our Jeffing group. To support and encourage others, I completed the Leader in Running Fitness course in 2023.

Running has given me fitness, friendship, travel and memories I’ll always treasure. I truly can’t imagine my life without it — and my journey is far from over!

Brian Jackson

Profile coming soon.

Debbie Hanmer

I started running around 2002. I’m ashamed to say that I used to smoke, so I was pretty unfit! After giving up smoking, I joined a gym where I started running with a small group, and ran my first half marathon in 2003. I’d not run a shorter race prior to that & went straight for the half because someone told me I couldn’t, and I’m stubborn so I thought I’d show them! I’ve never stopped running since!

I have fully embraced my love of outdoors having attended British Military Fitness (now Manchester Outdoor Fitness) since 2012 with whom I’ve done numerous races, muddy OCRs & crazy endurance events, & a few years ago I found Clarence Runners after spotting Nick’s t-shirt during a Sunnywood Project run! Everyone is super friendly at Clarence and I was made to feel very welcome.

I’m new to run leading, as I wanted to give back to this amazing community group. I love encouraging others and have a special talent for talking during a run – whether that’s comparing injury notes, giving a detailed account of every wrong turn I’ve ever taken (which is a lot!), or simply providing enough distraction that, before you know it, you’ve reached the finish line!

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.

Guy Withington

I started running at the Burrs Community Run with my family, where we all progressed from the 2K to the 5K. One Sunday, the Sunnywood group happened to run past, so I asked about joining them... and the rest is history!

Before running, I was firmly a team sports person. After a knee replacement, I was advised to hang up my football boots and squash racket, but thanks to Sunnywood, I discovered trail running instead. I went on to become a run leader with the group, supporting runners from 5K right through to marathon distance.

Nick then persuaded me to join Clarence, helping to support the 10K group and continue developing as a run leader.

Since then, I’ve completed several marathons, including The Village LINK (approximately a marathon... depending on who you ask! 😊), the Monument Marathon, Chicago, Amsterdam, and the Cybi Marathon twice. I’ve also ventured into the world of ultra running, completing events such as the Pennine Barrier, Ladybower Ultra, and The Lap, both clockwise and anti-clockwise. Apparently, running one way round wasn’t enough!

What I enjoy most about running is the people. For me, it’s as much a social event as it is exercise, and I’ve made some fantastic friends across many different running groups. Running isn’t just about improving fitness; it’s also a huge boost for mental wellbeing, especially when you’re out on the trails enjoying fresh air and good company.

My favourite run has to be The Village LINK Challenge, an inclusive event around the villages of Bury. I’ve completed it many times and have enjoyed helping others get around the course too. The Bury 10K is also becoming a firm favourite, particularly now that I’m one of the one-hour pacers for Clarence Runners. There’s nothing better than helping someone achieve a goal they’ve worked hard for.

Away from running, I’ve worked in education for over 38 years, mainly supporting young people who don’t fit into mainstream education. I currently work for Navigators and their vocational colleges, helping learners find pathways that work for them.

Jayne Jackson

I began running as a New Year’s resolution in January 2017, nine weeks before turning the big 5-0 — and having not 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 quickly.

The circumstances that first motivated me to run took place whilst spectating at the Run for All Sheffield 10k on 30 October 2016. My husband, Brian, and I had gone to support our daughter. 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 and 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.

Jordan Eatock

I started running in 2019 with the Couch to 5k app, and from there it quickly became an addiction! Once I felt confident enough, I entered my first race, the Bury 10k, and things snowballed from there. The Manchester Half Marathon followed, then eventually the Manchester Marathon.

The marathon became even more meaningful because I decided to fundraise in memory of my grandad, an avid and very speedy runner who sadly passed away with Alzheimer’s.

After that, I joined a couple of running clubs and wanted to give something back, so I completed my LiRF qualification. I haven’t looked back since — except to check that I’ve got everyone in my group. One of my favourite things about being part of a running club is leading group runs and seeing people grow in confidence, whether they’re taking their first steps, returning after a break or chasing a new PB.

Since then, I’ve raced everything from 5ks to 100-mile ultramarathons, but if I had to pick a favourite distance, it would always be the half marathon.

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.

Ken Swarbrick

In 2018, I was 27 stone and struggled walking, never mind running. On the anniversary of my mother’s passing, I realised I had the same health issues she had and that, if I didn’t do something quickly, I was likely to be heading the same way.

I joined a slimming club and lost a lot of weight very quickly. I took up cycling to try to speed up the weight loss and improve my fitness. A friend spotted my activities on Strava and somehow convinced me that doing a sprint triathlon was a good idea, especially as we would raise money for The Christie. I survived Fleetwood Triathlon and, in a strange way, actually enjoyed it — but my worst event was the run.

My friend suggested I join a local running club with him. The love and support I received from my club mates made me fall in love with running.

Six years on, I’m a qualified Leader in Running Fitness, usually leading two or three runs per week and Co-Event Director at Clarence parkrun. I like to think my mother would be proud of everything I have achieved, which all started in memory of her.

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!

Nick Whitley

I started running in 2015 to get fit for my wedding and never stopped. I’m a former professional dancer turned marathoner, Iron-distance triathlete and ultra runner. I’m a big fan of trails, hills and encouraging new runners.

I founded Clarence Runners and Clarence parkrun. Fun fact: I’m most likely to drag you up a hill — then buy you cake afterwards.

Sacha Roy

I 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.