Good evening!
Some more information from our Celebration night, for those who couldn’t attend (and also those who did if you want another look) – the boards that were hung around the room, and the speeches given for the coaches awards and the inaugural Phil Longwell Spirit of Running Award;
Coaches Awards:
Green – Sarah Saunders
What can we say about Sarah. Through all the struggles with her health and the pressures of running the business and moving to this great place she has still fitted in running. Always trying to push herself and the distances she runs. With a smile on her face and constantly encouraging others she is well deserving of this award.
Yellow – Lizzie McLucas
A graduate of the Fakenham C25K course in 2024. Lizzie as with Paula struggled with injuries at the start of her running journey. But she has shown grit and determination not to be beaten by it. A regular at training on a Monday night she always puts a full effort in. With the injuries behind her she has now upped the distance and is now training for the Cambridge Half Marathon. She is out in all weathers putting in the miles and it is amazing to see.
Orange – Emily Bingham
It seems to be a theme tonight but another graduate of the Fakenham C25K 2024 course. Emily always looks so effortless with her running technique and has gradually got faster and faster over the years. A little bit of encouragement to move her up a group and she is now a regular in this group holding her own. We also have to thank her for introducing her boyfriend Will to the club and pulling some of us older ones along at the front of red group.
Red – Nick Loades
Nick is a regular at Monday night training and the social runs. Always happy to help and encourage others. Once he made the move up to Red group his times have continued to improve and he always put the efforts in.
Overall – Paula Bazley
Paula was a graduate of the Wells C25K course in 2024. Shortly after completing the course she started suffering from knee issues which stalled her running journey but it didn’t deter her and she came back with an enthusiasm to improve and get quicker. Gradually over many months of coming to training and upping the distance at the Thursday night socials with the support of other members she has set PB after PB at many events
The Phil Longwell Spirit of Running Award
Hi everyone.
This next award is incredibly important to us because it’s the one chosen by you. This is what was previously called the “Runner’s Runner” award. It isn’t decided by a committee or a points table; it’s voted for by the club members themselves to recognise the person who has truly inspired them over the past twelve months.
Last year, we presented this award to Phil Longwell. Phil was only with our club for a short period of time, but he had a lasting impact on everyone who met him or trained alongside him. Watching him show up to sessions and seeing his absolute determination to train for and complete the London Marathon – all while facing terminal cancer – was something I’m sure none of us will forget.
Phil’s strength despite everything he was facing was an inspiration to us all. Because of that, we’ve chosen to rename this award in his honour. By renaming it the Phil Longwell Spirit of Running Award, we can honour his memory and ensure that his story continues to inspire future club members for years to come.
We are very touched to have some of Phil’s family here with us tonight, and they have kindly agreed to help us present the award this evening.
Before we announce this year’s winner, we want to acknowledge that many of you were put forward by your clubmates. It says so much about the culture of this club that so many of you are out there supporting and motivating each other.
We have certificates for everyone who was nominated, so please come up and grab yours when I call your name so we can give you a well-deserved round of applause.
The Winner
Now, for the overall recipient of the inaugural Phil Longwell award.
This person is someone who has been a familiar face at the club for a long time. But over the last year, he’s had a particularly tough road to walk. He’s been through a long and difficult personal battle – the kind that would understandably take anyone away from their running for a while.
But what really struck us – and clearly struck all of you who nominated him – was that he just didn’t stop. Throughout his entire treatment, he kept going. Whether it was running, swimming, or cycling, he stayed active through the whole thing.
Even on the days when you could tell he wasn’t having the easiest time, he was at training with that same positive attitude. He never complained; he just gave it his all, and on occasion, he would even apologise for not being able to put in as much effort as he would have liked.
We were all so happy to hear he’s recently had the “all-clear,” but what makes this especially remarkable is how unwaveringly consistent he remained throughout the hard times. On top of everything else, he still managed to complete the Cambridge Half Marathon, the Norwich Half Marathon, the Great Eastern Half in Peterborough, a triathlon and the Great North Run, which he used as an opportunity to raise money for Prostate UK.
He’s a great friend to the club and the perfect person to be the first recipient of this award in Phil’s name.
This year’s winner is… Seb Moore.