The New Chair’s Inaugural Blog

There’s something deeply ironic about being the Chair of a running club – we’re not exactly known for sitting down!

It’s especially odd for someone who loathed PE classes at school and never understood the appeal of exercise. And yet I find myself chairing one of the largest running clubs in Leeds, with over 200 members and a proud history and reputation – not only for brilliant running performances but also for being friendly, inclusive and open to all. Having been a member for seven years, I can personally testify to the transformational effects of Hyde Park Harriers. I’ve achieved race times I’d never have dreamed of without the club, but much more importantly, I’ve made so many lifelong friends and memories. It’s probably a little bit sad quite how much of my social life now revolves around Woodhouse Moor, the Edge, Kirkstall Road and all the other HPH haunts…

For those who may not be aware, Hyde Park Harriers started out in 2006 as an offshoot from the Virgin Active Gym and we still have many of the original Virgin Active Road Runners as participants in our club. In the 18 years since its founding, the club has gone from strength to strength – a testament to the incredible work of its members, leaders and committee. Long story short, I am acutely aware, and deeply honoured to be a part, of the responsibility of maintaining and building on that legacy.

As mentioned in my application, I can’t pretend to any high or mighty vision of what the club should be – I think most people would agree that we’re in fantastic shape and form, which is a huge credit to Amy and the committee over the last few years (especially since the pandemic). I’m also aware that I don’t have vast amounts of experience of the committee’s business, having only joined as club secretary last year, so I’ll be relying on the guidance and support of the longer term members, who, as mentioned, have been doing brilliant jobs for years. I’m conscious I’m about to sound like the very worst cross between a Championship manager and a MBA-wielding business consultant, but here goes: evolution, not revolution, will be the name of the game and there are two major elements to this.

Firstly, the new committee and I will be canvassing opinion from across the club as to what can be tweaked and improved. We have several brand new faces on the committee and I’m really looking forward to discussing what ideas they have. We now have two brand new committee roles in the Training and Development Coach and Social Media and Communications Lead, which I’m sure will lead to some fantastic new developments for the club in these areas. We’ll also be circulating a survey covering a wide variety of club-related matters at some point fairly soon – keep an eye on your inboxes, as we’d really like to get views and feedback from across the entire club.

Secondly, I’m a firm believer in the idea that the more you put in, the more you get out. It’s something I intend to apply to my role as chair, but one I’d also like as many members of the club to try out too. To misquote JFK, “ask not what your run club can do for you, ask what you can do for your run club…” If you’ve got a good idea for the club, whether that be a social, a club trip, a race or just a group run outside of our regular programming, we’ll aim to support you as best we can. We are and will remain hugely dependent on our leaders and volunteers to shape the club in many different ways – however you want to get involved, you’ll be very welcome!

Right, that’s enough rambling for one day! I’ll take this opportunity to once again thank the previous HPH committees and everyone who has built the club into what it is today. We’ll try to do you proud!

Ain’t no barriers!