Welcome to the Home of Radcliffe Athletic Club

Tom West

President

Donna Cartwright

Chairperson

Louise Shield

Welfare Officer

1: Where are you from?
I'm originally from Liverpool. I've lived in Bury for the last 18 years and in Manchester for four years before that.
2. How long with club?
I've been a member of RAC for about four years now after a brief stint at Bury AC. I didn't know much about local running clubs but my friend showed me the light!
3. Favourite kind of running?
My favourite type of running has to be muddy running!! So trails and XC give me the biggest buzz! I also love a good hill session! 
 4. Why started running?
I started running a number of years ago whilst my daughter was training with another club. I was sat in the car and noticed a small number of runners jogging around the track and thought 'I can give that a go!' And then I was hooked! 
5. Favourite running memory?
I have lots of lovely running memories, particularly running with RAC, but my biggest achievement was running the London Marathon back in 2018 to raise money for Cancer Research UK. I also organise a 2k and 5k run for families every week in our local community and have been doing that for about 7 years! I love volunteering for the running community and like to help out with juniors every now and then.
 6. What do you like about the club?
RAC was recommended to me by a friend. I was immediately made to feel welcome and part of the club from day one. I'd never worn a club vest before as I thought I wasn't good enough or fast enough to wear club colours but the coach reassured me that EVERYONE at club is 'good enough' and we're all part of the RAC family. We certainly are a small and friendly club with socialising, as well as running, being a big part of what we do - I love it! 

Stephen Crowe

Treasurer

1: Where are you from?

I was born in Higher Blackley, and I have lived in Middleton, Unsworth and Prestwich up to getting married and since 1985 Wendy and I have lived in Whitefield and Bury.

2: How long with Club?

I joined RAC in 2020 and have loved every minute.

3: Favourite kind of running?

I have never ‘liked running’, but I find looking back at the stats is my favourite, a bit like Ying and Yang you can’t have one without the other. I prefer road running mainly but trails have an appeal that I am starting to get used to, not sure about the thick mud though, I would be the one that would need to clean the car after.

4: Why started running ?

Throughout my life, I have been actively involved in various sports such as football, cricket, tennis, and table tennis. However, after ceasing participation, I gained some weight. In 2019, I commenced the Couch to 5k program and have remained committed to it ever since.

5: Favourite Running Memory?

I have several in my relatively short running journey, completing Manchester half marathon in 2019 so soon after completing the couch to 5km program and being so tired on wobbly legs at the end because I hadn’t trained for it and just signed up at the last minute. And completing London marathon in 2024 within 6 minutes of my target time are probably my favourite thus far.

 6: What do you like about the club?

The friendly atmosphere is great and the way everyone encourages each other in training, or at races, and stay back to cheer every person in to the finish line is epic and noticed by many other clubs that always comment on how supportive we are as an inclusive friendly club.

Helen Kay

Membership secretary

Ian Swan

Head of senior section

 email: ian.radcliffeac@gmail.com

Caroline Malone

Ladies Captain

1: Where are you from?

1. Where are you from?
Ah, I'm originally from Oldham, and I've spent most of my time living in and around the Manchester area. It's home!

2. How long with the club?
I hopped on board with the club back in 2023. Feels like I've been part of the gang for ages already!

3. Favourite kind of running?
Ooh, anything that lets me bring out the carbon plate shoes. So, mostly road races are my thing, especially if they're on closed courses. But I do also really enjoy a good, non-technical trail run out in the beautiful countryside – a bit of fresh air and lovely scenery!

4. Why I started running?
Well, it's a bit of a story! About ten years ago, I had a bit of a wake-up call about my fitness. I used to love running when I was a teenager, so I thought I'd give Parkrun a whirl. Honestly, I've been hooked ever since – no looking back!

5. Favourite running memory?
Oh, I've got a couple that just pop into my head straight away! Running the New York Marathon in 2022 was absolutely incredible – such an amazing experience! And then, just a couple of weeks ago, running the Manchester Marathon and getting to support my wonderful wife on her very first half marathon was just so special.

6.What do you like about the club?
Honestly, what isn't there to love? We've got such a fantastic bunch of friendly members, a really great championship to get involved in, and some good training sessions and club runs. It's so supportive, and everyone's achievements are celebrated, no matter how fast or slow. Plus, we always stick around at the end of races to cheer everyone else in – that's what it's all about!

Simon Foulkes

Male captain

1. Where are you from?
Manchester, live in Whitefield

2. How long with club?
This is my second year as a club member.

3. Favourite kind of running?
I prefer to race on the roads, but I really enjoy a mixture of everything if I am training.

4. Why started running?
I am an official Covid Runner. During the first lockdown, I decided to lose some weight and get fit. I was going out on the bike as often as possible. 17th April 2020, I kept seeing people running past my house and decided to see if I could get out and do that too (as my bike was also broken). The rest is history...

5. Favourite running memory?
Difficult that one. Too many great times in the last 3 years. So 3 really ! First marathon, Manchester October 2021, totally demolishing what I expected to do. Finishing my first Ultra -- 47miles of the Lap at Windermere and seeing my family at finish. Probably seeing Donna (who puts up with my constant running nonsense) just rock up at Manchester Half last year and storm her way round.

6. What do you like about the club?
Simply, how friendly everyone is. I am never going to be an elite runner at 44, but everyone encourages you to run and improve if you want to. I have really enjoyed seeing other people join and improve dramatically in such a short space of time!

Peter Warr

Head of junior section

 1: Where are you from?
 Blackpool
2. How long with club?
 With the club about 6 years (I think!)
3. Favourite kind of running?
 Open to any kind of running - as long as it's not too far!
 4. Why started running?
 Started to run to challenge myself with something aside from my normal day to day life.
5. Favourite running memory?
Running across the top of Blackstone edge on my first fell race feeling like i was hunting orcs with Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings!
 6. What do you like about the club?
The way it encourages everybody and cheers them on no matter their ability. 

Mark Taylor

Secretary

 1: Where are you from?
I grew up in Devon and I've lived in Prestwich since 2022.
2. How long with club?
 I joined in 2023.
3. Favourite kind of running?
 Road running is my favourite, but I’m trying to get into the other kinds.
 4. Why started running?
 I initially started running a few years ago to shift some weight and have just carried on since then. Never thought I’d join a running club.

5. Favourite running memory?

I’ve had so many amazing days racing for RAC. Standouts so far are my first race for the club at the Lostock 6 in 2023, Blackpool Run the Lights and Manchester Half Marathon, but my favourite so far is Berlin Half Marathon 2023.
 6. What do you like about the club?
 

The club is so friendly and encourages runners of all abilities. There’s always a huge amount of support from members at all races and everyone waits for the last person to cheer them in. I love seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces both at races and on those cold training nights. It’s such a great club to be a part of.