Meet the Coaching Team
Paul Rea
CoachPaul joined the Saltwell Harriers around 2008 but has been running since the early 80s. He coaches Group 1 on a Tuesday and lead mixed ability sessions on Thursday evenings.
"I get a real buzz from seeing our members exceed their expectations."
Paul Richardson
CoachPaul has been a member for over 15 years and has previously been both captain and vice-captain, apparel officer and social secretary.
He's a fully trained Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) and have been working with group 2 for a number of years.
"I love running in the hills and being out for long days of fell running. You should give it a try, you might find you enjoy it!"
Phil Robertson
CoachPhil joined Saltwell Harriers in 2014 and he’s been leading sessions in Groups 3-5 since 2016. In 2019 he qualified as a coach.
Davey Candlish
CoachDavey ran his first half marathon in 1983 and joined Saltwell in 2013.
He's been part of the coaching team for nearly three years. Davey is usually shouting at — and pushing — Group 4!
Lyndsey Stephenson
LIRFLyndsey joined the club in 2013 and has been a LIRF since 2014. She coaches Group 3 on a Tuesday. She prefers longer distance running and has completed a couple of marathons in her time at the club.
Jacqui Candlish
LIRFJoined Saltwell in 2013 and the coaching team in 2016 — usually running with Group 3.
Her forte is the marathon distance — always under four hours, not bad at all!
Graham Stephenson
LIRFLoves a tempo run and a bit of endurance stuff. More of a Diesel engine than a locomotive and behind his tough exterior there is a caring side. He really is our own Ironman.
Gillian Donaldson
LIRFGillian qualified as a LIRF in 2008 and was instrumental in setting up a beginners group in 2010 – one of her proudest achievements within the club.
"I currently cover groups three, four and five – helping the group coaches."
Samantha Bruce
LIRFNormally help coach Group 3 and 4. Joined Saltwell Harriers in 2010, runs in Group 3. Favourite distance is 10 miles. Loves cross country and trail running the best!
Riccardo Antico
LIRFRicco joined Saltwell Harriers in 2016 and runs in Group 1.
"I love half marathons and marathons and am arguably the best looking runner in Group 1."
Jonathon Conlon
LIRFJonathan joined Saltwell in 2021. Hobbies apart from running including going to gigs and football, support Manchester City FC (fan since the late 1980s when they were rubbish), hiking and travelling.
"My favourite local route is along the Quayside at night when the bridges are illuminated."
Dave Hewer
LIRFDave joined Saltwell in 2017 and has really benefited from being pushed hard in the weekly training sessions.
He enjoys all sorts of distances but loves nothing more than getting out on the countryside trails. Dave usually runs with Group 1.
Craig Swanson
LIRFCraig joined Saltwell back in March 2020 and when not coaching can often be found in Group 1.
Despite admittedly having the worst nutrition and taste in food, Craig can often be seen trying to take a Marathon and he has completed five of the six major marathons in the last two years. He is happier than he looks when he's running... honestly!
Andrew Softley
LIRF
Karen Beaumont
LIRF"My name is Karen and although I'm new to the Committee, I've been a member of Saltwell Harriers for around 13 years and running for 25 years. I'm always happiest on the trails, with no pressure apart from getting round with a smile on your face.
"I believe that running is one of the best ways to clear your head, and that being part of a running club should be fun and feel safe. That's why I volunteered to become Welfare Officer; to make Saltwell Harriers a welcoming place for both new and longstanding members."
Neil Morson
LIRF
Catriona Sibert
LIRF"I joined Saltwell Harriers in Spring 2024 having just moved to the North East and immediately discovered what a friendly and welcoming club it is. I've been a qualified Run Leader since 2018 but hadn't used it in a few years, so it's great to brush up on my skills and learn from the rest of the coaching team.
"My favourite type of running is a social trail run, but I do like to push myself at a marathon every couple of years!"