Meet the Committee

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Claire Lloyd

Chair

"I’ve been a member of Saltwell Harriers for the past 10 years, joining originally to improve my GNR time from the previous year.  My favourite event is parkrun, closely followed by XC.

"I joined the Committee in 2021 as Ladies Captain and it’s an honour to now serve as Chair. I look forward to working with the rest of the Committee to ensure Saltwell Harriers is a place where our members achieve their running goals, whatever they may be, and enjoy themselves while they do so."

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Lyndsey Stephenson

Vice Chair

"I have been a member of Saltwell since 2013 and over the years have been on the committee in various roles - Ladies Captain, Chair and I am now vice-chair.  I am looking forward to supporting Claire and the committee over the upcoming year.

"I am also a LIRF and regularly look after one of the groups at training. I love the fact that running brings together lots of people from different backgrounds, but we all encourage and support each other to improve and have fun along the way!

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Gillian Donaldson

Honorary Secretary

"I have been a member of Saltwell Harrier since 2004, being involved with the committee in various roles from Ladies Captain to Vice Chair, since 2008. I qualified as a LIRF in 2008, being instrumental in setting up a beginners group in 2010 – one of my most proudest achievements within the club. I currently cover groups three, four and five – helping the group coaches."

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Jonathan Conlon

Men's Captain

Jonathan 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."

Nicola Dyson

Nicola Dyson

Ladies' Captain

"I joined Saltwell in 2021 to try and start running more consistently and since then have achieved goals and times I never thought I was capable of thanks to the brilliant coaching and camaraderie here.

"My favourite distance is the half marathon, but I enjoy anything from relays and parkruns to marathon and fell running. The great thing about running with Saltwell is the opportunity to try a wide variety of races and running and I'd highly recommend having a go at something new!"

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Steve Ayling

Men's Vice Captain

"I joined Saltwell in 2017 looking to get back into running on a more consistent basis and meet like minded people who love to run.

"I am always looking for a new challenge from XC, to running the trails and even a bit of night running and have more recently found a passion for ultra distances although that might have something to do with the amazing feed stations!"

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Joanna McNeill

Ladies' Vice Captain

"I joined Saltwell Harriers in 2021 after some time solo running during and post-COVID. I wanted to feel part of a team and run with like-minded people. I love not only the variety of training but also the social aspect of being part of Saltwell Harriers and hope to continue to improve and promote how sociable our club is to current and future members."

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Aaron Fletcher

Social Secretary
"Having never previously been a member of a running club I joined Saltwell Harries in October 2021 not long after moving to Low Fell. It was a great way of getting to know new people and making friends in the area.
"I love pulling on the Saltwell vest and running in individual and team races for the club. My favourite moment whilst running has got to be the day the club were promoted to Division 1 in the Cross Country NEHL. Hopefully we’ll get back there soon!
"As social secretary I hope to continue the great work that has already been put in place to ensure the club is the arguably the best and friendliest running club in Gateshead and across the North East."
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Barry Huitson

Lead Welfare Officer

Barry joined the club in early 2020, not long before lockdown. With help from the coaches and the motivation provided by team mates, Barry is now running his quickest times ever!

"I don't particularly have a preferred race distance, but the team dynamics involved in the Cross Country season makes this stand out as my favourite discipline."

Michelle Connelly

Michelle Connelly

Welfare Officer

"I love 5k and 10k races but you can’t beat the trails in the winter! I especially love when other Hoops are taking part in the same races as me. There’s nothing better than hearing your name cheered on and cheering on your teammates."

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Paul Richardson

Welfare Officer

Paul 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!"

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Karen Beaumont

Welfare Officer

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.