Meet the Committee
Simon Murray
Club PresidentSimon was born, lived in Gateshead and first started training with Saltwell Harriers in September 1967 as an eleven year old, but did not officially join the club until his fourteenth birthday as AAA's rules did not allow any under 14 year competition or membership of affiliated clubs. He was a County Champion on the Country & Track, regional XCty champions and represented the county and region for a number of years up to U20 level. He then became an 'at distance' member whilst studying, living and working in the North West in the mid to late 1970's.
He returned to the region and fully to the club in the early 1980's and as well as competing on the country and roads he served as an officer of the club in most roles as former Club Chair, Secretary and Treasurer and now has been Club President for a number of years.
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."
Lyndsey Stephenson
Vice Chair & Secretary"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!
Jonathan Conlon
Men's CaptainJonathan 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."
Sarah Short
Ladies' Captain"I’ve been a member of Saltwell Harriers for four years now. Looking back, joining was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
"The club has given me so much support, encouragement and friendship, and thanks to our dedicated coaching team, I’ve achieved things I never thought possible.
"After receiving so much from the club, I wanted to give something back, so I joined the committee. It’s incredibly rewarding to see others discover the same enjoyment, friendship and positive impact that running and Saltwell Harriers have given me.
Sam Harrison
Men's Vice Captain"I joined Saltwell in 2014 and never looked back. I love everything about it - the community, the camaraderie and the buzz of team events like XC where we get to compete together. I’ve started exploring fell running and it’s been great fun discovering a whole new challenge - definitely try it, you might just enjoy it.
"As Vice Captain, I hope to continue giving something back to the club whilst helping make Saltwell Harriers a welcoming place for everyone!"
Sophia Daoudi-Simison
Ladies' Vice Captain & Welfare Officer"I've been a member of Saltwell since 2022 and have never looked back. It’s such a great community, and I’ve definitely improved my running thanks to our dedicated coaching team (although I still hate running up hills).
"I always said I’d never run a marathon — but since joining Saltwell, I’ve now done two! I’ve also really enjoyed getting into cross country. I joined the committee to give something back to the club, and when the welfare officer role became available, I leapt at the chance. You’ll often find me at the local parkrun or running with Group 4 on a Tuesday night — come and say hi!"
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."
Martin Waugh
Treasurer"I joined the club in August 2016; having been a junior member in the 90’s, winning the junior handicap in 1993 is an achievement I hold close to my heart. As a type 1 diabetic I find running helps with this. I love the camaraderie in the running community – especially Saltwell Harriers! Competing in all distances up to Marathon I find all bring different experiences but would go with the Marathon as my favorite! I am a regular runner and volunteer at parkrun.
"I joined the committee in 2025 as having been a member long enough I thought it would be great to give something back."
Paul Richardson
Welfare OfficerPaul 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!"
John Clarke
Welfare Officer"I have been a member of Saltwell Harriers since 2016. Joining the club was one of the best things I ever did. I still love running by myself, but I also now enjoy running as part of a team, and I'm especially keen on the cross-country races.
"My favourite place to run is Bamburgh Beach, with just the Farne Islands for company. My favourite post-run meal is my homemade jalfrezi vegan curry. I have been vegan for fifteen years, and I believe my plant based nutrition helps my running.
"I'm happy to take on the role of welfare officer and work with fellow committee members to ensure that everyone at the club feels safe and feels wanted."