Slaithwaite Striders Running Club
MEET THE TEAM
Andy Smith
Chairman
Running for me began at High School, were I discovered I was particularly good at the 1500 meters and cross country. After leaving school I did not run again seriously until I entered the Lindley 10km back in 2016, and ‘Yes’ I am now an addict.
Elizabeth Parr
Club Secretary
I have always run, I loved doing the cross country and 1500m at school. It is a great way to get out in the countryside and doesn’t cost anything – once you have a pair of trainers.
Kirsti Dickinson
Welfare and DBS and Social Secretary.
My parents always took us Youth Hostelling when we were growing up, usually to the Lake District. As a student at Lancaster, I went hiking most weekends. Once I started work, I signed up for annual ‘Race for Life’ 5k events. I trained a little each time, but always stopped when the event was over. After having my second child, I realised I needed to join a running club to keep me motivated and to lose some weight! Holmfirth Harriers was my first club. With them, I trained and raced regularly, usually taking part in 10k road races.
Steven Cook
Team Manager
​Joining striders in 2021 was life changing for me, It's amazing to have over a hundred like-minded people in our local area to become friends with. I later joined the committee to help give back to the club. As a run leader, I love planning routes for our club runs. As team manager I enjoy encouraging fellow Striders to participate in local races, plan our teams in the Calderdale Way Relay, and help organise the 2 races we hold each year in the Yorkshire Veterans League and our very own Darkwood Demon. It's hard to beat the feeling when we have a large group of Striders out together on race day!
Lucie Gresham-Hill
social media manager
My journey into running began as a tribute to a dear friend who passed away from MND. To honor their love for running, I participated in a memorial run. Although I initially struggled to find joy in running, everything changed when I joined Slaithwaite Striders. The camaraderie and support of this incredible group transformed my perspective, and I soon fell in love with trail running. Now, I love our Sunday runs through the beautiful moors with my friends. As a committee member, I am passionate about fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all runners, whether they are seasoned athletes or just starting out.
David Burnell
DBS & Welfare
I was always a strong runner at school in most distances but didn’t pursue it further at the time. After a 22-year break, I returned to running at the end of 2014 during a difficult period in my life, using it as a way to rebuild both my mental health and sense of self. What started as a simple escape quickly became a passion—beginning with a 10K, then progressing to half marathons, ultras and a few marathons. Running became my therapy and my “happy place,” helping me step away from medication and regain control. I initially ran solo, valuing the solitude,a way to switch off and personal space it gave me. However, after helping a friend train for an ultra and eventually joining a running club, my perspective changed. Today, I find just as much fulfilment in supporting and motivating others as I once did running alone.