About Us

Paul Fortune

I started running in 2021 after a Couch to 5K with my wife, she stopped, but I kept going! I joined EDRC soon after and fell in love with the sport and the community. As a Club Captain and Run Leader, I love seeing members achieve their goals and grow in confidence. My proudest moment was representing EDRC at the London Marathon and earning a PB. I enjoy both the Lakeland 50 and Ultra Warrior challenges. When I’m not running, I’m at the gym or cheering on my son’s football matches.

Kerry Barnett

I started running in 2013 at the age of 42, hoping to get fitter and lose a little weight. That escalated into a love of endurance running, by 2014 I had completed my first marathon. Since then, I’ve completed over 50 marathons and ultras before my 50th birthday. As a Club Captain, I love supporting members of all abilities, particularly through our Couch to 5K and Walkie Talkie groups. My proudest moment was completing the Lakeland 50 in 2017, and my favourite event is Endure 24, a perfect mix of running, camping, and festival fun. When I’m not running, I enjoy crocheting, country music, pub quizzes, and animal rights activism.

Craig Felton

My first run was as a kid in a local fun run, but my real running journey began in 2013 after deciding to go for a jog in the rain! Since then, I’ve gone from Couch to 5K to completing events like the Great North Run, Durham Coast Half and Kielder Dark Skies. I’m now proud to lead our “Couch to 5k” group and help others start their own journeys. I love running with my family and exploring the Lakes – one day I’ll tick off all 214 Wainwrights.

Bethany Willis

Hi, I’m Bethany and I’m a Physics PhD student! I became a Run Leader in 2019 and love helping others build confidence and go from complete beginners to ultra-runners, just like my own journey. You’ll usually find me exploring trails with Tyler the dog, or celebrating a run with a coffee (or a cheeky pint!) alongside the team. Everyone’s welcome here and I can’t wait to see more people joining us on the adventures ahead. See you on the trails.

Chris Brown

I’m Chris, and I’ve been running since the mid 00’s after taking it up to support my gym training and improve my overall health and fitness. It’s made a huge difference both in running and in my other sport, Field Hockey for Durham City. I recently completed my first marathon just before turning 40, but I really enjoy shorter distances with great company, especially our club members. When I’m not out exercising, you’ll find me working as a heating engineer and enjoying a well-earned rest!

Lily Robinson

I’m Lisa Robbo (aka Lily) I’ve always run for fitness, but in my late 40s I decided to take on a huge challenge, running 50 miles for my 50th birthday! That sparked my passion for long-distance running and I’ve since completed the Lakeland 100 twice. As a Run Leader, I enjoy sharing my love for the trails and ultras. The Lakeland 100 weekend in Coniston is my absolute favourite event. Away from running, I enjoy early gym sessions, Lake District trips, and time with family and friends.

JAmes Campbell

I started running around the year 2000 to support my rugby training, but injuries eventually pushed me to swap the pitch for endurance events. Since 2011 I’ve taken on everything from triathlon to multi-day adventures and have completed over 50 trail marathons and ultramarathons, including iconic Hardmoors and Hardwolds races. I love exploring the East Durham coast, Castle Eden Dene and the Cleveland Way. When I’m not out tackling long miles, I work for a bank as a Process Improvement Analyst, although I’d always rather be on the trails.

Avril Mackay

I first got into running back in 1982 when I signed up for the Great North Run, and I’ve been hooked ever since! I love the adventure side of running: long miles, good company, and the freedom of the trails. My favourite memory is completing the Dublin Marathon; the support and atmosphere were incredible. These days I enjoy leading runs, exploring new places, and fast-packing adventures with friends. When I’m not running, I’m usually spending time with my grandchildren or dipping in cold water somewhere.

Chris Pipe

I first started running to improve my health and lose weight, but it quickly became something much more meaningful. As a Run Leader, I help out whenever needed, supporting sessions and stepping in to lead when needed. My proudest running achievement is completing my first ultra, the 5 Valleys Ultra in 2023, something I never thought I would be able to do! It’s also my favourite event, combining challenge and stunning Lake District scenery. When I’m not running, I love a good pub quiz with friends.

Kaye Stephenson

I started running at 21 to train for a Race for Life event, and the bug never left! After founding a local club in my 30s, I joined EDRC, where I now serve as Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Run Leader for the popular Walkie Talkies group. My standout memory is a 5K fun run at Hardwick Park, my fastest ever! I’ll never forget leading 50 women dressed in pink for the 2010 Race for Life in Hartlepool. These days, I love running our Saturday ParkPlay sessions and bringing the community together through fun and fitness.

Katie Halsall

I started running after my husband casually ran a half marathon “for the craic,” and a colleague challenged me with a simple “why not?” After my first run I’ve never looked back. I love supporting others on their running journeys. My favourite memories include completing the Manchester Half just two months after starting running, and very hungover, with my husband by my side, and later finishing my first ultra, Bridges to Boundaries, together as well. When I’m not running, you’ll usually find me working, sleeping, or enjoying a drink or two.

Chris Raine

I first took up running after a back injury to help strengthen my core, but it quickly became much more than rehab! I now love being part of the club as a Run Leader, supporting Couch to 5K runners and helping out wherever I can. My proudest moments include finishing my first marathon in York and tackling the 40-mile Sunderland Urban Ultra. I enjoy the Great North Run, Durham Coast Half, and Kielder Marathon, and when I’m not running, you’ll usually find me with my family or tinkering on my motorbike

Paddy Henry

I first started running to keep fit I have family at EDRC, so I joined in and never looked back! As a run leader I support the Next Steps group and help out with other sessions whenever needed. My favourite running memories include completing my first 5K at Seaham, taking on the Cotswold 5K, and most recently finishing the Durham 5K. When I’m not running, I enjoy walking the dog, spending time outdoors, or getting a session in at the gym.

Mari-louise wotton

Hi, I’m Mari! I started running and hiking after lockdown as a way to find freedom, focus, and a renewed sense of purpose. What began as a personal challenge soon became a passion for supporting others, which led me to become a Run Leader. For me, running isn’t about how fast you go, it’s about setting your own goals and taking things one step at a time. Most importantly, I believe in having plenty of laughs and enjoying the journey along the way.

Ian McAlister

My running journey began in 2013 when I took on the Great North Run as part of a charity challenge alongside the UK Three Peaks and a five-day Hadrian’s Wall hike. My favourite memory is crossing the finish line of that first Great North Run, an unforgettable moment! I love the Great North Run and Gateshead Trail 10K, and outside of running, I’m currently hiking all 214 Wainwrights in the Lake District….

Daniel French

I started running in 2012 to get fitter and complete the Couch to 5K with the goal of one day running the Great North Run. After a long break between 2015 and 2024, I returned to running and enjoying it more than ever. One of my favourite memories is completing the Roseberry Topping Fell Race, running to the top after once struggling to walk it. I love half marathons, having completed ten over the past decade. When I’m not running, I enjoy hiking in the Lakes and working my way through the Wainwrights.

Dawn Morrison

I started running in 2016 to improve my fitness and mental health, but after breaking both my heel bones in 2019, I switched to walking. I joined the Walkie Talkies group and loved the supportive atmosphere and friendly chats, which inspired me to become a Walk Leader. My favourite moments are when people open up and say how much the group has helped them. I enjoy countryside and coastal walks, and when I’m not walking, When I’m not walking, I enjoy painting small rocks with uplifting messages and leaving them for others to find and smile.

Ross Cooper

Hi, I’m Ross! I joined EDRC at the end of 2024 after deciding it was time to make a change. Training for the Great North Run 2025 helped me rediscover my fitness and motivation, and with the club’s support I’ve gone from struggling to run a minute to completing a half marathon. The encouragement from members has inspired me to give back and help others on their running journeys. I especially enjoy the club’s social runs and the sense of camaraderie they bring. Outside of running, I’m a dedicated family man who loves spending time with loved ones.

Heather CLapman

I’m Heather, and I love running for the sense of freedom it gives me. I started at 19 with the Great North Run and returned to running later in life, completing my first marathon at Kielder and my first ultra at the Sunderland Urban Ultra. Since then, I’ve never looked back. The support and friendships at EDRC have been key to my journey, and I’m proud to now be part of the Run Leader team. I enjoy trying different events, and when I’m not running, I like reading or attempting piano pieces beyond my ability.

Angela Burnhope

I started running to improve both my fitness and mental health, and it’s supported me through some of the toughest and happiest moments of my life. I also love the social side, connecting with friends and meeting new people. My standout memories include completing my first marathon at Kielder for Prostate Cancer UK in memory of my dad, as well as taking on the Lakeland 50, a long-time goal. When I’m not running, I enjoy socialising, relaxing with a book or Netflix, cooking, entertaining, and spending time with family.

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…