Committee Members
Below are the main roles required within the committee and these people are invited to attend regular committee meetings. A brief overview of the duties performed by each of the committee members can be downloaded here.
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You can also meet some of this years committee in this short video! |
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Karen Dodsworth - Club PresidentMy passion for coaching started whilst I studied for my physical education degree, although in the 80s I was coaching netball and trampolining! I joined NHRR in 1991 to improve my fitness for netball but soon found that I loved running more. I am qualified as a UKA Event Group Coach (completing 22 modules online certainly required some endurance!) and UKA Strength and Conditioning Coach. I’ve always enjoyed working closely with individual athletes; I coached Pete to his 30.59 10km and 2.26 marathon, Paul Pearce, a lottery funded GB partially sighted athlete, to gain selection for the Athens Paralympics and Astrid with PBs of 35.54 10km and 2.59.50 marathon. Always looking to improve to provide the best possible coaching I love reading the latest research, attending coaching conferences and observing other coaches with their athletes. At NHRR I produce the training schedules for our three training groups and regularly coach blue group currently. If you have a question about your running or need some help to achieve your target don’t hesitate to ask!
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Richard Harbon - Race DirectorI joined NHRR in 1995 following the birth of my second daughter Katie. To be honest Jo persuaded me.
It took a lot of effort as I am rugby player at heart. However, I not only fell in love with running but also NHRR. Its always been a special club and remains so. I also love putting on events and have been involved in putting on the club races since joining. My favourite happens to be the First Saturday of the Month. You just can't beat those 2 laps of our wonderful common and its my idea of a perfect Saturday |
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Jo Sopala - Club SecretaryI didn't take up running until I was in my 40's, when I signed up for the NHRR Couch to 5K course in 2018. After we graduated, the club asked us if we would like to join. I couldn’t believe it. My first 5k took over 45 minutes – why would they want me! But that's what makes NHRR special, it's a truly inclusive club.
Thanks to the club I have gotten faster and enjoy running much longer distances these days. But being part of the club is about so much more than running. I’ve learned that volunteering as a marshal is just as important (and rewarding) as running sometimes and I’m always proud to go and cheer on our faster runners at important races. Being Club Secretary is my way of giving back for all the coaching, support and encouragement I have received. |
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Geoff Murray-Rochard - TreasurerI joined NHRR in 2017, resuming running after a 20 year gap! Having partly retired I wanted a club that blended social with racing. The furthest I had run up to joining was the standalone 10k many years ago. I have now run faster than that time and completed my first half marathon. I want to contribute to the club to ensure it continues to thrive and grow and look forward to supporting it as treasurer.
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Georgia Barker- Membership SecretaryI've run for many years but joined North Herts Road Runners in 2022 as I wanted to be part of a club with structured training sessions. I immediately felt welcome and have made some great friends in the club, attending social events as well as the variety of training sessions on offer.
I love the fact that the club caters for so many levels and their training sessions are fun as well as beneficial to running fitness. I volunteered to take on the role as membership secretary as I love organising things (people!). |
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Ian Datlen - Web SecretaryI joined NHRR in 2019 after changing my chosen sport from kickboxing with the occasional OCR race thrown in and thrashing myself around a parkrun every week for a year.
Since joining i have benefited enormously from the coached training sessions and improved my fitness and speed progressively. I have raced most distances including 3 marathons, something i never thought i would do. I have thoroughly enjoyed running , racing and socialising with the club and am now doing my best to keep the website updated. |
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John Auld - Cross Country RepI joined NHRR in May 2014 after completing the Greenway challenge. I started running a year before to get fit after a serious wrist injury and quickly became fond of the sport. Since joining the club I've had fantastic support and great fun with a great bunch of people. I've very much enjoyed the team spirit there is at the club as well as my own focus on self improvement. In 2017, I managed to run the London Marathon after qualifying via Good For Age. I trained my heart out and had much support from club members. The race was the most amazing experience, I had the best fun and the atmosphere was electric! This was in no small part due to the NHRR supporters on the route. I never thought I could consider entering a marathon and now I have a sub 2:52 marathon time. I love racing as a team and I love the cross county races, they are great fun and always interesting.
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Richard Barker - Joint Head CoachI am a relatively recent member of NHRR having joined in 2022 but have been running for most of my adult life.
I started to coach at the Club in early 2023 before qualifying as a Coach in Running Fitness in 2024. Personally my favourite runs are off road and if it involves a hill or better still a mountain then even better! I enjoy participating in a race, albeit my faster days are long behind me… recent race experience includes Marathon Eryri last autumn with a few other club members (26.2 miles is a side show… the 2500ft of ascent is the challenge!), recent other marathons include Chester and London and the Xterra Snowdonia Mountain Marathon which you may have guessed included over 5000ft of up! You will also find me taking part in race of any distance from 5k upwards and I am a regular Park Runner (who doesn’t love one of those!) My focus within the club (apart from head coaching with Dave Braybrook) is the ‘yellow group’. Seeing club members develop and achieve their goals is what motivates me. This group has such a wide variety of athletic abilities and ages. Sessions not just focus on ability but also individual performance development. It’s great to see those who regularly attend the Club to maintain fitness, but also those that join as a relatively novice runner to complete a marathon a year later. |
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Dave Braybrook - Joint Head CoachHi, I’m Dave Braybrook, part of the Head Coach team at North Herts Road Runners.
I joined the club in 2018 after running the Standalone 10K and being so impressed by the organisation and friendly atmosphere that I decided to join. Since then, I’ve got more involved with the club, starting with social media and introducing NHRR to Instagram. I later completed my LiRF and CiRF qualifications and discovered how much I enjoy coaching. I love helping people improve, whatever their ability or goals, and my aim is always to make our sessions fun, friendly and challenging — hopefully leaving everyone with a smile on their face! |
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Mark Vaughan - Kit SecretaryHi, I’m Mark. Friendly Male Vet 45, 5’10”, slim build, blonde hair and blue eyes. Interested in track, XC and road
running. WLTM similar enthusiasts into speedwork, hill reps, racing and long runs at the weekend. Also into running shoes, club kit and cake. Very approachable, GSOH, OHAC etc. etc. All calls answered! |
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Caroline Thrussell - Joint Welfare SecretaryI joined NHRR in 2012 after training for the London marathon solo, looking for company for my long runs. Being a member of the club not only helped me with my running, but found me a whole new friendship group and helped me through a really tricky time in my life.
I work in a school where I get involved in all areas of welfare. I am passionate about mindfulness, motivation and resilience. I am always ready to listen and support where I can. |
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Tom Kingham - Joint Welfare SecretaryI moved to Letchworth at the end of 2023 and joined North Herts Road Runners in January 2024. From day one I’ve felt really welcomed by the club’s friendly atmosphere. Running has been great for my wellbeing and I’ve enjoyed the social side of things too, whether it’s training, joining events or volunteering at club activities. I’m also always challenging myself to beat my 10k PB, which keeps me motivated.
I’m a qualified mental health first aider with experience in Safeguarding. If you ever need someone to chat to feel free to reach out. I’m happy to listen and help however I can. |