Our Members
Jilly - Mama Strider
I set up a women’s running group in Hebden Bridge just over 4 years ago, I had a year where every ultra I entered resulted in a DNF and was feeling despondent, I needed to do something, what if I couldn’t run anymore? Maybe encouraging others would be enough….
I started running in 2012 and soon found that my “thing” was ultra-marathons (because why stop at 26 miles when you could do 100?) and I have now done 66 (as of March 2022) but when I’m not running I’m… well, running some more with the club!
Emily
When I first joined St Pol Striders, I was the one who’d convinced myself I couldn’t run; everything hurts, and I’ll be last in the group. My confidence was extremely low, and the thought of running with people who could run made e even more nervous. A friend had persuaded me that this group was special, and so I went along. Before I knew it, I was immersed in an extremely supportive group with incredible leaders. Jilly and Iona lead the group with passion, dedication, and an infectious warmth filters down through everyone, regardless of ability.
Whether you are at the front of the group or the back of the group, you only need to look t your left or right to see that you are not alone in your journey as guaranteed someone is next to you, cheering you on.
Nicki P
When Jilly set up the club I was a slow road runner with another local club. I’d tried trail running once and hated it. Jilly convinced me to have another go and thank goodness I did! I absolutely love it now and have run several marathons and ultra marathons, on the trails, fuelled by cheese sandwiches, tea and fudge. Not only have I found a fantastic club with amazing, strong willed, determined, independent women but a special relationship with my sister in law and niece. Here’s to a few more years of ultra marathons over some of the best trails in Yorkshire. Thank you St Pol
Amanda -
The passion for running and astonishing encouragement when needed just left me feeling part of a fantastic club.
Penny
The St Pol Striders running group is about so much more than keeping fit. Its also a great way to meet people, get to know the local area, take on new challenges, learn about running technique and above all, to enjoy running. Jilly and Iona are really friendly and all are welcome, from complete beginners to ultra-runners - everyone is supported and everyon'e’s achievements are celebrated. I don't know how they find the time to organise and run all the activities (and spin-off groups such as the triathlon group too!) but their energy seems boundless.
I always thought a running group would be highly competitive but running with the Striders is stress-free and great fun. It’s amazing how much further I can run when I’m in lovely surroundings and chatting!
Joining St Pol Striders was the best thing I did when I moved to the area and I am looking forward to future runs and challenges with the group.
Cath
From Huffing and Puffing to becoming a Mountain Goat
Not only has this running group taken me from someone who could just about run 5k this time last year, to being able to run 15k in a day, they have also provided me with a wonderful group of women friends and lots of support, laughter and encouragement. Jilly and Iona make the runs fun and enjoyable at all times, they encourage you to move out of your comfort zone (if you want to) and create fun and enjoyable challenges while never leaving anyone behind.
Their motivation rubs off on me on those days when I think I can’t be bothered going for a run as they are so committed to the group and have endless enthusiasm and energy. As I often say on a run with the group, “it’s always an adventure with the Pols…”
Jade
I joined St Pols under a year ago when running for 5 minutes seemed like a huge challenge and I was going through a bit of a rough patch. The small, gradual increase each week, the team spirit and the genuine support of Jilly and Iona has not only transformed my perception of what I can achieve, but kept me going through some of my struggles. And here I am… about to run a 10k and smiling!
Sasha
Reliably there, week in, week out, St Pol Striders’ various pack runs offer companionable running for all levels, all year round.
Jess M
I had never had any desire to start running, and couldn’t understand why people would want to do it, until lockdown #467382 when I was back living at home with my parents, and finding it hard to keep myself busy and positive. Even when I signed up to St Pol’s buddy scheme in January 2021 I was very sceptical I’d keep it up, and the goal of running for 30 minutes seemed like it would be impossible. I was just feeling desperate to do something new and get out of the January slump.
It’s now been a year since I joined, and truthfully it was one of the best things I’ve ever done! I couldn’t have imagined by Summer 2021 I’d be running two, sometimes three times a week with the run club, meeting so many amazing people who I would never have crossed paths with, even going to a weekend running/camping event and finishing my first half marathon by Autumn. There is always something to get involved with, and I still can’t believe January 1st 2022 I was able to run with the gang 9 miles to Haworth, when just a year earlier I was messaging Jilly on Facebook to sign up for couch to 5k.
I’ve since moved away from Hebden (luckily not too far) and it’s made me realise even more how special the club is, and what a privilege it was to get out on the hills every week. I love running now, but that is 100% thanks to St Pols, and I’m so grateful for the support, friendships and many (many) group chats that I’ve had along the way!
Louise O
So incredible and so inspiring! Thank you for making everyone feel like they could join in and are good enough to try…
Tamsin C
I tried to compete the Couch to 5k programme on my own for three years. I restarted it many times but struggled to get beyond 2-3k. There were two things I knew for certain: 1) I could only run on the flat, preferably the canal 2) Group runs weren't for me, I liked running on my own.
Fast forward to January 2022 and I decided to give the St Pol Couch to 5k group a go. Five months later, I can run 5k and can even tackle a hill. And my favourite run of the week is the one I run with the St Pol group . I've been properly blown away by the support, advice and encouragement I've received. It's phenomenal how much time Jilly and Iona (and the other 'big sisters') put in to supporting the group. Give it a try, you won't regret it.
Jayne
During lockdown I successfully managed to complete the NHS Couch to 5K with Jo Wiley cheering me on in my headphones. Once completed I continued to run but quickly started to lose interest without and goals or someone egging me on. I tried other apps but they were too American or just not Jo so I gave up interest. I knew deep down I wanted to do it but lacked motivation.
A friend I hadn’t seen in a while posted she had been doing C25K with the St Pol Striders saying how great it was. Needing a kick start I decided to give it a go. I immediately felt welcomed and not only has my fitness and running ability improved, I have also made new friends. This was just what I needed to get me out there again, I had a reason to do it. This club it isn’t just about those that can run long distances or can run fast it really is about everyone. Achievements are celebrated no matter how big or small. I know I will never do a marathon, but I am looking forward to more fun and adventures with the striders.
Meg T
I’m so thankful to have found such an amazing running club and made so many new friends as well as such great encouragement. I wasn’t going for a Parkrun PB but somehow got one!
May
Thank you for creating and holding such a lovely group and growing such a culture of support, encouragement, and kindness. I’m so happy I’m not broken by that run, a PB on that front for me.