People

Executive Committee

• Paul Horler

  Chair

  Paul discovered running late — he was 54 when he laced up for the first time in 2019 — so he knows first-hand that it's never too late to find out what you're capable of. That belief shapes how he sees the club. Since then he has tried nearly everything the sport offers: road, track and cross country, from 800m to the marathon. He picked up age-category wins in both the CC6 and HRRL series this season, and last year was honoured to receive an England Masters vest at Manchester marathon. But the running he values most happens between races — weekend miles through the Winchester countryside with clubmates, and Saturday parkruns, where he'll volunteer as happily as he'll run. As Chair, Paul's ambition is simple: a club that succeeds at every discipline and every level, and that genuinely welcomes everyone — from those running their first social 5k to the most competitive athletes, across all ages and abilities. If that sounds like your kind of club, come and join us for a run. You can contact Paul here: [email protected]
• Cathy Kinnear

  Secretary

  Cathy started running at age 48 when she retired from a career in the City. She always thought her Dad (who still runs competitively at age 86) was mad, getting up early and running in all weathers but now she’s exactly the same. Cathy runs all distances from 5k to marathon and is chasing a sub 3:30. She particularly enjoys racing for the Club in the Hampshire Road Race League and loves the support and camaraderie that WRC has in abundance. She believes passionately that everyone can run, it’s never too late to start. Cathy lives in Ropley with 3 horses and 2 dogs and has recently started studying modern history. You can contact Cathy here: [email protected]
• Bruce Ayling

  Treasurer

  Bruce started 'club running' after he moved to Winchester, seeking coaching and competition for running to be more interesting, more fulfilling. This was many years ago; many years of interesting, fulfilling running, with great friendships, sharing in club/team/individual successes, and support when challenges sadly arise. The club, coaching and friends have supported his running from 10k/half-marathons, to marathons, to ultras in distance; there's always someone to help, guide, console and/or celebrate with. He particularly enjoys his long-distance challenges; the winding trails and paths, the changeable weather, the varying terrain, the constant adventure; living a different life, if only briefly. Also, very high up his priorities are his family, and his work as a chartered financial planner helping people to plan, grow and protect their wealth and financial wellbeing. Bruce is the club treasurer, looking after the club's finances, so the club can fulfil its desired objectives. [email protected]
• Sam Parkinson

  Welfare Officer and DBS

  Sam rediscovered running when her children joined a local club some 13 years ago. She immediately caught the bug and entered the Great South Run. Happy to not only finish it but do so in a reasonable time, she decided to take the plunge and also join a club. Sam has run all distances from 1500 up to the marathon and beyond but has a special place in her heart for cross country. She can always be found in the mud throughout the winter months. Relays are a bit of a speciality for Sam, and she will travel far and wide for the excitement of a good relay race. Especially if there is potential for a masters team win! Although running is an individual sport, the value of community has been important for Sam. She has, in the past, helped manage the Welsh Castles team and was, until recently, road relays manager for women. Away from running, Sam has worked for over 30 years for the NHS, working mainly with children and families. Safeguarding has always been of paramount importance in her work. This experience will support her as club welfare officer. [email protected]
• Lara Noot

  Junior Representative

  Lara whilst not a runner herself is mum to one of our junior runners and has been involved with the junior training group for the past 7 years. Lara is our junior representative on the committee and the first port of call for anything junior related. She is a primary school teacher and lives in Winchester with her husband, two sons and aging Labrador.
• Colin McManus

  Ordinary Member

  Colin ran in his youth for a local club and after a hiatus returned to running in his twenties when he realised that despite not even being the best runner in his family it was probably still the sport for him. When injury allows he runs any distance from 5k upwards, has dabbled in the odd marathon on road or trail, and harbours an ambition to go even further. The temptation of an empty club record book even got him back on the track in recent years. Trail and mud are Colin's favourite place to run but he also competes on the road. Rarely found at the front of the pack Colin loves how running allows you to set your own individual goals and challenges whilst being part of an amazing group who supports you achieving them. He has also recently started his journey to becoming a qualified athletics coach, believing that sport gives young people a fantastic opportunity to gain experiences and learn skills that will important throughout their life. As Ordinary Member Colin represents the wider membership on the committee and also helps with the organisation of the annual trip to the Welsh Castles Relays, sorting out logistics, squeezing in a run, and driving athletes around accompanied by what is frankly the best Spotify playlist. Colin works in IT and lives with his family in Eastleigh.
• Caroline Carr

  Social Media and Communications

  Caroline started running in 1998 when she bet her Dad she could beat his time at the Stroud Half Marathon, she did…just. She has continued running on and off ever since with a couple of breaks for kids. Caroline runs for fun, fitness and camaraderie with a sprinkling of friendly competition. She will run any distance from 5k to marathon particularly enjoying racing in the local road race league especially if there is a chance for a team win! She prefers to spend her weekly running hours out on the trails with obligatory coffee and cake stops. Caroline would like the world to know what an inclusive, friendly and supportive club we all have by sharing all that we do on our social platforms. You can contact Caroline here at [email protected]
• Matt Smallman

  Membership Secretary

  Matt is an enthusiastic endurance runner, although not necessarily fast. He has only recently discovered the sense of camaraderie and support that comes with club running. Matt doesn't compete as often as he might like but thoroughly enjoys the challenge when he does. His favourite distances are half and full marathons on road or trail but he has also competed in a few ultra-distance trail races and is eager to participate in more. Matt is too scarred by childhood experiences to consider cross-country or track races so don't even ask. Matt looks after our website and membership process. Matt lives in Winchester with his wife and teenage son, running his own security consulting business from a glorified shed at the bottom of his garden. You can contact him at [email protected]
• Tamsin Anderson

  Events Secretary

  Tamsin has run in some shape or form for most of her life save for a brief reprieve during University years during which she thought she had found better things to do. Realising she was wrong she took it up again and went on to run most distances, in the latter years running everything from 5k to marathon although has been known to suffer a few longer races! Tamsin runs for the love if it and how it makes her feel mentally and physically; to be outdoors is my favourite. She wants this running club to be a safe place for anyone of any ability to join up with friends and enjoy the journey of training together. [email protected]