This  time we profile the smileyest member of Haxby Runners,  Jacqui Brown. 

Now “happily retired” she’s a former IT Programme and Project Manager which came with opportunities to work not only in the UK but also in Spain, Portugal, Germany and South America: “not bad for someone not keen on flying!”

Where are you from originally?

I was born and grew up in Sheffield. I lived in Leeds for about five years before moving to York in 2007. Also lived ‘part time’ in Cumbria which was our home from home.

What do you do when you’re not running (our “what a silly question”)

Love fell walking, playing with our sprocker Finley, growing veg, the odd bit of carpentry and I’m in a book club with friends I used to work with.

How long have you been running?

I started running around 2011, couldn’t run to the bus stop without almost passing out, but managed my first 10k a few months later.

What got you started in the first place?
My work friend Marion asked me if I was going to do the York 10k; she said I must be fit enough with the amount of fell walking I did. At first I said no chance, but the challenge had been laid down so I just had to do it.

Favourite events and distances?

This has changed over time but currently I just absolutely love doing the Hardmoors Trail Races. These consist of races starting around 9 miles up to 200 plus. With a special birthday this year I set myself a task to do the full Hardmoors 26.2 series this year - one done and five to go. Also, later this year I’m doing the 60 mile relay with fellow Haxby Runners, Rachel, David and Alan. Looking forward to that.

The race or event you’re most proud of?

I’ve done four marathons including London and I do the Great North Run every year but the one I’m most proud of is my first ever Great North Run. I ran it to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease when a colleague’s wife was diagnosed. Having watched the race with my mum in law and step daughter Alice and been in awe of the runners I found it hard to believe I was doing it too. It was very moving.

Any kit hints you’d like to share, favourite shoes etc? Or “what I know now that I wish I’d known then?)

Just always do your own pace and enjoy each run. It really doesn’t matter if others are much faster, just be the best version of you and be proud of all you achieve.

Have you run with other clubs as well as or before Haxby Runners? What’s good about being part of a club?

Never wanted to join a club, always thought there’d be too much pressure to go faster than I’m comfortable with. How wrong was I!

Running ambitions?

Just to keep enjoying lacing up and getting out there. Anything else is a bonus.