This time we meet one of Haxby Runners’ most enthusiastic members, Graeme Hartley. A Whitby lad who moved to York in 1995, Graeme’s a gardener by profession. He works for Brunswick Organic Nursery and Craft Workshops which is a registered charity based in Bishopthorpe and provides a safe and stimulating environment for people with learning difficulty to work in. It’s a plant nursery, growing a range of plants for sale, as well as seasonal organic fruit and vegetables, and they provide a contract gardening service for the local community.

How long have you been running and what got you running in the first place?

I’ve always run, ever since I was a kid. Just for enjoyment at first, not competition. Then I joined a City of York Athletic disability club, before I joined Haxby Runners.

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

Walking, biking, more running.

Favourite events and distances?

I’ve done 10k, 10 mile and half marathon races. I’ve also taken part in paralympic events at Sheffield at Bath, where I did the 100m, shot putt and long jump. But I really love the Tuesday night summer league races, the atmosphere is just great.

The race or event you’re most proud of?

Probably the Jane Tomlinson Run For All York 10K. I’ll be doing it for the fourth time later this summer. It’s a great charity event.

Any kit hints you’d like to share, favourite shoes etc?

I get through a lot of shoes! I would say to any newcomers, go to a proper running shop and get advice. At the moment I’m wearing Sauconys, they’re really good, very springy.

What’s good about being part of a club?

I love being part of Haxby Runners. I go to socialise and have a chat as well as run. The people are brilliant. I get lots of encouragement from them, especially Alan and Jacqui Brown. It’s really boring running on your own. All the run leaders are great. So is the Runner app!

Running ambitions?

I’ve just done road races so far, so I might like to try some of the trail events. Maybe do a marathon some time, but it’s so hard. I’ve watched people like Kev (Johnson) and wonder, how does he do that?