We focus this time in our personality profiles on the woman who started all of this, the founder of Haxby Runners, Gemma Stow.

Tell us about your job?
I started my career as a probation officer and now have my own business. My company, No More Hiding Ltd, works with organisations to close the gender pay gap and get more diversity around decision-making tables. I’m a personal performance and executive ICF (International Coaching Federation) coach, and super passionate about helping women to own their career and expertise, ditch the imposter and be more visible in their own way! Even when we push past those barriers more seem to appear. Another level another devil. A bit like running!

Where are you from originally?

Grew up in Todmorden which is on the Lancashire / Yorkshire border so we have a funny accent. My larger family is from Manchester so, yes, across the Pennines but I’ve been in York since 1998 when I came to uni here.

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

I’ve been running since 2018 and before that have always told myself I couldn’t run. School cross country was hell and I used to skip round or cheat by hiding in the bushes!
I started on a treadmill and dreaded running outside. It took me months to build the courage and confidence to go out and I remember how much it took my breath away, literally. Now I hate the “dread mill” and love running outside on new adventures, finding new routes!

It was couch to 5k that got me into it. I had to restart it three times because week five was such a blocker for me. If you know you know. It’s when I realised running is all in the mind.

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

When I’m not running or working I love to visit the coast with the family. The sea is my happy place. I love to travel and visit new places and cultures and meet new people. I love food! I always try to learn bits of languages and have a go at chatting to the locals.

For the last two years I’ve also volunteered as a junior footie coach, which is why I’ve only made three park runs ever! I’m also a local councillor (which is why I usually miss Monday runs). I like to make a difference and bring about change that helps others. And of course there’s chairing Haxby Runners ...

Favourite events and distances?

This is a tricky one as I love them all. They all bring something different and the main thing is that you always learn something new about yourself in every distance, training, run or race. I’m still really shocked that I’ve run four marathons including London, most recently, which was the toughest of them all due to the heat, but the crowds were insane.
The Paris marathon will always hold a special place in my heart. That’s the thing with races, you never know what challenges will come your way on the day. If you’ve never done a marathon then it’s the ultimate test of resilience. If you can do that you can do anything. So go try it.

The race or event you’re most proud of?

The Manchester Marathon. My first one. And having got an injury that meant I couldn’t run in the last six weeks of training it really messed with my mind as to whether I could do it. I’d raised over £2k for women’s aid and the family /friends support (and lots of painkillers) got me round. I smiled the whole way. But couldn’t run for about 3 months afterwards so had to build back up but it was worth it! I learned a lot about myself but also the importance of strength training and stretching.

But I’ve also got to mention the 2024 York 10k as it was the first one as an affiliated club. So to see everyone with their club colours on was magical! And the best bit and most proudest moment was seeing my mum running down to the finish. She is amazing, resilient and has always been my inspiration for everything.

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

Sports bras with front zips are everything. Nobody needs a workout before a run, just to put on a bra.

I’ve been a Brooks fan for as long as I remember but more recently moved over to 361 degrees. Love them. Best bit of kit I’ll never give up is my flip belt. You can literally put everything in it including phone, keys, tissues, plasters, sweets etc.

I always run with water too. My water bottle comes everywhere with me; it even crosses marathon finish lines!

Have you run with other clubs as well as or before Haxby Runners?

I’ve never run with a club before which sounds kinda crazy that I set this club up. I had no clue what I was doing but did it anyway! Story of my life! My motto: You never fail. You win or you learn.

As it was lockdown it was a virtual club to start with and those who’ve been here since the beginning will remember the monthly challenges and running bingo I set up for everyone to keep us all motivated. This was one of the first private messages I got and I knew it had been a good move to set up the club!

“Hi, just wanted to PM you to say a massive THANK YOU! I haven’t run since my 20s, I’m now 45 and running again. This is down to you. Not only have you brought my friend back to running whilst her mum is fighting corona, she now has a reason to get up every other day and start running with me. Tough times, affects all of us but you have really helped so many people without realising. Thank you Gemma xx”

What’s good about being part of a club?

I love the community and support that it brings. But most of all seeing people who told themselves they couldn’t run come along and just start, or get back it into. When I get a message that it’s made a huge difference to their life, it really does light me up.

Running has changed my life. And I want everyone to have that for themselves. And anyone can.

I’m so grateful to everyone who has volunteered and stepped up to build this club to what it is. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like when I started this five years ago and it’s incredible what we have built. It’s the best because the members/leaders/helpers/committee are the best and they go above and beyond and we stick to its ethos of being inclusive. That’s what it’s all about.

Running ambitions?

I quite fancy trying more trail races especially more near the coast. I love the sea. As I get older I want to focus on endurance. I’ve not ruled out an ultra. Never say never!