Member Spotlight: Ian Urquhart
Welcome to the sixth edition of our Member Spotlight! This month, we are chatting with Ian who has been with Alton Runners since 2017. From coaching to turning endurance events into a massive family affair, here is Ian's story.
The Rapid Fire Profile
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How long have you been an Alton Runner? I joined in 2017.
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Favourite race or route? Salisbury 10 mile. I’ve run it about five times and love the route as it is very scenic.
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Road or Trail? I like both; they both bring out different aspects of running.
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Ultimate post-run snack? A good, old-fashioned bag of ready-salted crisps to replace the salt lost from sweating!
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Running in one word? Exhilarating.
The Deep Dive
What first got you into running? I first got into running during my service in 1976. I enjoyed it immensely and represented the Army on numerous occasions. Since joining Alton Runners, I’ve transitioned into a leader and then a coach, which has been incredibly rewarding - helping others achieve their goals is what it’s all about.
What is your favourite thing about being a member of Alton Runners? Running as a group is fantastic for your overall well-being, and you get to meet other friendly, like-minded people.
If someone was "on the fence" about joining a running club, what would you tell them? Come along and try it - don't put it off!
Tell us about a running moment or achievement you’re particularly proud of. It’s hard to pick just one, so here are my top three:
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London Marathon 2019: Running it alongside my wife, Diane, was a special experience.
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Endure 24 (2018): This was a massive family team effort with Diane, our son, daughter, my sister, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and our 18-month-old granddaughter. Not forgetting our mascot, Jaffa the dog!
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Coaching Craig: I am incredibly proud of training Craig S, who, when he joined the club, could only run 20 yards. Within two years, he was successfully running 30-mile ultras!
A Look Back: The Banana Relay
One of my favourite club memories happened during the Covid lockdown. While we were all isolated, the club put together the "Banana Relay" fun video. It was a brilliant way to stay connected, and if you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend checking it out!