runbritain
 
 
 

About Us

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Our mission is to work with you, your targets and the races you enjoy.

Looking for inspiration? We have:

  • previews and profiles of events that capture the imagination and encourage you to give it a go
  • interviews and blogs by runners who have aimed high and battled against the odds

Let us help you reach your goals with:

  • training programmes for distances of 5km to marathon
  • advice on preventing injury and what to do if injury does occur
  • a comprehensive list of running groups and clubs UK wide

Stay motivated and improve your results. Take a look at:

  • the most comprehensive events calendar in the UK with all UKA licensed events listed
  • the best value online entry. runbritain do not charge you or your event for this service
  • Claim your Ranking, an initiative designed to encourage you to monitor your progress and set new targets.

We are a not for profit organisation re-investing in the sport, specifically in British endurance running.

The people:

  • Geoff Wightman, MD

    Appointed as MD of runbritain in March 2010, having chaired the group in his capacity as CEO of scottishathletics for the previous two years. A former international marathon runner, he was a GB selector for the marathon from 1995-98, a solicitor, commercial agent and sports marketing manager for Puma (UK). He announces at a number of major road race finish lines and is a life member of Dartford Harriers .
    Contact: gwightman@uka.org.uk

  • John Temperton, Athletics Services

    Former distance runner with Airedale and Spen Valley Harriers, volunteer North of England Administrator and England Cross Country Team Manager. He now heads up the Athletics services function for UKA and England athletics. He is a level 5 Endurance Official.
    Contact: jtemperton@uka.org.uk, 0121 713 8493.

  • Jackie Newton, Online editor

    A former international marathon runner, she is an England and GB team manager for mountain running, tutor and regional trainer for UKA Coach Education, performance running consultant for Puma (UK) and contributor in the performance section of Athletics Weekly. She is a Level 3 endurance coach and member of Stockport Harriers.
    Contact: jnewton@uka.org.uk

  • Gavin Lightwood

    Road Race Co-ordinator
    Former national ranked 10k and marathon runner with Edinburgh AC. Venues Manager for the European XC in 2003 and World XC in 2008. Competition Manager for World XC in 2009. Course Director Edinburgh Marathon 2003 - 2006 and Race Director Great Scottish Run and Ignis Asset Women's 10k 2009/2010. Appointed as an IAAF International Cross and Road Official in 2009.
    Contact details glightwood@uka.org.uk, 07718 526 353

England Athletics

  • Nigel Rowe (Safety and Standards Group)

    Nigel Rowe (Safety and Standards Group) England Athletics Board Member and Chair of South West Regional Council. Race Director of Plymouth Half Marathon.

Wales and Celtic Nations

  • Steve Brace

    Welsh Athletics Director of Development. Double Olympian at Marathon (1992 and 1996).

Co-opted members

  • Dave Bedford, London Marathon (Commercial Group)

    Former World Record Holder for 10,000 metres, European Record Holder at 5,000m and a former World Cross Country Champion. Now Race Director of the Virgin London Marathon.

  • Nick BitelNick Bitel, London Marathon (Safety and Standards Group)

    Chief Executive of the London Marathon and partner in sports law firm Max Bitel Greene LLP who clients include Ryder Cup and Wimbledon. A Board Member of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, London Community Sports Board and Events for London Steering Group.

  • Graham Jessop

    Graham is a retired accountant and when not involved in athletics is most likely travelling, playing golf or cycling. He has been in the sport for more than fifty years.During the last twenty five years Graham has become a race organiser, coach, senior official and administrator. As well as being a Club Chairman, a County President and Southern Chairman, he is also Chairman of the England Athletics Council, Chairman of the English Road Running Association, Chairman of the South East Regional Council and sits on the UKA Technical Committee as an endurance official.

  • Hugh BrasherHugh Brasher, Sweatshop (Commercial Group)

    CEO of Sweatshop – the UK’s largest specialist running retailer and organisers of the Reading Half Marathon, Experian Festival of Running and Bluewater 10k. Winner of Runners World Retailer of the year 2007-2010.  He is a Director of the London Marathon Ltd (since 2008).


Elected Race Organiser Members:

  • Nigel JonesNigel Jones (Safety and Standards Group)

    Race Director of Swansea Bay 10k (Since 1986) and Special Events Manager for the City and County of Swansea. He is a BARR scrutineer and a level 5 graded UKA Official for Road Running and Cross Country who has officiated as Chief Timekeeper or Race Referee at numerous UK races.

  • Andrew Taylor (Safety and Standards Group)

    The Race Director of the Bath Half Marathon since 2000. Formerly a project architect in the construction industry, Andrew has 10 years experience ‘at the sharp end’ organising road races and other sporting events in both the voluntary and commercial sector, assisting in numerous other events, including smaller club races. He is responsible for developing policy in medical standards, highways & police, licence & grading standards and officials development.