Dasher of the Month courtesy of Simon Smith
October’s Dasher of the Month is the wonderful Sanne Keijzer. Sanne is now the 2nd Dutch female fell runner to be profiled this year – what a truly cosmopolitan and international club we have become!
October 2025 Sanne Keijzer
1. Do you have a nickname?
I don’t have any nicknames as such but I used to get called “hand sanitiser” at school because Sanne Keijzer sounds like sanitiser when said quickly
2. What is your favourite piece of running kit/equipment?
My Adidas Terrex trail shorts - the perfect running shorts that I couldn’t live without.
3: What’s your favourite race?
I have two favourite races. The first would have to be Rossendale Golf Ball as it was the first fell race I did and I just loved it so much. A road race that I love is the Blackburn Winter Warmer 10k - I often do the route on my training runs.
4: Any PBs that you’re proud of?
The one PB that I am most proud of is my marathon at 4:35. Although this wasn’t the time I was aiming for, I am so proud that I actually managed that distance.
5: What has been your worst running injury?
My worst injury has happened recently - my sprained ankle. It seems to have a way of reminding me of its existence whenever I get too confident.
6: Improving Dasher to keep an eye on
I may be biased but I would have to say Joe Cotton. If he pulls his finger out and actually commits to a training plan he would be awesome.
7: Where is the most exotic place you’ve ran?
I have never run anywhere that exotic to be honest because I try to not run on holiday and just relax, although I feel like we are lucky to have the moors on our back doorstep, and when you’re up there it feels like you could be anywhere in the world!
8: Highlight of your running ‘career’ so far
It would probably be finishing Manchester Marathon in 2024. I have never wanted to sign up to another, although I think I do have one more in me.
9: Any hobbies we don’t know about?
I can play the flute, albeit I need to pick that up again!
10: Interesting fact about yourself
I was born in Singapore, I grew up in Asia and I am half Dutch and speak the language.
11: Most interesting job(s) past or present
I’ve had a few odd jobs here and there but I am now a nurse and have been for the last two years. I work on the Emergency Surgical Unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital and I do love it! It’s a fast-paced admissions unit that gets a bit crazy at times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
12: Dasher you admire and why?
Two Dashers come to mind. The first is Diane Dudgeon - how she is so fast I do not know. I once tried to keep up with her on a road race and it was nearly enough to put me off running. The second Dasher I admire is Paula Hollings - she is my fell racing inspiration. The way she floats up the hills is epic!
13: Any future running ambitions?
To win the Dashers’ Fell Championship - not by being the fastest but the most consistent. I was doing well this year but my ankle had other ideas.
14: Which song on your playlist makes you run faster & further?
Any song from a musical - I am a huge fan of musicals. The Hamilton soundtrack in particular got me through my marathon training.
15: Which person past or present would you most like to run with?
Lin-Manuel Miranda - I love anything he creates a soundtrack for. He might even sing a few songs on the way.
16: Best thing about Darwen Dashers.
The feeling of community with no pressure.
17: Any running, or other superstitions?
I don’t have any real superstitions!
18: Your perfect, indulgent, post run meal
A brew and a slice of cake – it’s often my biggest motivator to get out the door.
19: One piece of advice for a new runner
Run slower than you think or else you’ll never want to go again.
20: Sum yourself up in 5 words
Chatty, feisty, committed, extroverted, honest.
