Dasher of the Month courtesy of Simon Smith
August’s Dasher of the Month is Jill Marr. Jill gets the best attendance award for running on club nights and if you don’t know her, I am sure you will recognise her from her fabulous club night selfies
August 2025 Jill Marr
1. Do you have a nickname?
I have never had one that I know of. I was christened Jill as my parents didn’t like names that could be shortened. Ironically, I often get called Gillian by mistake.
2. What is your favourite piece of running kit/equipment?
I bought a new waterproof and highly reflective running jacket in early March, just as the Spring heatwave hit and the clocks went forward. Hopefully we will have a nice summer and I won’t have to test either quality before autumn.
3: What’s your favourite race?
I haven’t actually done a race despite constant encouragement from other Dashers. I have however paid full fees so you never know.
4: 3 PBs that you’re most proud of
Difficult to answer as I haven’t done any races but I did manage a parkrun in 33.32, paced around by my brother. I am hoping to get under 30 mins one day. I have done two 10k runs but it’s a few years ago and I haven’t got near that distance since.
5: What has been your worst running injury?
I sprained my ankle during the Dashers’ beginners course and missed 3 weeks. Can’t blame running though, I did it walking on the moors. I did however manage the celebration Parkrun so that was ok. As I write this, I am recovering from a broken wrist which I did do running. I tripped over a sleeping policeman (speed bump) near the Sunnyhurst pub, just after setting off on a club night trail run. I did carry on and finish the run of course!!
6: Improving Dasher to keep an eye on
All the new Dashers from the first 2025 beginners course. They are all quicker than me.
7: Where is the most exotic place you’ve ran?
I haven’t run anywhere you would call exotic. I did have a holiday in Germany during my C25k so did my runs in the Black Forest, which was very picturesque. And I once ran a mile by going round and round the deck of a cruise ship, sailing up the North Sea to see the midnight sun. Not sure whether that counts.
8: Highlight of your running ‘career’ so far
Joining the Dashers, obviously. It has also enabled me to run parkruns with my daughter when I visit her. She lives near Bridlington and I can recommend the Sewerby Parkrun to anyone who finds themselves over there on a Saturday. The course runs along the top of the cliffs above Bridlington, then through the gardens and woods of Sewerby Hall. 1 single lap and very well organised.
9: Any hobbies we don’t know about?
Standard answers for a retiree - gardening, especially growing veg, walking and reading.
10: Interesting fact about yourself
I am a Trustee of the Friends of Darwen Cemetery and coordinate the volunteer working parties. That means I get to order Jim Taylor about (who is also a Trustee and volunteer), and get my own back for the hills on his off-road runs
11: Most interesting job(s) past or present
I only had 3 employers during my 44 year working life before retiring: a Saturday job at a grocer’s shop until it closed down; 5 years in the finance department at Evertaut – which has since closed down; 38 years in the finance department in the NHS locally – not closed down – yet!
12: Dasher you admire and why?
Goes without saying, Jim Taylor. I wouldn’t have returned to running without his encouragement, support and friendship.
13: Any future running ambitions?
I definitely need to improve my stamina and non-stop running. Then maybe one day I can smash that 30 min parkrun and even do some actual racing.
14: Which song on your playlist makes you run faster & further?
I don’t listen to music whilst running but have been known to play audiobooks. It’s like running with a friend when nobody is available to run with you.
15: Which person past or present would you most like to run with?
Maybe Sir David Attenborough or Iolo Williams. Someone who could tell me the names of all the flowers, trees, birds and bugs we encounter during the run. Might slow the run down somewhat though.
16: Best thing about Darwen Dashers.
The support, friendship and encouragement from everyone. Also the opportunity to marshal at fell races. I am amazed (and terrified) at the speed the fell runners come down the steep hills off the moors.
17: Any running, or other superstitions?
I am not superstitious.
18: Your perfect, indulgent, post run meal
Nothing like a pint of Bitter Shandy to quench the thirst after a run.
19: One piece of advice for a new runner
If you don’t have the will power to get out there on your own (like me), promise to run with the club or with a friend. I don’t like letting people down so making a commitment means I get up and do it.
20: Sum yourself up in 5 words
Reliable, Forgiving, Unconfident (is that a word), Quiet, & I was once called Officious.
