Dasher of the Month courtesy of Simon Smith
This month’s star Dasher is our Fell Running Captain, Gareth Davies. In 2021, Gareth achieved surely one of the finest feats ever achieved by a Dasher – a Bob Graham Round with over 2 hours to spare, although he did have to endure a massage from Iain Asher on the way round! Happy New Year, Dashers
January 2025 Gareth Davies
1. Do you have a nickname?
Some call me Gaz. Asher sometimes calls me Mr Papadopoulus due to me carrying a large amount of food in my bag when running in the Lakes.
2. What is your favourite piece of running kit/equipment?
My Helly Hansen beanie hat. It's over 20 years old and has been all over the place with me.
3. What is your favourite race and why?
I love the Mearley Clough Fell Race, a short and sharp mid-week fell race. £5 entry and a pasta supper afterwards.
4. Any PBs that you are most proud of? (race or distance)
I'm not one for PBs as I rarely run in traditional distance races. My fastest 5k is 19.57 at Poole Parkrun but other than that it's more about trying to beat previous times in fell races.
5. What has been your worst running injury?
I've been lucky with injuries really. More recently though I got a bout of Whooping Cough which pretty much did me in for the best part of 4 months.
6. Improving Dasher to keep an eye on?
Some of the new, young fell lads that have joined recently are definitely ones to watch – Josh, Joe & Tom. Sam has some untapped potential too that's worth keeping an eye on.
7. Where is the most exotic place that you have ever been for a run?
Canada was a pretty cool place to run this summer, although it's equally the place Iain and I shared our worst ever run after spending 5k being bitten by swarms of mosquitoes. Running in the Lakes always makes me happy though.
8. Highlight of your running career so far
Easy - completing the Bob Graham Round in June 2021 in 21 hours 55minutes. (http://bobgrahamclub.org.uk/) The best day, running with the most amazing people.
9. Any hobbies we don’t know about?
I've recently started playing Padel which is really enjoyable. Golf would be the other, although I don't really have the time.
10. Interesting fact about yourself
I was once a pretty decent football referee.
11. Most interesting job (past or present)
I've been lucky enough to run my own company (https://sportingnrg.com/) for the last 19 years. It's challenging but I do really enjoy it.
12. Dasher you admire and why
What Paul Taylor has and continues to achieve is very admirable, but there are so many Dashers who I admire for various reasons.
13. Any future running ambition?
I would just like to stay as fit and healthy as possible and be as competitive as I can in my age category.
14. Favourite song on your playlist to run to?
I don't run to music and never have really.
15. Which person, past or present, would you most like to run with?
I've been lucky enough to run with Nicky Spinks and supported John Kelly on his Wainwright record in the past, but you can't beat running with a group of Dashers on a Tuesday night or at a fell race.
16. Best thing about the Darwen Dashers
The club has been and continues to be the most amazing, supportive network for people. It supported me when I first joined and has given me the best of friendships.
17. Any running (or other) superstitions?
No.
18. Your perfect, indulgent, post run meal
After a really long Lakes run you can't beat a cold can of coke.
19. One piece of advice for a new runner
Turn up, keep turning up, commit and surround yourself with good people who will encourage you.
20. Sum yourself up in 5 words
Not everyone's cup of tea
— with Gareth Davies.
