Dasher of the Month courtesy of Simon Smith
Get to know a Dasher with 20 questions
This month’s star Dasher is Debbie Ashton. Debbie is one of the unsung heroes of the club – humble and unassuming, always volunteering to help out at club races and events, and she also put in an impressive shift as our Club Secretary
December 2025 Debbie Ashton
1. Do you have a nickname?
My Dad calls me Debbie Dougal like the dog on Magic Roundabout because I had long blonde hair when I was a little girl. I look more like Ermintrude these days though. Jim Taylor gave me the nickname of Dora the Explorer (I will admit I may have run off ahead in the wrong direction a few times). I'd never be any good at leading a group, I'd definitely get us lost.
2. What is your favourite piece of running kit/equipment?
Toss up between my Garmin Forerunner 45 GPS watch and my Brooks trail shoes.
3: What’s your favourite race?
Pendle 5 mile trail race. It's got everything: fabulous views, elevation, muddy fields if you're lucky (love a bit of mud), stiles, woods, a stream, cobbles, good prizes and it's well organised & marshalled.
4: Any PBs that you’re proud of?
Not really raced enough to have any PBs to be proud of. Just getting round a course in one piece with no injury is good enough for me. 3 Parkrun PBs:
Blackpool Parkrun 35.26
Witton Parkrun 35.36
Delamere Forest Parkrun 35.49 (in 38°C with a weather warning at 9am - that was unbearable)
5: What has been your worst running injury?
I’ve always had Achilles tendinitis problems in my left ankle as long as I've been running and Lymphedema in my left leg, but I don't let it deter me.
6: Improving Dasher to keep an eye on
My hat goes off to Jenna Fox. From doing a few off-road miles when she first joined us to running the David Staff Fell Race not long after. She's smashing race after race, even after a few hours sleep! This girl is fearless.
7: Where is the most exotic place you’ve run?
I wouldn't say I've run in any exotic places but one of the most stunning places I've run was on the coast in Menorca round some beautiful coves.
8: Highlight of your running ‘career’ so far
Running through Sunnyhurst Woods, along the top path on a headtorch run, and an owl swooped silently right in front of me. You could only hear the wind from its wings. It was an amazing experience. I've never won a race, been first in my vet class, or achieved anything notable, but who knows my best highlight may be yet to come?
9: Any hobbies we don’t know about?
Genealogy, crochet, and an occasional spot of baking.
10: Interesting fact about yourself
I've pondered this one and I can't think of anything interesting about me, but I did have 2 imaginary friends when I was young: a Thumbelina-sized boy and girl called Winnie and Bullets, until my Dad sat down on them and squashed them. They never came to play with me again
11: Most interesting job(s) past or present
I was a Sample sewing machinist for a safety equipment company, where I helped to develop new safety harnesses for the construction industry. I've worked as a telephone exchange operator and I was on shift on the day of the 7/7 London bombings. I've worked as a litigation secretary on some big cases involving life changing and life shortening injuries.
12: Dasher you admire and why?
Got to be my favourite Dasher, Jim Taylor. I first met Jim when I started with the beginners’ group about 9 years ago and Jim has supported and encouraged me every step of the way. He's been a good friend and mentor. His dedication to the club and its members is admirable. He never lets anything knock him back and this inspires me to never give up either.
13: Any future running ambitions?
A sub 30 Parkrun, running up to the tower without stopping, and a 10k fell race before V60 (a girl's got to dream).
14: Which song on your playlist makes you run faster & further?
I don't listen to music. I've tried it but I find it off-putting. I'd rather have a good chat, listen to the birdsong, sheep baaaas and cow moos.
15: Which person past or present would you most like to run with?
My Great-Grandad who I never met. He was a gym master at Harrison's Gym in Blackburn and an army Sargent. He would have put me through my paces and got me fit.
16: Best thing about Darwen Dashers.
Its fabulous members, dedication and camaraderie.
17: Any running, or other superstitions?
My racing has literally been a comedy of errors. Every race I've done a recce for, I've got an injury and had to pull out of the actual race. Therefore no more recces, just do it and hope Dora doesn't get lost!
18: Your perfect, indulgent, post run meal
I can't eat after a run but I like a glass of cold tonic water with ice.
19: One piece of advice for a new runner
Move at your own pace, stretch lots, cross train, and most of all have fun.
20: Sum yourself up in 5 words
Tenacious, helpful, hopeful, faithful & scatty.
