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.
