This month’s profile features Dashers’ road-running legend, Russ Corsini. Russ has been running at a consistently high level for many years and he smashed last week’s Manchester Marathon with a cracking time of 3.46.36 as a V65 England Master
May 2026 Russ Corsini
1. Do you have a nickname?
In the late 1970s I used to frequent The Vulcan in Blackburn with a few friends and one of them used to call me “Corky”. For those of you too young to remember The Vulcan, it was a pub near the college in Blackburn that played great music.
2. What is your favourite piece of running kit/equipment?
My Garmin. When I first started running I had to measure my route using a ruler on a map.
3: What’s your favourite race?
It has to be the London Marathon. I have run it 15 times and the organisation, spectator support and overall experience is spot on.
4: Any PBs that you’re proud of?
I’ve always performed better at the longer distances so the PBs I am most proud of are:
Marathon 2:52:59 London, 2019
Half Marathon 1:22:15 Four Villages, 2006
10 Mile 1:01:26 Guys, 2008
5: What has been your worst running injury?
I’ve not had any serious running injuries but over recent years I’ve had lots of minor injuries. One injury caused by running happened last year when I was running back down from the Tower. I tripped over a stone, picked myself up, saw a white stone stuck in my bleeding hand and tried to pull it out but it wouldn’t budge – it was a dislocated finger-bone sticking out of the skin.
6: Improving Dasher to keep an eye on
David Seddon. I first raced with David a few years ago and witnessed his gradual improvement but judging by his recent race times he has quickly ramped it up to another level.
7: Where is the most exotic place you have run?
Central Park - not very exotic but it was relaxing to run around it after two hectic days in New York City.
8: Highlight of your running ‘career’ so far
I’ve never won a race but in 2007 I finished 3rd in the Great Langdale Marathon in gale force winds and heavy rain. Also, I have represented England Masters twice at marathon distance.
9: Any hobbies we don’t know about?
I like classic cars. Over the years I have owned a 1970 Triumph GT6, 1983 Mercedes 280SL, 1969 Jaguar E type, 1974 MGB and 1965 Triumph TR4A.
10: Interesting fact about yourself
I’m a statto. Since starting running in 2002, I have kept a log of every training run and every race. My log tells me up to 30th April 2026 I have run 41313 miles including 67 marathons at an average pace of 3hrs 13 minutes.
11: Most interesting job(s) past or present
I spent the last 40 years of my working life in nuclear engineering. Most projects involved designing plant and machinery for the safe decommissioning and disposal of nuclear waste at Sellafield.
12: Dasher you admire and why?
This is the Dasher I know most well - my wife Susan. If she had not encouraged me to start running 24 years ago I wouldn’t be writing this profile now. She has been running since her school days and despite injuries and other distractions is still eager to go out for a run. Also, Jim Taylor – a super guy with a never-give-up attitude.
13: Any future running ambitions?
I was hoping to be the first to break the marathon 2 hour mark but I’ll not bother with that anymore. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024, I’d like to be able to carry on doing well in my age category for as long as possible.
14: Which song on your playlist makes you run faster & further?
I have never listened to music whilst running, but if I did it would be Led Zeppelin, Genesis or Black Sabbath to mention a few.
15: Which person past or present would you most like to run with?
It would have to be a person who I could keep up with and they could keep me entertained. Someone like Peter Kay.
16: Best thing about Darwen Dashers.
It’s a great, down-to-earth running club whose members are friendly, encouraging and supportive.
17: Any running, or other superstitions?
I don’t have any superstitions.
18: Your perfect, indulgent, post run meal
A good, spicy curry washed down with a few pints of Real Ale.
19: One piece of advice for a new runner
Get your gait analysed and buy some good trainers.
20: Sum yourself up in 5 words
Glass half full old man.
