This month’s star Dasher is our rapidly improving, unsung hero, Ruth, who selflessly starts most Sunday mornings by directing the Witton Junior parkrun .
August 2026 Ruth Cunliffe
1. Do you have a nickname?
Not that I’m aware of!
2. What is your favourite piece of running kit/equipment?
I’ve literally just discovered shorts with side pockets for my phone and other stuff. I didn’t think I’d like the idea of them but I got a pair and I’m a convert now. So, to all those that told me to try them, here I am! Goodbye to the waist belt! I’m an Asics girl too so I own a few pairs; purely for rotation purposes and for different terrain.
3: What’s your favourite race?
Any that I get a PB at! Most of the races I’ve only done once but I do like the Blackburn 10K and Pilling 10K. I can probably list more races I really didn’t like! I’m a big parkrun fan and with my partner in parkrun (Diane Dudgeon) we’ve visited quite a few in the last 18 months! I enjoy the fact that it’s the same set up, familiarity and process wherever you run, and the anticipation of seeing if I managed to start and stop my watch to match the timekeepers!
4: Any PBs that you’re proud of?
5K parkrun - Fleetwood June 2026 - 28:37 (my first parkrun in July 2022 was 51:56)
Blackpool Beaverbrooks 10K - May 2026 – 1:01:02
Aintree Half Marathon - December 2025 – 2:23:42 in awful rainy, windy and cold conditions with loads of surface water. Ben Fish helped me get round the last 5k as I was in dire need of positivity at that point! That was my first and only half marathon I’ve run.
5: What has been your worst running injury?
Totally undiagnosed professionally but according to Google and all my symptoms, a fractured right ankle in August 2022 and a suspected hairline fracture of my right tibia in August 2024. I was unable to run and struggled to walk for around 4-5 months both times. Probably should have rested them but kept on walking each day despite the awful pain. It transpires that I had a major Vitamin D deficiency that had been progressively worsening for a number of years and this caused the injuries. Huge dose of Vitamin D to bring my levels back up sorted it all out and March 2025 onwards was a great running year free from injuries and so far I’ve been ok (few niggles but nothing a dollop of Ibuprofen gel can’t sort out). Had a nasty fall at East Holmes Field parkrun in May and took a few days off running so the cut on my face could heal along with all the scrapes, bumps and bruises. Luckily Diane was with me so helped to clean me up afterwards (thank you!).
6: Improving Dasher to keep an eye on
There are so many with so much potential and all different journeys so I don’t want to pick anyone in particular. There have been some great Dashers who have come up from the Beginners group and run regularly with the Improvers at Club Nights – they are pushing themselves every run and going that bit further each time. Everyone has so much potential.
7: Where is the most exotic place you have run?
Erm, I’ll change that to furthest away as nowhere has been exotic! I’ve completed a parkrun at the University of Stirling when Storm Amy hit the UK in early October 2025. Surprisingly, the weather was ok but massive skid hazard with all the acorns rattled off the trees filling the paths. Stayed upright though.
8: Highlight of your running ‘career’ so far
I’ve only been running since July 2022, soon after turning 50, but more seriously since April 2025 when I joined the Dashers after two long lasting injuries. Each time I get a 10K PB, they seem to come from no-where and everything just falls into place – even when it’s chucking it down, cold and windy. Oh, and being able to run nonstop (slowly) up Tockholes Road at the end of a club run. That made me realise that I can do hills and it’s all in my head! I just wish I’d discovered parkrun earlier than I did and had the courage to actually give it a go. The support, non-judgemental and inclusivity that is parkrun is just amazing and it’s helped me massively to get where I am today. And I’ve gained some fantastic friends through it that I would have never met otherwise. Nor would I be a Darwen Dasher!
Probably the most standout highlight was being presented with the Most Inspirational New Dasher award in 2025. I was rather surprised and humbled to receive it especially as it was awarded based on nominations from fellow Dashers.
9: Any hobbies we don’t know about?
Between working, parkrun and being a Dasher, I’ve not got much time for anything else! I’m a Run Director at both the 5K and Junior parkrun at Witton. I’m on the sixth year of walking and running 1000 miles a year and 3.5 million steps through a virtual challenge site. And of course, each year, I have to complete it at least a day quicker than the previous year. I achieved 1000 miles mid-June and I’m on track to complete the steps by the end of July.
10: Interesting fact about yourself
My left thumb is double jointed. And I had a painting accepted for an art exhibition when I was 19. I enjoy a colour-coded spreadsheet to keep track of all my steps, walks, runs, yoga, parkrun locations and races. Not many will know that.
11: Most interesting job(s) past or present
I worked for Kwik Save for 10 years from leaving school, starting off on the beer counter and worked my way up to supporting 73 stores across the North West, travelling up and down the M62 corridor most days. I’m coming up for 26 years working for the NHS. I’ve seen many, many reorganisations and just coming through a particularly difficult one. I’m responsible for the data across the North West relating to the students in training – nurses, midwives, physios etc. and making sure that the data is accurate, timely and fit for purpose. Working under significant pressure, immovable deadlines, having to adapt at short notice whilst managing many tasks at the same time are daily occurrences. Proactive and consistent communication is key as well as transparency and honesty. And if you follow me on Strava, it will explain why I go for a walk every day – sometimes multiple times!
12: Dasher you admire and why?
There are so many! All who I’ve met and run with in races or parkruns have been special in their own ways and the determination and tenacity is just amazing. I follow quite a few Dashers on Strava and it always amazes me with the miles everyone puts in and their achievements in various races and parkruns.
13: Any future running ambitions?
I was hoping to run a sub 29 minute parkrun this year, but I already achieved that in June, so I think I can push myself a bit more and see if I can go sub 28 minutes. Similarly, I’d like to run a sub hour 10K – I’m usually hovering around 61 to 62 minutes (unless it’s really hot and hilly) but need to sort out the first 3 miles as I’m going too fast (like a scalded ferret, eh Andrea Clarkson?!). And I’d like to do the Darwen Half but I think that might finish me off. I think, honestly, it’s just to stay fit and healthy and to stay away from any injuries and to keep enjoying running.
14: Which song on your playlist makes you run faster & further?
I don’t listen to music when running as need to concentrate on what is going on around me and listening for traffic. I do have a varied Spotify playlist for when I’m out walking.
15: Which person past or present would you most like to run with?
I’m not sure as I’d not be able to have a conversation due to running and I’ll be all hot and sweaty. But Will Smith, Sebastian Coe, Linford Christie or Marilyn Monroe would be interesting.
16: Best thing about Darwen Dashers.
The unwavering support and generosity of everyone I’ve come across. It’s just the best feeling, pulling on the Dashers vest before a race (although I get pretty nervous sometimes), being recognised by marshals and bystanders as a Dasher and the finish line support. And the indulgence of the Improvers group adopting my random monthly selfie themes. The friendships too. Such a relaxed and friendly bunch and genuine inclusivity. I always enjoy the club runs and running with lots of different people and no two runs are the same. The worst thing is some of the rather awful race photos of me. I concentrate a lot and I’m really not expecting anyone to take my photo is all I can say.
17: Any running, or other superstitions?
Carrying a tissue in case my nose runs. Making sure I’ve got everything ready the night before. 6 pins in my race bib because I don’t like them flapping about. Trying to find the course elevation before a run so I know what to expect.
18: Your perfect, indulgent, post run meal
I’m usually too tired and my priority is to have a bath and a relax once I get home after a race. But I am partial to a good cheese and red onion hearty sandwich, Seabrooks prawn cocktail crisps and a crisp, cold, pear cider. I find I have an energy slump about an hour after a run which took some time to recognise, and I’m now prepared for it so I usually have something easy to eat as I normally can’t face food after a run. The exception is a blue Wagon Wheel immediately after a race.
19: One piece of advice for a new runner
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else – you’re doing this for you and your goals. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough.
20: Sum yourself up in 5 words
Organised, focussed, determined, supportive, spreadsheets.
