This month’s star Dasher is the rapidly improving Katie Holden, now an experienced half marathoner who has started training for her first marathon. Good luck, Katie
November 2026, Katie Holden
1. Do you have a nickname?
Nothing fun - I’m actually a Katie but go by Kate on the whole.
2. What is your favourite piece of running kit/equipment?
My Shokz headphones for some Taylor Swift or a good podcast on a run.
3: What’s your favourite race?
My first Manchester half marathon - it was a huge achievement for me .
4: Any PBs that you’re proud of?
First time I ever got a sub 30 min 5k (never thought I could ever get there when I started running). My Manchester half PB (2h 5min) and the Preston 10 miler in which I got my sub 1hr 10k.
5: What has been your worst running injury?
Nothing major (touch wood) though when I first started had knee niggles from doing too much too soon.
6: Improving Dasher to keep an eye on
There’s some great members - Sarah in the Improvers' group has a great positive attitude!
7: Where is the most exotic place you have run?
I visited my brother in the Hamptons, New York, this summer and running past some very lovely houses was fun.
8: Highlight of your running ‘career’ so far
Every time you achieve something, even if it’s beating your PB on Tockholes Road on a club night - it’s a personal victory!
9: Any hobbies we don’t know about?
I love to cook - it is my favourite way to de-stress.
10: Interesting fact about yourself
My friends comment on my ability to remember lyrics to so many songs or word-for-word lines in movies and TV programmes.
11: Most interesting job(s) past or present
I used to be a teacher.
12: Dasher you admire and why?
I’m cheating as I have to name two - Andrea and Ruth from my first Dashers session - so friendly to me and really encouraging.
13: Any future running ambitions?
I did the thing I said I never would and have signed up for the Manchester Marathon next April.
14: Which song on your playlist makes you run faster & further?
Anything by Taylor Swift but in particular ‘Out of the Woods’.
15: Which person past or present would you most like to run with?
I’m a huge Harry Styles fan and he is a great runner so could be a good running partner!
16: Best thing about Darwen Dashers.
Everyone is so welcoming and encouraging. Great team spirit, Diane giving out sweets, Don with his great routes of Darwen (lived here years and he still takes me to new streets!). Being brave and going out with Sarah’s group up horrid hills! All great fun!
17: Any running, or other superstitions?
Nope but maybe I should?
18: Your perfect, indulgent, post run meal
Pizza or Pasta.
19: One piece of advice for a new runner
Joining a club helps - it definitely makes it easier and you’re less likely to talk yourself out of a run due to bad weather. You might as well be cold and wet together! Also go to Parkruns if a larger race seems daunting!
20: Sum yourself up in 5 words
Tired!, friendly, homebody, loyal, indecisive.
