Run 4 U and Perform

David Hurren

Club Chairman

Sebastièn van Dijk

Club Secretary

I run to keep fit and help get some fresh air after a busy day at work. I do admit that sometimes I do sometimes need that push out the door from my wife, to go for a run but I never regret a run. My weirdest run memory is an early morning run abroad. Still a bit jet-lagged I went out and stumbled across a bunch of angry monkeys blocking the road! To be on the safe side, retraced my steps and found a different route. I will provide an administrative role to David and ensure Run 4 U is a well ran Running Club.

Andrew Thomas

Membership Secretary

Getting Monty, our dog, has got me running. I found myself jogging and then trail running with Monty locally. Running fitted in well with staying active when travelling for work, it seemed only a small leap to entering a few local trail runs, the Brooksie Bash being the first one a few years ago. I absolutely love being outside, no matter the weather and have found that running has given me the chance to experience more of the outside in any given time. This year I completed the FAN Dance, the civilian equivalent of the special forces selection march up Pen-Y-Fan. The euphoria coming down the mountain to the finish knowing I had completed something so challenging just makes me want to go round again! I think I am now properly addicted. My role will be ensuring all Run 4 U Runners are registered with England Athletics.

Selene Malkin

Club Treasurer

I took up running 16 years ago initially to improve fitness and be healthy although I quickly got the bug for races and trying to improve times. Hence, I started running longer distances in 2020 loving the freedom and head space. It was in May 2022 that I completed my first marathon in Edinburgh. Then in December I persuaded a few of my local running friends to run Manchester marathon with me in April 2023. They were reluctant at first and thought I was mad but they were keen to have a go so in the end six of us signed up (5 first timers plus me). Training was tough and whilst I knew what to expect there were a few people who were regretting the decision with a few injuries in the group along the way but everyone was keeping going. With 4 weeks left to go we were nearly there …then it was me that was struck down as I tore my hamstring…eek! Whilst I tried to get it better in time, it was not to be and I was the only one who didn’t make to the start line! So I have unfinished business with the marathon, hence signing up for Chester in October, so fingers crossed. I will be managing the flow of money into the club and ensuring we have funds to eventually train other members to become coaches or have roles within the club.

Abbey van Dijk

Club Coach

I am a qualified England Athletics coach with an England Athletics level 2 certificate and event group endurance coaching award. Recently I was awarded Regional Coach of the Year 2023-24.I am absolutely passionate about mass participation in running and athletics, always promoting a ‘can do’ attitude with as much motivation and support runners need. As a physiotherapist and teacher my skills combine well to ensure each individual gets the most out of their running with biomechanics feedback, purposeful running drills and well planned sessions. I am a runner myself taking up the sport at the around 10 years of age. Most recent performances are 2:47:35 for the marathon, Derbyshire cross country and half marathon county champion as well as midland area 10 mile silver medalists are among my special achievements. I also have and continue to compete at Triathlon and won Dambuster Triathlon 2024.

Tim Norman

Coach in Running Fitness

I have been running since I was 15 years old in local school cross country events. I joined the Army and as you can imagine did all things fitness related. Eventually I became a Rugby Union Coach, a sport in which I love, but always the running was there. I have run in many events and distances both on track and non track ranging from the 1500m all the way up to Ultras. My motivation is to keep fit, enjoy the process and occasionally get a good result. I became a Running Coach in 2005 and spent many years coaching at Burton Athletics Club. Due to work commitments my coaching badge ran out, so just recently I have re qualified as a Running Coach with the UK Athletics body. I hope to inspire others and pass on the knowledge I have gained through my experience and my qualifications. Coming from a running family we often run together and enjoy not just the run but the social side. Run 4 U and Perform gives me the platform as a coach but also the benefit of seeing others improve or just enjoy their running.

Physio Form

Club Sponsor

I’m Laura Dutton, lead Physiotherapist at Physio Form and also Run 4 U and Perform Running Club member. I have always loved running from a young age, being part of a running family we used to go out regularly on family runs! I enjoyed the fitness and then started to become competitive. I then eased off whilst I had my 3 children only fitting runs in where I could. In the last 3 years I have returned to competitive events and now setting new PB’s. My particular achievements have been qualifying for England masters in 10k, half marathon and the marathon. I am proud of my new lifetime PBs achieving 38min 10k, 1:22 half marathon and 3:02 marathon.  I have helped get the club up and running with some sponsorship. This was put towards club kit, club equipment and Physiotherapy contributions at club nights such as foot scan technology trials. We hosted a strength and conditioning night for the club at our Physiotherapy clinic in Burton where we treat all sporting injuries and conditions. For more info on Physio Form, visit: www.physio-form.co.uk