From Couch to 5k to Seaford Striders club chair: Victoria Maleski's running journey

Based in Seaford on the south coast, Seaford Striders Running Club welcomed valued member, Victoria Maleski, into the role of club chair in 2023. As someone who only started running eight years ago, we wanted to catch up with Victoria to talk about her journey into Seaford Striders and find out more about how she became chair. 

The club was formed back in 1986 by Glynis and Bill Young and will soon mark its 40th anniversary. Seaford Striders pride themselves on their welcoming environment and strong community spirit which is something that encouraged Victoria to become a member of the club. Before that however, Victoria did not feel as though she fit the runner stereotype: 

“I guess if you’ve not been part of a running club, you have a mental picture of what a typical member would look like – young, athletic and healthy. There were Seaford Striders who were young, athletic and healthy but at no time did they make me feel inferior, they were so supportive! In reality there isn’t a typical running club member; I have found it to be so inclusive.” 

Victoria’s journey started from a Facebook post she saw for Seaford Striders’ Couch to 5K (C25K) programme. She told us; “After much consideration I very nervously went along, found it very tough, but decided to join Seaford Striders straight away so I had to keep going. The support from the club throughout C25K was amazing – non-judgemental and totally encouraging. Completing the “graduation” parkrun felt fantastic – I was hooked!” 

The impact of running and joining a club 

Since making the decision to become a part of the club, Victoria told us that it has transformed her life physically, mentally and socially: 

“It has given my life structure and real purpose. I have met so many wonderful inspirational people and I have achieved things that I thought were impossible, including completing a marathon. I’m never going to be a fast runner, but everything is relative. I can push myself and smash those PBs but I can also really enjoy social running with coffee and cake afterwards." 

Becoming chair of a running club 

Victoria was given the opportunity to do our Learning in Running Fitness (LiRF) training with her club which is where her enjoyment for being a group leader began. She told us that seeing people progress with their running brings her a lot of joy and she now regularly leads a group every Wednesday. From then her journey through committee has progressed; 

“After completing C25K I wanted to give something back to the club which had helped me achieve the impossible so when I was asked in 2018 if I might take on the role of Club Secretary I agreed. In 2022 I took on the new role of Vice Chair. It was a big decision whether or not to step up to the role of Chair, but I received a lot of encouragement to take it on. It is not an easy role but there are so many positives, and I am so lucky to be surrounded by enthusiastic and competent committee members.” 

Navigating the challenges 

As many of us know, committee positions can be a stressful volunteer role to have. Victoria expressed that sometimes decisions have to be made that not everyone will agree with but as a committee you do what is best for the club.  

“Seaford Striders is a big club with just under 400 members. Inevitably there will be different viewpoints and comments may be made that don’t go down well. Our welfare team have been pivotal in reaching conclusions and it has been reassuring to have the England Athletics Club Support team in the background. When we have reached out to England Athletics, we have received great help and support.” 

Club Standards are pivotal in ensuring volunteers and members of a club are protected and supported within their club. Victoria told us how Club Standards have supported Seaford Striders and assured her as club chair: 

“Club Standards provide a very helpful framework under which to operate. As we approach our AGM, we know that if we meet the England Athletics Club Standards then all the essentials are in place which is particularly reassuring for me as Club Chair. Our committee is constantly facing new challenges which we work through together. All new committee members are directed to the England Athletics website for their roles, this is included in their induction process.” 

Thinking about joining a club? 

We asked Victoria if she had any advice for people who, like herself, are feeling unsure about joining a club. 

“Just do it, you won’t regret it! I know not all running clubs are the same and I will be biased towards Seaford Striders, but we get so many of our new members after they have seen how we interact at events - all our Striders are awesome! Go along to your local parkrun, they are a great introduction to the running community and the results will tell you a lot about the inclusivity of the local running clubs.” 

If you have a been inspired by Victoria’s story and are interested in finding a club near you, click the link below. Or if you are still not ready to take the leap to a club, why not try our individual running membership, RUN:EA, to help you take that next step in your running journey.