This year's England Athletics Hall of Fame also recognised the contributions of the volunteers who make the sport happen. Our National Volunteer Award winners were shortlisted from the nine Regional Award winners in 2024.
The awards were presented to our National Volunteer Award winners at the impressive Athena building in Leicester as part of the 2024 England Athletics Hall of Fame event.
Recognised for their welcoming atmosphere, their Couch to 5k high conversion rates, and their dedication to wellbeing, mental health and sustainability initiatives, Harborough AC is the England Athletics Club of the year 2024.
Club Secretary Howard Crabtree received the award on behalf of his club which he's been with for over 37 years. Katharine Merry asked Howard what makes a club training night so electric as described in the club's nomination.
"Every training evening, the juniors are so excited and full of energy. They want to see how fast they can go or far or high they can jump, or how much further they can throw; they always want to get better."
Rebecca Orpin is an inspirational leader who has positively impacted all areas of Jersey Spartan AC, strengthening club governance and instrumental in encouraging parents to try officiating.
Becks was quick to tell us that there are lots of people in the club to help her so it's really a team effort. It's the committee working together that keeps the disparate parts of the club together. One of her projects was to convert an old shed into a gym. Katharine Merry quizzed her on this...how did this benefit the club's members?
"It means we can train year-round; our throwers can train in the winter throwing against the wall and using the indoor circle for example."
She is also a coach and official. She told us:
"Being an official is great fun, and it's working with other people but also being close to the athletes. The best thing about being a coach is seeing an athlete achieve something they haven't achieved before. Seeing them succeed is the best feeling you get as a coach."
Community Project of the year: Paul McIntyre -Dabbers Dash
Our Community Project of the year winner is Dabbers Dash founder, Paul McIntyre from South Cheshire Harriers. The free 5k activities have a huge positive impact on the local community and raise awareness and funds for local groups, charities and organisations.
Dabber's Dash all started with a post on Facebook to tell people they could turn up in the park on a Saturday for a free run. And it now has 700 people!
"The project is simple - it's free marketing on social media, there's no operating cost. Anyone can come and run, walk, wheel, kids can go on their scooters. I think the social reasons for running are important - it might help just improve someone get to the shops even if they don't run. In this climate when councils and organisations are struggling, you can help people in your area, you can help increase their quality of life."
Charlotte deservedly wins Newcomer to Volunteering. She is highly committed as a coach, team manager, race volunteer, Regional Councillor, and Poole Runners club secretary. Her efforts benefit everyone involved in athletics at club, county and regional level.
Charlotte admitted she'd rather be on a track coaching kids than standing up on the stage in front of everyone!
"I wasn't the best athlete growing up but it didn't matter, I was part of the team. I am not coaching 30 future olympians, I am doing it for 30 future adults."
"Athletics is so grassroots and everyone is involved because they really care, and not because of the fame or money."
Ben Pochee has made a huge Contribution to Athletics and Running and wins the 2024 England Athletics Award. He is the volunteer Race Director for the amazing Night of 10k PBs at Highgate Harriers, and key in redeveloping the Parliament Hill track.
Ben explained that the success of the Night of 10k PBs is organic and it's really something that is promoted by everyone in the Athletics community, people like those who are at these awards tonight.
"This award is for everyone who supports, attends, runs, volunteers behind the scenes."
"How do I think it could grow even bigger? I think the growth is other events using the idea, getting people closer to the action, and showing how the right competition atmosphere can improve athlete performance."
Our Official of the year John Askew volunteers at all types of events from the Olympics to grassroots events, as a field judge or in the technical team. He is highly respected for his kindness and knowledge.
Unusually, the 'Guv' was lost for words and a little overwhelmed. He was asked about the mentoring and support he gives to so many fellow officials:
"I just like to pass on to others what I received as support when I was a new official."
Services to Athletics and Running: Bob and Anne Brimage
Our 2024 Services to Athletics and Running award goes to Bob and Anne Brimage for their dedication to Wallasey AC as well as nationally. They've given their time to the sport for 60 years!
When asked why they give so much of their time, knowledge and experience to the sport
It's tremendous to give back to the sport what we got from it as athletes. Why do we find volunteering in athletics special? To see athletes coming through from a young age to senior internationals - and we've had quite a few from Merseyside.
