Regional Volunteer Awards 2026: London
On Saturday evening, we came together to celebrate the amazing volunteers in the London region at our 2026 Regional Volunteer Awards. Held at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, the evening was a wonderful celebration of the dedication, commitment and impact our volunteers have across the sport.
A huge congratulations to all of the nominees and winners - let's get to know our volunteers!
Club of the Year
Winner: Queen's Park Harriers
Queen's Park Harriers continues to set a benchmark for inclusive and community-focused athletics. The club has successfully combined strong governance, innovative coaching and an ambitious development programme to create opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities. Significant growth in participation, investment in volunteer development and a commitment to accessibility have helped foster a welcoming environment where members feel supported to achieve their individual goals. Alongside competitive success, the club has prioritised wellbeing, belonging and community engagement, ensuring that athletics remains accessible to all. Its continued growth and positive culture make Queen's Park Harriers a deserving Club of the Year recipient.
Second place: Tooting Run Club
Tooting Run Club has built an exceptional running community centred around wellbeing, inclusion and connection. Through hundreds of events and thousands of participant attendances, the club has successfully broken down barriers to participation and encouraged people from diverse backgrounds to become active. Its volunteer-led culture has helped create a welcoming environment where members feel supported regardless of experience or ability. Alongside strong governance and leadership, the club has developed opportunities for progression, volunteering and social impact. The result is a thriving community that continues to improve lives through running and inspire more people to become involved in athletics.
Third place: London Frontrunners
London Frontrunners has built an outstanding club culture founded on inclusion, development, community and sustainability. Through seven weekly runs, multiple training sessions, women-only programmes and a team of 35 qualified coaches, the club provides opportunities for runners of all backgrounds, abilities and ambitions to thrive. What truly sets LFR apart is its commitment to belonging, ensuring every member feels welcomed, supported and valued through a culture of kindness, acceptance and shared ownership. Alongside its thriving training programme, the club delivers extensive volunteering opportunities, community partnerships and social activities that strengthen connections both within the club and across the wider running community. Through its member-led approach, London Frontrunners continues to demonstrate how running can transform lives, build confidence and create lasting friendships.
Unsung Hero of the Year
Winner: Nina Franklin (Woodford Green AC & Essex Ladies)
As Volunteer Coordinator at Woodford Green AC with Essex Ladies, Nina Franklin has transformed volunteer development across the club. Through personal encouragement and hands-on support, she has inspired around 15 new officials and five new coaches to become involved in athletics. Alongside officiating, coaching Under-12 athletes and supporting competitions, Nina works tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen club operations and create a culture where volunteering is valued and accessible. Her leadership has built a stronger, more sustainable volunteer workforce, benefiting athletes, parents and the wider club community while helping secure the club’s future success.
Nina also received the Room to Reward hotel stay voucher to say thank you for the time she has given to the sport.
Winner: Lucia Nevett (Hilingdon AC now Windsor Slough Eton & Housnlow AC)
Despite being an Under-18 athlete herself, Lucia Nevett dedicated every Saturday morning to coaching Hillingdon AC's Under-11 athletes, even throughout her GCSE year and during recovery from a serious knee injury. Travelling independently between coaching and her own training commitments, she provided hundreds of voluntary hours to support young athletes. Her leadership extended beyond coaching, mentoring adult coaches, developing bespoke training plans and helping recruit future athletes to the club. Her commitment, maturity and selflessness have inspired athletes, parents and volunteers alike, leaving a lasting legacy on the club's youngest members.
Lucia also received the Room to Reward hotel stay voucher to say thank you for the time she has given to the sport.
Winner: Nina Hepburn (Newham and Essex Beagles)
Nina Hepburn is the driving force behind Newham & Essex Beagles, serving as Vice Chair, Welfare Officer, assistant coach, official and lead organiser of the club’s Beagle Academy. Through her dedication and tireless commitment, she oversees much of the club’s day-to-day operation, supporting athletes, parents, coaches and volunteers while ensuring the club continues to thrive. Nina is often the first person people turn to for advice, guidance and problem-solving, and she consistently goes above and beyond to create opportunities for young athletes. From securing coach education funding and supporting new volunteers to navigating funding challenges and helping rebuild the club through difficult times, Nina has been instrumental in keeping the club strong, welcoming and sustainable. Her leadership, compassion and determination have made an immeasurable impact on everyone connected with the Beagles.
Winner: Dominic Addison (London Frontrunners)
Dominic Addison has become one of the driving forces behind London Frontrunners, providing leadership as a coach, run leader, pacer and Race Director for the club’s Pride Run 10K. Known for his encouragement and personal support, he has helped countless runners achieve goals they once believed impossible. Dominic's commitment extends from welcoming new members to leading major events that celebrate inclusion and participation. His energy, organisation and unwavering commitment to the running community continue to strengthen the club and make athletics more accessible for people from all backgrounds.
Winner: Jen Armson (Queen's Park Harriers)
Jen Armson plays a pivotal role within Queen’s Park Harriers, combining coaching excellence with strategic leadership and governance development. She has led coaching sessions, produced training plans, supported athlete progression and helped modernise the club’s structures to support future growth. Jen’s willingness to give her time, expertise and energy ensures members receive high-quality support both on and off the track. Her contribution has strengthened every part of club life, helping create a welcoming environment where athletes, volunteers and coaches are empowered to develop and succeed together.
Winner: Carol Hayes (Crystal Palace Fun Runners)
For more than thirty years, Carol Hayes has been a champion of inclusive running at Crystal Palace Fun Runners. Through coaching, welfare support and leadership, she has encouraged runners of all abilities, particularly beginners and those returning to activity. Carol’s welcoming approach ensures that everyone feels valued, supported and able to participate. Her dedication has helped foster a club culture centred on friendship, wellbeing and achievement. Generations of runners have benefited from her encouragement, making her one of the defining figures in the club’s success and continued growth.
Winner: Ernie Forsyth (Ilford AC)
Ernie Forsyth has dedicated nearly four decades to Ilford AC, helping shape one of the club’s most successful periods of youth development. Through coaching, team management and volunteer leadership, he has supported hundreds of young athletes and helped expand participation at all levels. His tireless work has contributed significantly to the club’s growth and sustainability. Ernie’s passion for athletics, combined with his commitment to helping young people reach their potential, has left an enduring legacy that continues to benefit athletes, families and volunteers throughout the club.
Winner: Jade McDonald (Emancipated Run Crew)
Jade McDonald has become a cornerstone of Emancipated Run Crew through her commitment to mentoring, coaching and supporting athletes of all abilities. Whether guiding first-time marathon runners, helping members prepare for triathlons or delivering community events, Jade consistently puts others first. Her approachable leadership style and genuine desire to help people achieve their goals have created a positive and empowering environment. Through her encouragement and example, she has inspired countless runners to challenge themselves, gain confidence and become active contributors within the wider running community.
Winner: Luke Kretschmer (Queen's Park Harriers)
Luke Kretschmer founded the Queen’s Park Social Run to provide a welcoming entry point into running for people of all backgrounds and abilities. What began as a simple idea has grown into a thriving community that introduces dozens of people to running every week. Alongside coaching and creating training resources, Luke works tirelessly behind the scenes to enhance the club experience for members. His leadership has helped make running more accessible, strengthened community connections and encouraged many participants to take their first steps into club athletics.
Unsung Project of the year
Winner: Run for Jamaica - Emancipated Run Crew
Run for Jamaica demonstrated the power of athletics to bring communities together for a meaningful cause. Organised by Emancipated Run Crew in response to the impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, the initiative united runners, walkers and supporters from across London through a programme of inclusive participation opportunities. The project successfully raised more than £10,000 for relief efforts while strengthening relationships between running communities and creating opportunities for wider engagement with the sport. By combining fundraising, cultural celebration and community connection, Run for Jamaica highlighted how grassroots athletics can create positive social impact well beyond competition and deliver lasting benefits both locally and internationally.
Runner up: U12 Age Group Structured Programme - Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC
The U12 Age Group Structured Programme was developed to support young athletes following changes to age-group competition structures and has already made a significant impact. By providing a carefully planned introduction to athletics through running, jumping and throwing activities, the initiative helps children develop confidence, skills and enjoyment in a supportive environment. More than 30 young athletes have benefitted from the programme, which promotes broad athletic development and encourages long-term participation. Through strong coaching, clear progression opportunities and an emphasis on inclusion, the programme has created an important pathway that is helping secure the future of athletics within the club.
Services to Athletics and Running
Winner: Alan Agarrat (Queen's Park Harriers)
For more than 50 years, Alan Agarrat dedicated his life to Queen’s Park Harriers and the wider athletics community, becoming one of the club’s most respected and cherished figures. A former sprinter and hurdler, Alan went on to serve as Track Captain, equipment manager, officiating volunteer, county representative and trusted club leader, giving his time selflessly to support generations of athletes. His unwavering presence at weekly track sessions, where runners were launched on their efforts by his familiar “3-2-1, off you go”, made him a constant source of encouragement, structure and reassurance. Beyond the club, Alan devoted decades to Middlesex athletics, helping countless young athletes compete and develop. His legacy is not measured by titles or recognition, but by the thousands of runners, officials and volunteers whose lives he touched through his kindness, reliability and extraordinary commitment to the sport he loved.
The award was accepted by Bill O'Connor on behalf of Alan.
Winner: Jerry Odlin (London Heathside AC)
Jerry Odlin has devoted more than fifty years to athletics and played a transformative role in the growth of London Heathside. During two decades as Chair, he has helped oversee substantial club development while continuing to coach, officiate and support athletes across all levels of the sport. His leadership has extended beyond club administration, contributing to facility improvements, competition delivery and opportunities for future generations of athletes throughout Middlesex and North London. Respected for both his strategic vision and hands-on commitment, Jerry has demonstrated the type of long-term service that underpins successful athletics communities and leaves a lasting legacy across the sport.
Jerry also received the Room to Reward hotel stay voucher to say thank you for the time he has given to the sport.
Winner: Sue and Peter Shilling (Kingston Athletic Club & Polytechnic Harriers / Surrey Schools)
Sue and Peter Shilling have dedicated more than a century of combined service to athletics, inspiring generations of young people through teaching, volunteering and competition delivery. Over more than 40 years, they have been the driving force behind the Surrey Schools Athletics Championships, helping create and sustain one of the country's most respected schools athletics pathways. Working largely behind the scenes, Sue has overseen the complex administration and athlete entry processes that enable hundreds of young athletes to compete each year, while Peter has contributed his expertise as a highly respected track and field official. Together, they have devoted countless voluntary hours to ensuring opportunities remain available for young athletes across Surrey and the south London boroughs. Their professionalism, humility and unwavering commitment have had a profound and lasting impact on schools athletics, creating opportunities for thousands of young people to experience competition, represent their districts and begin their athletics journeys.