Regional Volunteer Awards 2026: West Midlands
On Saturday evening, we came together to celebrate the amazing volunteers in the West Midlands region at our 2026 Regional Volunteer Awards. Held at Alexander Stadium, the evening was a fantastic 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: Hartshill Runners
Hartshill Runners has experienced remarkable growth while maintaining an inclusive, supportive and community-focused culture. Growing from just 10 members in 2024 to more than 100 active runners, the club has created an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of experience or ability. Through successful Couch to 5K programmes, structured coaching, strength and conditioning sessions, track training and volunteer development, members are supported to achieve goals they never thought possible. The club’s investment in leadership, welfare, member engagement and community connection has created a thriving running family where participation, wellbeing and friendship are valued as highly as performance.
Second place: Redditch Stars
Redditch Stars has continued to demonstrate its commitment to inclusion, community engagement and member wellbeing. Through a highly successful Couch to 5K programme, regular coaching opportunities and innovative wellbeing initiatives, the club has created pathways into running for people of all ages and abilities. Significant investment in Mental Health First Aid training has strengthened support available to members, while monthly wellbeing walks have provided safe spaces for people to connect, share experiences and improve mental health. By combining strong community values with a welcoming and supportive environment, Redditch Stars continues to have a positive impact far beyond running itself.
Third place: Cleobury Mortimer Running Club
Cleobury Mortimer Running Club has created a welcoming and supportive environment that reflects the very best of community running. Catering for runners and walkers of all abilities, the club provides coaching, mentoring and friendship in a rural setting where everyone is encouraged to participate and progress. Members consistently highlight the club’s inclusive culture, strong sense of belonging and willingness to support individuals through personal challenges. Through volunteer development, community engagement, track sessions and an active club championship programme, the club continues to provide high-quality opportunities while maintaining the friendly ethos that makes it so special to its members.
Unsung Hero of the Year
Sonia Tudor (Redditch Community Runners)
Sonia Tudor has become a driving force behind Redditch Community Runners through her leadership, compassion and dedication to helping others discover the benefits of running. Through Couch to 5K programmes, progression groups, volunteer development and community partnerships, she has created opportunities for countless people to become active and build confidence. Even while recovering from significant health challenges, Sonia continued to support club activities, secure funding, develop welfare initiatives and champion mental wellbeing. Her ability to inspire, encourage and empower others has transformed lives throughout the local community. Sonia’s selflessness and commitment make her a truly exceptional Unsung Hero.
Emma Teevan (Spa Striders)
Emma Teevan has made an extraordinary contribution to Spa Striders through coaching, leadership and countless hours of behind-the-scenes volunteer work. As a committee member, run leader and coach, she consistently goes above and beyond to support runners of all abilities, helping members achieve goals they once thought impossible. Alongside coordinating club activities, organising events and advocating for inclusive opportunities, Emma provides personalised coaching, encouragement and support that extends far beyond training sessions. Her commitment to celebrating achievements, strengthening community spirit and ensuring every member feels valued has had a profound impact throughout the club.
Charlotte Parnell (Telford AC)
Charlotte Parnell has become an invaluable volunteer at Telford AC through her dedication as a coach, team manager and club organiser. She has played a major role in supporting junior athletes, coordinating competition entries, managing teams and ensuring families feel informed and supported throughout their athletics journey. Even while recovering from knee surgery, Charlotte continued to provide exceptional support behind the scenes, ensuring athletes experienced no disruption to their opportunities. Her positive attitude, organisational skills and willingness to go above and beyond have helped increase participation and contribute to one of the club’s most successful seasons in recent years.
Josh Bain (Leamington C&AC)
Josh Bain has made an outstanding contribution to Leamington C&AC through the passion, care and commitment he brings to coaching. Supporting throwers from Under-16 through to Masters level, he provides personalised training plans, technical guidance and consistent encouragement that helps athletes develop both confidence and performance. Beyond coaching sessions, Josh invests significant time working individually with athletes, overcoming challenges and creating a supportive team culture where everyone feels valued. Through innovative club collaboration and a genuine desire to help others succeed, Josh has strengthened both the throws community and the wider club, making a lasting impact on athletes of all ages.
Andrew Morrey (Leamington C&AC)
Andrew Morrey has become one of the most respected and dependable officials in Midlands athletics. Through his work across club, county, regional and national competitions, he consistently ensures athletes have safe, fair and positive competition experiences. Renowned for his calm approach, technical expertise and willingness to solve problems, Andrew regularly goes above and beyond to ensure events run successfully, even when faced with significant challenges. He is also a committed mentor for new officials, generously sharing knowledge and supporting others to develop. His professionalism, positivity and dedication have benefited countless athletes and competitions throughout the region.
Karoline Schneider (Leamington C&AC)
Karoline Schneider exemplifies the spirit of giving back to athletics while continuing to compete herself. Since qualifying as an official, she has quickly become a highly respected and reliable member of the officiating community, supporting competitions across the region while progressing rapidly through the officiating pathway. Despite maintaining her own athletic career, she regularly volunteers at meetings, takes on additional responsibilities and supports fellow athletes through her officiating work. Her professionalism, positivity and willingness to help wherever needed have earned widespread respect. Karoline’s dedication demonstrates how athletes can play an important role in sustaining and strengthening the sport.
Unsung Project of the Year
Winner: Kids Run Redditch
Kids Run Redditch has transformed opportunities for young people and families by creating a free, inclusive and volunteer-led athletics initiative that removes barriers to participation. Since launching in 2023, more than 3,000 children have taken part, with weekly attendance regularly exceeding 100 participants. Designed to improve physical activity, confidence and wellbeing, the programme provides children with a welcoming introduction to athletics while encouraging family participation and community involvement. Through strong volunteer engagement, school partnerships and clear progression pathways into club athletics, Kids Run Redditch has become a powerful example of how grassroots sport can bring communities together and inspire the next generation.
Runner up: Redditch Community Runners
Redditch Community Runners has developed a welcoming and inclusive running community where enjoyment, wellbeing and personal progression are at the heart of every session. Through Couch to 5K programmes, progression groups and structured support, the club has introduced many local people to running who may never otherwise have taken part. Volunteer development, mental health initiatives and strong community engagement have helped create a club that feels more like a family than a traditional running group. By supporting members both physically and emotionally and creating opportunities for people of all abilities, the club continues to make a significant impact within its local community.
Services to Athletics and Running
Keith Richards (Coventry Godiva Harriers/Rugby & Northampton AC)
Keith Richards has given more than 60 years of outstanding service to athletics as an athlete, official, administrator, organiser and volunteer. His contribution spans clubs, county associations, schools athletics, race walking and major championship events at regional, national and international level. From organising county championships and cross-country events to helping deliver prestigious international race walking competitions, Keith has played a pivotal role in shaping athletics across Warwickshire and the Midlands. His dedication has largely taken place behind the scenes, yet countless athletes, officials and volunteers have benefited from his work. His lifelong commitment represents an extraordinary legacy of service to the sport.
Rita Brownlie (Bromsgrove & Redditch AC)
For more than six decades, Rita Brownlie has been one of the most influential and respected volunteers in Midlands athletics. As a coach, official, team manager, administrator and committee member, she has dedicated thousands of hours to developing athletes and supporting competitions at every level of the sport. Her work with Bromsgrove & Redditch AC, county athletics and regional leagues has helped sustain opportunities for generations of athletes. Renowned for her knowledge, reliability and willingness to support others, Rita has become a central figure in Midlands athletics. Her dedication, leadership and passion make her a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Chris Jackson (Leamington C&AC)
Chris Jackson has devoted more than 40 years to developing athletes through coaching, mentoring and volunteer service. A highly respected coach at Leamington C&AC and long-standing contributor to schools athletics, Chris has helped countless young athletes progress from grassroots participation to success at county, national and international level. His patient, athlete-centred approach combines technical expertise with genuine care for the people he coaches. Even after retiring from regular coaching commitments, he continues to support athletes through personalised training programmes, competition attendance and specialist steeplechase coaching. His enduring impact on young athletes and the wider sport makes him a worthy recipient of recognition.