Regional Volunteer Awards 2026: Yorkshire and Humberside

On Friday evening, we came together to celebrate the amazing volunteers in the Yorkshire and Humberside region at our 2026 Regional Volunteer Awards. Held at Oulton Hall, 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: Holmfirth Harriers Athletics Club

Holmfirth Harriers has successfully combined a proud history with a progressive and inclusive approach to club development. Supporting more than 400 members aged from 8 to 88, the club provides opportunities across all levels of participation and performance. Through qualified run leaders, award-winning junior coaching, innovative programmes such as Zero to Hero and a strong calendar of competitive and social events, the club continues to strengthen its community impact. Its commitment to inclusivity was further demonstrated through the creation of opportunities for visually impaired runners, ensuring athletics remains accessible to all. Holmfirth Harriers continues to be a leading example of a welcoming and forward-thinking athletics club.

Second place: Scunthorpe Harriers Athletics Club

Scunthorpe Harriers has embraced change and development to create a sustainable and vibrant future for athletics. Through investment in young volunteers, coaches and officials, the club has built a strong succession plan while growing participation and competition opportunities. A welcoming culture, strong safeguarding focus and commitment to athlete development ensure members feel supported regardless of age, ability or experience. Significant improvements to governance, communication and volunteer development have strengthened the club's foundations, while increased membership demonstrates the success of its inclusive approach. Scunthorpe Harriers continues to invest in people, creating high-quality experiences that benefit athletes, volunteers and the wider community.

Third place: Northowram Pumas Running Club

Northowram Pumas Running Club has developed into a thriving and inclusive community that supports runners at every stage of their journey, from Couch to 5K graduates through to England Masters athletes. Over the past four years, membership has grown from 121 to more than 300 active members, driven by the club’s welcoming culture, strong volunteer network and commitment to inclusion. The club offers opportunities far beyond running, including social events, charity partnerships, community engagement, heart screening initiatives and volunteer development programmes. Through investment in run leaders, coaches and junior development, Northowram Pumas continues to create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate, progress and belong within a supportive and inspiring environment.

Unsung Hero of the Year

Kevin Lincoln (Doncaster AC)

Kevin Lincoln has become one of the driving forces behind Doncaster Athletics Club through his exceptional leadership, vision and commitment to creating opportunities for others. As Chair, he has successfully overseen both a thriving athletics club and a high-quality facility that benefits athletes, volunteers, schools and community groups across the region. Kevin is passionate about ensuring everyone feels welcome within athletics and has worked tirelessly to widen access through school partnerships, funded places and community engagement initiatives. Known for his genuine care for volunteers and club members, he has created a culture where people feel valued, supported and inspired. His dedication has strengthened athletics throughout Doncaster and provided countless participants with positive experiences in the sport.

Victor Choules (Rothwell Harriers & AC)

Victor Choules has transformed Rothwell Harriers through his infectious enthusiasm, boundless energy and commitment to building a welcoming community. As Chair, he has introduced new initiatives including Couch to 5K programmes, walking groups and charity fundraising projects, ensuring the club remains accessible to people of all abilities. Victor is a familiar face at parkrun, community events and races, always encouraging others and creating opportunities for participation. His support extends far beyond running, helping local schools, charities and community groups whenever needed. Through his leadership, positivity and tireless volunteering, Victor has helped grow club membership, strengthen community partnerships and inspire countless people to get involved in running.

Jo Coupe (Northowram Pumas Running Club)

Jo Coupe has provided inspirational leadership at Northowram Pumas Running Club, helping guide the organisation through a period of significant growth and development. As Chair, Run Leader and organiser, she has worked tirelessly to strengthen governance, improve welfare support and create opportunities for members at every level. Under her leadership, membership has grown from 121 to more than 300 runners, with many progressing from Couch to 5K to marathon participation. Jo has also strengthened community partnerships, championed health initiatives including heart screening and developed thriving social facilities that bring people together. Her warmth, fairness and dedication have made a lasting difference to the club and everyone involved.

Sarah Pardington (Bedale & Aiskew Runners)

Sarah Pardington makes an outstanding contribution to Bedale & Aiskew Runners through a combination of professionalism, dedication and community spirit. While serving as Club Treasurer, she also manages the club website, oversees the championship competition, leads running sessions and plays a central role in delivering the town’s first licensed 10K road race. Much of her work takes place behind the scenes, from financial management and event planning to sourcing prizes, sponsorship and equipment. Alongside a demanding career and long commute, Sarah continually gives her time to help the club grow and succeed. Her efforts have enabled significant charitable fundraising, improved club operations and created new opportunities for runners throughout the community.

Ashley Colley (Bradford Airedale AC)

Ashley Colley has played a transformative role in the revival of Bradford Airedale AC. Since taking responsibility for the junior section and becoming a key committee member, he has helped grow membership dramatically while creating new opportunities for athletes and families. Through coaching multiple evenings each week, organising events and developing innovative participation programmes, Ashley has rebuilt a thriving club culture despite challenging facilities and limited resources. His leadership has enabled junior athletes to progress to regional and national levels while also introducing new adult running opportunities through Couch to 5K. Ashley’s energy, commitment and determination have changed the future of the club and inspired a new generation of athletes.

David Bull (Meltham AC)

David Bull has become a driving force behind Meltham AC through his dedication to race organisation, member engagement and community building. Alongside managing the club’s flagship race and developing replacement events following significant challenges, David has created a programme of inclusive and imaginative internal activities that bring members together and strengthen club spirit. His work involves countless hours of planning, route development, volunteer coordination and communication, much of which takes place quietly behind the scenes. Through his enthusiasm and commitment, David has created opportunities for runners of all abilities to participate, compete and enjoy being part of the club, helping Meltham AC continue to thrive.

Mark Ramskill (Methley Striders)

Mark Ramskill’s contribution to Methley Striders extends far beyond coaching. Despite balancing a demanding career and recovering from injury, he continues to dedicate significant time to supporting runners at every stage of their journey. As a qualified coach, run leader and club captain, Mark delivers training sessions, provides personalised support and encourages runners to challenge themselves while maintaining a healthy perspective on progress and wellbeing. His community-focused hill and speed sessions raise money for charity while remaining open and accessible to all. Through his leadership, honesty and encouragement, Mark has helped build confidence, strengthen friendships and create opportunities for runners across the wider community.

Kirsty Spencer (Methley Striders)

Kirsty Spencer has had a transformative impact on Methley Striders through her leadership, positivity and dedication to helping others succeed. As a Run Leader and Captain, she brings professional expertise, creativity and genuine care to every aspect of club life. Kirsty develops training sessions, introduces strength and conditioning opportunities, creates resources for members and supports fellow volunteers behind the scenes. Her enthusiasm and attention to detail ensure runners of all abilities feel welcomed, encouraged and valued. By leading through example and consistently putting others first, she has strengthened participation, improved training quality and helped create an inclusive and supportive culture across the club.

Helen Cox (Ripon Runners)

For almost a decade, Helen Cox has been at the heart of the junior section at Ripon Runners. As Minis and Juniors Coordinator, she gives countless hours to coaching, administration and supporting both young athletes and fellow volunteers. Helen’s dedication extends far beyond weekly sessions, with significant effort devoted to communication, planning and member support behind the scenes. Her inclusive and caring approach has helped create a welcoming environment where children can develop confidence, skills and enjoyment in athletics. Under her guidance, participation has grown significantly and the junior section now has a thriving waiting list. Helen’s commitment continues to shape the club’s future.

Claire Maltas (Crossgates Harriers)

Claire Maltas has helped redefine what it means to be a community running club through her work with Crossgates Harriers. As a Run Leader, committee member and organiser, she has combined her passion for running with a commitment to supporting people across the local community. Through the club’s highly successful Couch to 5K programme, Claire has inspired countless new runners to develop confidence and continue their running journeys beyond graduation. She also leads a wide range of charitable initiatives, including food bank collections, toy appeals and community donation programmes. Her enthusiasm, leadership and compassion have strengthened both the club and the wider community it serves.

Unsung Project of the Year

Winner: Curly's Athletes

Curly's funetics has created an outstanding model of inclusive community athletics, giving children aged 4 to 11 the opportunity to develop confidence, resilience and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity. Delivered free of charge, the programme removes financial barriers and ensures every child can participate regardless of background or ability. Through running, jumping and throwing activities, children develop athletic skills alongside confidence, friendships and self-belief. The initiative also encourages family involvement, with parents and carers becoming active alongside their children. With more than 100 children currently on the waiting list, Curly's funetics has demonstrated a lasting and meaningful impact on young people, families and the wider community.

Let's see Curly's Athletes in action:

Runner-up: Ilkley Harriers

This pioneering initiative has enabled adults with learning disabilities to become active members of their local running club in a welcoming and supportive environment. Established through the vision and dedication of Caroline Tong and a team of committed volunteers, the programme provides weekly opportunities for participants to improve fitness, confidence and independence while developing friendships and social connections. Many runners have completed their first parkrun and 10km race since joining, while others have embraced wider club activities and social events. The project demonstrates inclusivity in action and has inspired more club members to volunteer and support accessible opportunities within athletics.

Servies to Athletics and Running

Neil Chapman (Ilkley Harriers)

For more than two decades, Neil Chapman has been one of the driving forces behind Ilkley Harriers. As coach, race director, committee member and organiser, he dedicates countless hours to supporting athletes and ensuring club activities run successfully. Neil delivers multiple coaching sessions every week, mentors athletes individually and has organised a number of highly regarded races, including establishing the Pete Shields 10K as a lasting tribute to a former club coach. His commitment extends far beyond visible roles, with extensive behind-the-scenes work supporting competitions, training and club development. Neil's dedication has helped strengthen membership, athlete development and the wider running community throughout Yorkshire.

Mark Swinden (Tadcaster Harriers)

Mark Swinden has devoted more than 40 years to supporting athletics and running through Tadcaster Harriers and the wider Yorkshire running community. A founding member of the club and Chairman for three decades, he has helped transform Tadcaster Harriers into a thriving and inclusive organisation. Beyond his club role, Mark has chaired the York & District Road Race League for around 20 years, overseeing its growth from a small six-race series into a major regional competition involving hundreds of runners. Through mentoring, race organisation, volunteer leadership and community engagement, Mark's dedication has positively impacted thousands of runners across Yorkshire and beyond.

Stewart Haigh (Ackworth Road Runners)

Stewart Haigh has given more than 40 years of dedicated service to Ackworth Road Runners and the wider running community. As a founder member, he has fulfilled countless roles including Chair, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Race Director, Run Leader and event organiser. His efforts have helped establish many of the club's traditions, competitions and successful community events while ensuring the organisation remains sustainable for future generations. Stewart has also played an important role in the development of local parkrun events and continues to volunteer, support members and share his knowledge. His commitment, leadership and thoughtful succession planning have left an enduring legacy within the club.