Michael

Vice Chair & Welfare Officer

What’s your name and where are you from?

I’m Michael, I am originally from Stoke-on-trent, I now live in Ingleby Barwick, with my Wife and 2 lovely boys.

What do you do at the club?

I'm currently Vice Chair and  the Lead Welfare Officer for the OERC, what does this mean i hear you ask, well my role is to ensure that all club members have a safe and positive experience whilst at the club. 

I am also the web designer for the OERC so please get in touch if you have any suggestion how our website can be improved.

How long have you been running, and how did you get started?

I have run on and off all my adult life due to my job role within the military. However I  only really started to love running when I joined the Orchard Eagles in 2021, as part of the 5k beginner course, the Orchard Eagles took me from barely being able to run a 5k to completing my first marathon in 2023.

What are some of your personal running achievements?

The Orchard Eagles have helped me achieve a long-life goal of completing my first marathon. I also was able to partake in Lincoln 10K with my wife after also completing the OERC beginners course and completing parkruns with my children, showing them that they can also achieve goals for a future of health and fitness.

What motivates you to run, and what do you enjoy most about it?

The friendships I have made within the Orchard Eagles is what motivates me to get out of the house when the weather is cold and the rain is heavy. There is nothing better than being able to have a nice social run with people who are there to encourage and support each other.

Do you have any other hobbies or interests outside of running?

Outside of running I am geek through and through, I enjoy gaming and have competed on the international stage. I am also very much in to Pokemon, and I have passed this love on to my children.