The Committee

Chairman – Jolyon Roe

It is a pleasure to serve this super club as Chair. The Club provides a wonderful environment for all manner of runners and aspiring runners to develop friendships in a supportive environment and have a lot of fun too. I got into running in my early 40s whilst living in Oxford. It was a defining chapter in my life, facing a marriage breakdown and a failing business venture. I was under the most intense pressure and took up running at quite odd hours as a coping mechanism. A couple of years later, I moved to High Wycombe and back with my dear mum, and I joined my first running club – Handy Cross Runners. They introduced me to training, events and the camaraderie of a club. I loved it.  My life was still a mess, going through divorce and caring for my aged mum, as well as starting a new business. I also started going to church. Whilst my dear mum passed away in 2017, the running and my faith have continued to be cornerstones of my life.  I share this because I have found that many people come into running when facing a time of hardship, and we all have trials in life.  Running is a great way to clear your mind and chat side by side with others. Sharing this passion for what running can do for you mentally and physically led me to develop a Couch To 5k programme at my club in High Wycombe, which I have subsequently brought to Reading Joggers. It brings together lots of tips to build running technique, and not just stamina building. Something that is often overlooked. The Club is growing, which is something to celebrate. An important challenge for us all will be to ensure we continue to be an inclusive, loving, sociable and supportive environment that is welcoming.  So, do reach out and chat to people that you don’t know and find out about them. And most of all, let’s continue to have fun whilst we run.

Secretary – Beata Mroz-Dowell

I joined the club in 2024, having previously done most of my running alone, including a few half marathons on the road. Since joining, I have really found a love for off road running and enjoy the variety it brings. What I value most about Reading Joggers is the supportive and welcoming atmosphere, which has made running with others a completely different experience. I am pleased to give something back as Secretary and look forward to continuing to build on what I have started.

Treasurer – Jason Sinclair 

I’ve been with the club since Autumn 2022 having spent 4 years running the streets of Reading on my own, following a move down from Yorkshire where I lived for 25 years. The support and camaraderie within the club is amazing and I’m pleased that I am able to give something back as Treasurer. I’ve been running for about 12 years (after retiring from Sunday morning football) and enjoy at least one ultra marathon a year. My other passion is Fulham Football club and you may also find me on the golf course in the summer months if I can fit it in!

Membership Secretary – Gordon Manning

I originally joined Reading Joggers in 2008, and after a 10-year break I happily re-joined in 2022. Since then, I’ve been a regular at parkrun — though my wife would probably describe me as a little obsessive about it! My favourite race distance is 10k, but I’ve also run many half marathons. I’ve yet to tackle a full marathon — maybe that’s next year’s challenge. What I love most about Reading Joggers is how friendly and supportive the club is, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Club Kit Secretary – Doug Jacobs

I have been a Reading Jogger for over 15 years. I’ve completed all race distances and quite a few times at that! These days the most fun is had at new park runs, trail races and foreign trips namely Venice, Dresden, Paris & Mallorca. Honoured to be serving the club to the best of my ability and give back as many have given to me with their service. I love this club and the inclusivity it offers to make new friends and have fun! 

Welfare Officer – Antony Randle

I started running in 2022 on a gym treadmill, but over time those indoor miles started to feel uninspired and repetitive. I kept noticing groups of runners passing my house on Tuesday nights, so I did a bit of digging online to find out who they were. I joined Reading Joggers at the start of 2024 and I am so pleased that I did. It’s such a welcoming club which provides multiple opportunities throughout the week for people to meet up and run. The club welcomes runners of all levels, with members always on hand to provide the support and motivation you need to help smash your personal goals. However, it’s the active social side that really makes the club special – it’s a community, not just a running group.

I began with the Reading Joggers Tuesday social runs, but with encouragement from club members, I quickly moved on to 10ks and half marathons – now I’m even ditching my Saturday lie-ins for parkrun! I’m proud to be representing the club as its male welfare officer.

Welfare Officer – Sarah Philpott

I joined Reading Joggers after completing their Couch to 5K programme in the summer of 2024. I’ve been running regularly since and definitely caught the Parkrun bug! Everyone at the club has been so welcoming and encouraging and I’m looking forward to entering more races and getting involved in more community events soon!

Welfare Officer – Louise Dix

I first ventured to Reading Joggers in 2018, I haven’t been a consistent attender to club nights but always appreciate being part of the RJs community & the opportunities, running info and encouragement that brings. I also love the summer & winter handicap events. I’m looking forward to becoming a more familiar face on Tuesday runs!

Club Captain – Paula Lees

I am Paula and am one of the Club Captains. I have been a Reading Jogger now for nearly 5 years. I joined pretty much as a non runner, having played team sports previously. Over the years I have gradually grown to love running and last year completed my first marathon – something I never thought I could do! Joggers for me are more than just a club they really are like an extended family who look after and encourage each other.

Club Captain – Paul Blenkhorn

I joined Reading Joggers in 2024 and am honoured to have been elected to the committee as Club Captain.

I have had a long, over ten year association with running and have participated in multiple half marathons. Having run solo for much of that time, I have found real enjoyment and encouragement in group running at the club and would heartily recommend it to anybody.

Reading Joggers has a wonderful spirit and a community that inspires all. I am delighted to have become part of it.

Club Captain – Claire Rayner

I first started running aged 12 and by 16 had competed for Hertfordshire at cross-country.
I started running again in 2017 and since then have ran lots of 10km and half marathon events and ran Brighton marathon 2021. I have suffered many injuries in my time running and am now slower than in previous years but pace isn’t an issue as Reading joggers is so inclusive.
I enjoy being Club Captain and encouraging runners of all paces.

Club Captain (non-committee) – Andy Bryant

I have always been a keen runner and joined Reading Joggers in January 2025, which I wished I had done sooner! From my first Social Club run on a Tuesday night and training sessions on a Thursday I have not looked back, gone are the days where if there was a few drops of rain I would wait until the next day (or maybe not) to go out! I am a keen Park Runner and have not missed a Saturday 5k in a long time! I also enjoy entering all types of races from 10k to Half Marathons, and feel very proud to wear the club top when running. Reading Joggers is a happy friendly social club and as Captain I will continue to help and support everyone in their goals.

Social Events Secretary – Sophie Goodall

I joined Reading Joggers in summer 2024 through the C25K program, and have continued to run with the club ever since. Not only have I achieved things I never thought possible such as running half marathons, I have met the most inspiring and encouraging people. I want to continue bringing the joggers community together at social events and continue to build on the fun and friendly environment we all love so much.

Social Media Secretary – Farah Asif

I’m a runner who loves a good chat as much as a good run! I joined Reading Joggers in March 2024 and, really enjoy running socially, supporting others and, being part of a friendly, inclusive group. I recently qualified as a Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF) and I’m really excited to be getting more involved in club activities, including the social media side of things. You’ll usually find me at parkrun with my husband Asif, enjoying parkrun tourism and cheering others on.

Website Manager (non-committee) – Chloé Ashbell

After several years of running solo, I joined Reading Joggers in 2023 to meet some new running buddies and was immediately struck by the club’s friendliness and warmth.  Since joining, my running has improved hugely (not just in pace, but in enjoyment too) thanks to the encouragement and inspiration of other members.

What I love most about the RJs is that everyone is made to feel welcome, whether you come along every week or only occasionally, and whether it’s for a social run, a training session or a race.

I’m mainly a road runner and enjoy racing everything from 5Ks to half marathons. Most of the time you’ll find me pounding out the miles on the country roads of West Berkshire, venturing onto the trails only in the better weather!