Celebrating Excellence: A545RC Annual Awards
Welcome to the heart of our running community, where dedication, perseverance, and outstanding achievements are celebrated!
The A545RC Annual Awards Ceremony is a time-honoured tradition that allows us to recognise the remarkable individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to both our club and the sport of running.
As we gather here, virtually or in spirit, we stand united in applauding the incredible accomplishments of our members. These awards are a testament to the kindness, helpfulness, sweat, miles, and unwavering passion that define the spirit of A545RC.
Join us in acknowledging the winners, each of whom embodies the core values of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a deep love for running. Get ready to meet the champions, hear their stories, and be inspired by their journeys. Let’s celebrate the achievements that make our running family so extraordinary!
Discover the proud recipients and their well-deserved honours.
Award Winners
These individuals have not only excelled in their running journeys but have also contributed immeasurably to the spirit of our club.
Men’s Captain Award
Dave Kitching
This award goes to someone who is an unsung hero. He goes about quietly helping fellow members, keeping spirits up, running with new members and most of all, raising money for all sorts of different causes, more so recently for Harbour Cancer Trust by organising a book sale, and now Gosport Golden 24 for GAFIRS.
He also takes regular beautiful photos of the coastline here at Lee-on-Solent and raises awareness of the damage our local water company is doing.
Women’s Captain Award
Georgia Kendell
I have chosen this lady as she’s a lovely, friendly person, very helpful, will go out of her way to help anyone, and never wants anything back in return.
Always willing to run at any pace with anyone.
She’s always helping silently behind the scenes.
Chairman’s Award
Al Tottle
This award is presented to a human being who is the very definition of a Good Samaritan.
By simply reading these words, I’m sure that you know to whom I refer.
Humble, kind to a fault, and the kind of person we should aspire to be.
Most Improved Female
Ellie Swain
This award is presented to a lady who joined our club last year and has seen her running improve immeasurably.
Every time she runs with us, she grows in confidence, which is a testament to those she runs with.
The Monday Club has allowed her to unlock her potential in her own time, and every time I see her post about enjoying her running, I get a warm glow.
Most Improved Male
Nigel Gibbens
A natural joker in our pack, this chap remains competitive with himself and has set himself challenges that he has met head-on.
Using his age and experience, he saw impressive results towards the end of 2023, but he is also always there to support others if and when he can.
It’s one for the old boys!
Running Leaders Award
Chris McFaul & Lou Weez
So, the last two awards were a secret, but I’ll share. Don’t tell anyone!
The Monday Club has been an outstanding success and, as I have mentioned, a lifeline for some.
It was the brainchild of two members who came up with the idea and made it happen.
The Running Leaders Award(s) for 2023 go to Captain Chris McFaul and Lou Weez.
With special thanks
Debbie Humphreys, who, as Club Secretary, has looked after our growing membership and organised events on behalf of us all, such as Denbie’s Wine Run and the Christmas party.
Susan Jane Hamilton, our Treasurer, quietly and efficiently keeps the Club finances on an even keel.
Chris Sparshott has accepted the task of designing and introducing our lovely new club website. Although still in its infancy, this site will allow us to stay abreast of club events more easily whilst promoting ourselves to a wider audience. It has been produced in Chris’ own time and has been very well received by all of our members and beyond.
Club captains
Liana Cripps and Chris McFaul volunteered to take on the responsibilities of being Captains and are ambassadors for the club.
They make themselves available to anyone who needs support or advice, and a lot of their efforts are unheralded but vital to the smooth running of a happy ship. I am extremely grateful to them both for their help and advice.
To our members
The club’s origins are founded on the simple premise that running should be accessible to all but, most importantly, fun. This can only be achieved by accepting that we are all here for each other.
There will be opportunities to better ourselves should we want to run quicker or further, to run in large social groups or smaller, more intimate groups and even remotely if that is the desire.
The one and only stipulation is that 545ers should be ambassadors for our club and our town. The membership continues to grow purely because you all meet that criteria and attract those of similar character. Thank you.
