Graham Harper - Committee Member
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- Category: Committee Profiles
Graham Harper
I've been on the committee now for 15 years and after 5 years of being Chair I stepped down in Feb 2022 but remain as an ordinary committee member.
Unlike some of the others committee members I haven't 'always run' in fact I left starting running a little late.. well, very late. Someone I worked with ran the London Marathon and I think I was almost jealous. When the marathon was on the telly I almost resented the fact that another year had gone by and I couldn't run one mile let alone 26! I've never been sporty, never go to the gym but eventually I started to run a little bit - first a mile, then nearly two....
I entered my first ever 10k at age 50 and was quite surprised that not only was I not last but I did pretty well. Runners come in all shapes, sizes and ages it seems. Why didn't I start running earlier?
Eventually I plucked up the courage to join the Arrows club and immediately found I was running faster and enjoying it more and more just through running with other people and getting tips, support and encouragement too.
Over the years I have run about 50 half marathons and over 35 full marathons - some in reasonable times too. London wasn't my best - I'd love another crack at that one day. I also do the odd Tri or open water event and I've begun to feel the pull of the dark side towards Ultra running having completed Race to the Stones (once)and the Stort 30 five times.
I think my story proves that anyone can run and get some real health and lifestyle benefits - oh, and marathons aren't compulsory by the way!
These days the club has grown and grown and I was delighted to be elected as Club Chair in 2017 when Colin stood down. What a hard act to follow! So pleased I discovered the Arrows and so grateful for the assistance and support from the Management Committee and the membership in general.
Graham