Committee

Our committee meets monthly and the members all have a background in, and love of, athletics.  Many still compete locally, nationally and internationally.  Those that do not can usually be seen at events helping out behind an entry desk, in a long jump pit or collecting hammers or shots.  There is a lot that happens behind the scenes to arrange meetings and stage them, so there is always something to do.  If you think you could help and have a bit of time on your hands, get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. 

Meet our committee members

President Caroline Marler

61 years of competing!  Started at secondary school, competing for Hampshire Schools (Long Jump and hurdles) then progressed to 400m and 800m. In 1976 got to the Olympic Trials for 800m and also did a marathon. Joined Otley AC in mid 80s, running for them in Road and Cross Country races and then started Masters Athletics at 35. Been to numerous Masters Athletics Champs and won a few medals over a variety of events.

Phillip Lee Chair

I became a veteran runner in 1988 and was voted on to the committee of my club, Cambridge and Coleridge AC, as the veteran representative.  From there I joined the committee of Eastern Vets, becoming their representative on BVAF and EVAA.

I was the England Cross Country selector for EVAA which led to me eventually becoming Cross Country secretary for EVAA with the responsibility of arranging the selection process for the British and Irish Veterans Cross Country International.

I am Vice Chair of the EMAA committee.

In 2015 I moved up to the North West and became a committee member for NMAC and eventually chair.  As an athlete I used to enjoy competing in 10K Masters events but, not very successfully.

Carol Holt Treasurer and Membership Secretary

I started back in athletics in 2018 after a break of 22 years and have enjoyed every minute I have spent training and competing both for Preston Harriers and NMAC. I love to run the 200m it’s my favourite event. Being ladies team captain for the Interarea and ladies team captain for Preston league is a privilege. Hopefully I will still be competing in 30 years’ time.

Graham White Honorary Secretary

I have been competing in athletics on and off for over 50 years.  Starting in junior school until my early 20s then again in my forties as a veteran, winning a few medals along the way and again since May 2021 as a Masters sprinter.  I really enjoy training and the buzz of running again after a long break and I will continue as long as my body allows.

Beth Lishman Welfare Officer

I’ve been involved in athletics since the age of 8.  I throw for Wigan and District AC and NMAC. I was World hammer decathlon champion in 2019, participated in the Deaflympics 3 times and was Captain of Deaflympics team 2017 and their GB Flag bearer.  My speciality is heavy throws especially hammer and weight throw.

Jason Newell committee member

Masters Multi-event athlete for Hyde Park Harriers and Northern Masters.  Regular park runner, decathlete and pentathlete, competing at British, European and World Masters and distance runner on track or road including marathons.

Sue Cordingley Endurance and Track and Field secretary (joint)

Disciplines – cross country, road, trail and fell running. I started running 50 years ago at school in the Lake District and have been a member of Bingley Harriers since 2002.  I have represented Yorkshire at cross country and fell running and England Masters at cross country and mountain running.

Jon Clarke

Jon is Chair of England Athletics North West Regional Council, and sits on the EA National Council. He is also Chair of the British Masters Federation Council. Jon is a competing M65 athlete, having returned to athletics in 2015 after 40 years in the wilderness. Since then he has competed all over the country in Masters and open events, plus Cheshire County Championships, and so far also represented GB in two World Masters Championships, plus a European Masters Games. During this time Jon also spent 3 years as Chairman of West Cheshire AC, so has a good understanding of both club operation and its difficulties, plus knows what it is like to be a competitor.

Alex Rowe BMAF & EMMA representative

A keen runner at school I dropped involvement until Run the World in 1987, I joined Wesham Road Runners in 1991 passing through roles as Captain and Team Manager and Press Officer (to date) and was persuaded to join Northern Veterans in 1998 at age 41. I was co-opted onto the committee in 2002 subsequently taking up roles with VAAE and BVAF as Area Representative, then Cross Country Selector, and having filled or caretakered most of the positions through the years. I have had roles as Marketing Manager and Deputy IT Manager for BMAF, and Road Running Secretary (persisting) and Cross Country Secretary. I am a Director of BMAF Services Ltd and champion of OpenTrack. I had to quit running in 2017 with heart problems having taken part in European and World Masters international competition and having embraced all endurance distances and disciplines from 800m to the marathon, on road, track (tartan and multi-terrain), cross country, mountain and fell. Now I am a progressing level 1 endurance official frequently hunkered down in the results room or fetching shot or raking pits.

Julie Hicken

I started competing in 1974 as a sprinter before moving up to 400m and 800m in my senior years. In 1980 I competed over the 400m in a Home Countries International. I coached sprinting for more than 20 years, developing athletes as English Schools finalists and to International level in events ranging from 100m to 800m. I currently compete in Master’s sprint events.