Local runner set to represent England

When local athlete Katie Kay began her running journey back in 2016, she could’ve only dreamt of what she would achieve across the next eight years.

Katie first took up running following pregnancy as she wanted to improve her fitness, and started by joining local running club Hyde Village Striders after a recommendation from a friend.

Despite being an avid gymnast in her earlier years, Katie was a complete stranger to the world of running.

“I didn’t know how running clubs worked and I didn’t see it as something long-term at the time.

“But after a couple of sessions I fell in love with running. It became part of my routine and I have done it ever since.”

Katie progressed from being a casual runner to taking part in local events such as 5ks and 10ks, and eventually moved onto even tougher races such as half and full marathons.

Katie’s favourite event of the year is the London Marathon, which she has taken part in on five occasions.

“I just love the carnival atmosphere at the London Marathon, nothing comes close to it.

“You meet so many people who are all running for different reasons, it’s so inspiring.”

Another one of Katie’s favourite events is the annual Tour of Tameside, a four-day event with four races varying in difficulty and terrain.

“I love the tour. It’s one of my favourite events of the whole running calendar.

“I’ve been doing it for a couple of years now and there’s nothing else like it. The whole community comes together, and you meet so many amazing people.”

Katie came second in last year’s event and plans to go one better when she takes part again this year.

Tickets for the 2024 Tour of Tameside are on sale now on the letsdothis.com website.

In her earlier days as a runner, Katie developed the nickname ‘plodder’, due to the steady pace she would run races at, regardless of the distance.

She was keen to shake off this nickname and run at an even quicker speed.

As Katie’s running ability began to improve, so did her ambition, and in 2022 she decided that after six years with the club, she would be departing Hyde Village Striders to join nearby club East Cheshire Harriers.

“I had a good chat with someone from the club (East Cheshire Harriers) and decided it would be the right move for my career and development.

“After a few taster sessions I found that my running came along so much. I realised I could run at a quicker speed and no longer needed to be a ‘plodder’!

“The challenge of improving my pace was something I really enjoyed. I love pushing myself and I’m always finding ways to improve”.

Despite leaving Hyde Village Striders, Katie insists there was no bad blood between her and the club,

“The coaches there were so supportive of the decision. I’m still friends with all of them now, and I’m really grateful I was able to start my running journey with them.”

Since joining East Cheshire Harriers, Katie has gone from strength to strength, and in late 2023 she began to gain national recognition for her exploits.

She was chosen to represent England in 2024, in two separate races, after qualifying through the England Athletics Age Group Masters programme.

The programme allows runners over the age of 35 to represent their country, and earn the right to pull on the coveted England Masters vest.

Athletes can qualify by taking part in ‘selection races’, where they must finish the races in a certain time to qualify.

The first race Katie will represent her country in is the 2024 Birmingham 10k, which she qualified for back in 2023, thanks to the time she achieved in the Manchester 10k.

But the race she is most looking forward to is the 2024 Manchester Half Marathon, which she was also selected to represent England in, thanks to the time she achieved in last year's Tatton Half Marathon.

“I’m so grateful to be chosen for both events but the Manchester one in particular will be so special, I prefer long-distance races too so I’m looking forward to that one the most.”

A proud moment for Katie, who has gone beyond heights even she thought she could reach.

“It’s crazy to think about what I’ve achieved, to me running is still just a hobby.

“When I was selected for England, it made me sit back and realise how bizarre it is, I didn’t even think this was possible 12 months ago.”

It has of course taken an immense amount of hard work to reach this point, Katie currently runs six times a week and aims to run for 50 miles across those runs.

Despite the highs Katie is now experiencing thanks to all her hard work, things have not always been easy.

“Running is both physically and mentally challenging, but most of my past struggles have been mental.

“At times I find it difficult to believe in myself and keep a positive mindset, sometimes I have intrusive thoughts mid-race about dropping out and not being able to finish.

“It’s so strange because I feel like I’m very strong-minded, I would never actually give up, it’s just difficult to control those types of thoughts but this is something I want to work on in 2024.”

“The social aspect of races does help with that though, I rarely tend to run on my own anymore, we always run together as a group, and it makes the runs go so much quicker because you’re having fun and laughs on the way.”

Katie has also expanded her running knowledge since joining up with the ‘Local Runners Podcast’, which she joined in 2021.

The podcast is made up of four local runners, who talk about their journeys and interview guests to hear more about their stories.

“The podcast has gone from strength to strength over recent years and it's something I am so grateful to be involved in.

“Some of the stories are so inspiring and they have helped me improve my knowledge of running so much.”

Katie is without doubt an inspiration to many, and living proof that you can achieve anything with hard work and determination.

When asked if she has any advice for people who are looking to start running, Katie said: “Just go for it, the most difficult part is lacing up your shoes and leaving that front door.

“I would say start small, go for a jog around the block or try the couch to 5k.

“Park runs are fantastic as well, they are a great non-competitive starting point.

“Don’t be put off about joining local clubs like I was at first, there are people at all levels and everyone is welcome.”

2024 is sure to be an exciting year for Katie, and if you would like to keep up with her running journey, you can drop her a follow on Instagram- @kaykatie