These Things I Know…

Race Director (The Boss)

Tim Fowler

Q1: Enter your name:-
Tim Fowler

Q2: Are you a runner yourself?
Yes

Q3: Why do you run?
It’s part of my life. I couldn’t imagine being myself without running!

Q4: Have you a role at the Hampshire Hoppit, and what is it?
I am the Race Director.

Q5: Why did you want to get involved?
I’ve always had a desire to organise things! My wife says that I do too much delegating and not enough doing, but that’s just the way I am! And I wanted to share the experience of running in the fantastic Hampshire countryside with others.

Q6: What’s the toughest part of your role?
Sleeping at night, worried that I may have overlooked something.

Q7: What gave you the greatest satisfaction at the last event?
The happy smiling faces at the end of the race, and the amazing unsolicited positive feedback from so many people.

Q8: You’re a runner…. what’s it like being on the other side?
Daunting

Q9: What’s the single one best thing about the Hoppit?
The Hoppit would not be a success if the course wasn’t amazing, with fabulous views and great running terrain. So, that’s the best thing – it’s the course itself.

Q10: I’m granting you one wish for Hoppit 2021 – what will it be?
That everything runs like clockwork on the day.

Marketing Head

Krissy Lloyd

Q1: Enter your name:-
Krissy Lloyd

Q2: Are you a runner yourself?
Yes

Q3: Why do you run?
Because it’s safer for everyone that I do! Not running makes me grumpy!!

Q4: Have you a role at the Hampshire Hoppit, and what is it?
I do, I do! Tim awarded me the grand title of Head of Marketing! My day job is in communications and marketing but I’ve really enjoyed applying it to a different market/interest area.

Q5: Why did you want to get involved?

I love the ethos behind the event and I love the people it attracts. This race has the perfect mix for me with a challenging course, prizes to aim for but just the most wonderful, friendly atmosphere and rewards for every single person recognising that everyone who takes part is a winner. Running over the past year has helped keep a smile on so many people’s faces during tough times. This race does exactly that as well – it’s a tough challenge but one that is filled with warmth, support and fun.

Q6: What’s the toughest part of your role?
Juggling! Full time work, a mummy to three children – soon to be more. I set out that our social media in particular would reflect our race – fun, friendly, encouraging and supportive of our runners’ goals/challenges not just once a year but throughout the year but that takes times and investment. It’s worth it though, they are all amazing.

Q7: What gave you the greatest satisfaction at last year’s event?
I ran both the half and the marathon in the virtual Hoppit on the back of a decent spell of lockdown training. It gave me something to aim for and marked a big birthday. Over the years I’ve run on the day, marshalled and even manned the beer tent. I spend most of the day also attached to my phone giving last minute updates, scene setting and sharing post race celebrations with our runners and supporters.

Q8: You’re a runner…. what’s it like being on the other side?
I have just loved being involved with the Hoppit. I’ve spent years benefiting from the generosity of other runners who have staged events, marshalling in all weathers, time keeping etc for my benefit, it’s important that I’ve had my opportunity to give back in some way. I can’t tell you the buzz I got from seeing lots of happy smiley faces, people finishing a distance they never thought they would achieve…it’s great.

Q9: What’s the single one best thing about the Hoppit?
Blimey, tough question. I’m going with the people. From the super organising team and all the many volunteers who give their time on the day to the runners who are such a lovely, friendly, brilliant bunch who run their hearts out on a tough course.

Q10: I’m granting you one wish for Hoppit 2021 – what will it be?
It goes ahead and that everyone has a safe and enjoyable run and there are lots of happy faces at the end. I think we all need this race 💙

Head of Signage

Simon Crute

Q1: Enter your name:-
Simon Crute

Q2: Are you a runner yourself?
Former runner.

Q3: Why do you run?
Run to eat, eat to run!

Q4: Have you a role at the Hampshire Hoppit, and what is it?
Head of Course Marking (and also marshalling on the day).

Q5: Why did you want to get involved?
Support the running club, and It’s very local to me (I live in Kingsclere).

Q6: What’s the toughest part of your role?
Don’t know, it’s the first time I’m doing it. Hopefully I’ll keep you all on the right track!

Q7: What gave you the greatest satisfaction at last year’s event?
The smiles when telling you lot this is the last hill.

Q8: You’re a runner…. what’s it like being on the other side?
The view doesn’t change much.

Q9: What’s the single one best thing about the Hoppit?
Impossible to say! The “hill”, the generosity of our hosts, the variety of the terrain and beautiful scenery, it’s an experience not just a race.

Q10: I’m granting you one wish for Hoppit 2021 – what will it be?
If you can grant a wish for 2021, it would be to fix my knees, and you’d have to find yourself a new marshal, cos I’d be running it!

Aid Station Manager

Peter Healy

Q1: Enter your name:-
Peter Healy

Q2: Are you a runner yourself?
Yes

Q3: Why do you run?
Fitness and health.

Q4: Have you a role at the Hampshire Hoppit, and what is it?
Water and Food station manager.

Q5: Why did you want to get involved?
Need to contribute; give something back to great Club of people.

Q6: What’s the toughest part of your role?
I’ll tell you once I’ve tried it.

Q7: What gave you the greatest satisfaction at last year’s event?
James Brown.

Q8: You’re a runner…. what’s it like being on the other side?
A little more restful I hope.

Q9: What’s the single one best thing about the Hoppit?
Easy…Tim Fowler…just kidding…it’s got to be the landscape and views.

Q10: I’m granting you one wish for Hoppit 2021 – what will it be?
Cool sunny weather.

Head Course Marshal

Len Such

Q1: Enter your name:-
Len Such

Q2: Are you a runner yourself?
Yes

Q3: Why do you run?
To be outdoors and keep fit.

Q4: Have you a role at the Hampshire Hoppit, and what is it?
Chief Marshal Officer.

Q5: Why did you want to get involved?
Because it is such a great inclusive event for all levels of runner.

Q6: What’s the toughest part of your role?
Understanding grid references.

Q7: What gave you the greatest satisfaction at last year’s event?
I was on a Feed Station so keeping runners fed and watered was very satisfying. Plus they are very pleased to see you!!

Q8: You’re a runner…. what’s it like being on the other side?
Fantastic. It is the happiest race I have ever encountered.

Q9: What’s the single one best thing about the Hoppit?
The Race Director’s playlist.

Q10: I’m granting you one wish for Hoppit 2021 – what will it be?
That every marshal turns up!!

Finish Line

Terry Wegg

Q1: Enter your name:-
Terry Wegg

Q2: Are you a runner yourself?
Yes

Q3: Why do you run?
I love the variation of events, terrain and distance so there is always something to aim for (or should that be train for?)

Q4: Have you a role at the Hampshire Hoppit, and what is it?
Apparently I’m in charge of the finish line activities: goody bags, medals and the iconic beer glasses!

Q5: Why did you want to get involved?
Tim volunteered me! In reality I have taken so much from athletics it seems only right to put something back in.

Q6: What’s the toughest part of your role?
Packing all the bags and transporting them all to the finish line!

Q7: What gave you the greatest satisfaction at last year’s event?
The hugely positive reviews for every aspect of the event.

Q8: You’re a runner…. what’s it like being on the other side?
I got away with running last year, so not sure I was completely on the other side!

Q9: What’s the single one best thing about the Hoppit?
The hugely friendly race atmosphere.

Q10: I’m granting you one wish for Hoppit 2021 – what will it be?
We over order beer again!

Website Administration

Darrin Ormston

Q1: Enter your name:-
Darrin Ormston

Q2: Are you a runner yourself?
Yes

Q3: Why do you run?
It allows me to indulge in the thing I love…eating!

Q4: Have you a role at the Hampshire Hoppit, and what is it?
Website Design and Administration

Q5: Why did you want to get involved?
I enjoy giving something back to the club. As the coaches give up their time all year round, it’s only right I offer my services somehow. I also want the Hoppit to be on the map as one of the top races for the year and hopefully the website says that.

Q6: What’s the toughest part of your role?
Understanding code.

Q7: What gave you the greatest satisfaction at last year’s event?
I was the marshal at mile 1 and seeing the runners faces as they head for the “hill” was priceless!

Q8: You’re a runner…. what’s it like being on the other side?
Fantastic. It is the happiest race I have ever encountered.

Q9: What’s the single one best thing about the Hoppit?
The atmosphere. Everyone is super happy to be there and its a great buzz for all concerned from runners to helpers.

Q10: I’m granting you one wish for Hoppit 2021 – what will it be?
That the Hoppit Bunny makes another appearance.