Meet the Leaders - Karen

She smashes ultras for fun, bags summits when most of us would have a rest day and isn't shy of a speedy road race either ... Next up in the Run Leader hotspot is our very own Knutsford Runners legend Karen Ross. Over to you Karen!

How did you get into running? I was in the athletics team at primary school, then picked up running again to train for the first Great Manchester Run in 2003, taking a couple of breaks along the way the way for children, as you do.

What's your most memorable running moment? My first marathon - London 2015. I lost my dad two months before so it was an emotional day. I also missed a good-for-age time by 20 seconds. It’s taken me 10 years to get there, so I’m really looking forward to running London again in 2026 with 3 KR legends.

Greatest running achievement? Finishing Lakeland 50 in under 12 hours. After the disaster 2 years earlier, I was pretty chuffed with that.

Greatest running disaster? Apart from my first attempt at Lakeland 50, probably doing the Edale Skyline solo in February 2022. Snow, white-out conditions, freezing cold, and I couldn’t find my way. Thank goodness for my new Garmin. Genuinely thought I might end up on the 6 o’clock news ... OK, it wasn’t that bad.

Greatest skill (apart from run leading)? In short supply - but mountain biking.

Favourite geeky run kit? My new OMM Stash Pods to hold my snacks. Got to be organised with your bits and bobs.

Who is your run hero? My run hero is actually someone in the club - Cath Applewhite. She’s an experienced ultra runner I’ve known a few years now and has had a big influence on my running, from pacing and hill work, to resilience. Watching how inclusive and supportive she is, while still pushing her own limits, is a big reason I’ve taken on challenges like the Lakeland 50 and now the 100 next year.

Favourite event? Hands down The Montane Lakeland 50 & 100. The event itself is brilliant, but the prize giving in the tent at midday on Sunday is worth the months of training alone. Properly inspirational.

Dream event? Run/mountain bike event in the Dolomites, long days with good company, ending at a nice pub

Thanks Karen - see you at run club on Wednesday