Belgrave’s Jane Vongvorachoti and Steve Gardner both won their categories at England Athletics’ London Volunteer Awards held in a virtual ceremony in November.

Jane Vongvorachoti, Run Leader of the Year

Jane, who coaches Belgrave juniors at Battersea alongside Terry O’Neill, was awarded Run Leader of the Year for setting up the Run Higher Collective during lockdown. The judges said of Jane:

“Jane’s passion for running, helping others succeed with their goals (both in and outside of running), and care for the team’s mental health really helped keep a community together. Her ability to motivate people and willingness to share knowledge with everyone no matter their experience level in running is unmatched.

“A Thai Olympian marathoner in the 2016 Rio Olympics, personal trainer at Equinox and most amazingly, a new mother who gave birth to her first baby this year, Jane is also working on her career goals to compete in the 2021 Olympics at an elite level. Coming from a Thai background she inspires BIPOC/BAME runners to come together and be represented within the community.”

Steve Gardner, athletics and running at home award

Belgrave men’s road and XC team manager Steve Gardner was recognised with frequent collaborator and Tooting neighbour Angus Butler of Herne Hill Harriers.

From England Athletics: “Steve Gardner of Belgrave Harriers and Angus Butler of Herne Hill Harriers are joint winners of the first Athletics & Running @Home Regional Volunteer Award for London. Although they are from rival clubs, they collaborated to pioneer a virtual racing format and to organise the first endurance track races since lockdown.

“In a wider sense, Steve and Angus set the ball rolling for virtual racing and played an important part in getting track racing back up and running in England as soon as it was safe to do so. Their innovative approach made sure their teammates had as many racing opportunities as possible during an extremely short season.

“Their infectious enthusiasm, optimism and can-do spirit has kept both clubs and other athletes talking to each other and motivated throughout lockdown. Their innovation inspired the virtual national relays and countless more virtual races, allowing thousands of runners to compete when almost all other sports could not. Steve and Angus pooled their club officials and volunteers to improvise another format and stage the first endurance track races since lockdown. By following guidance and sharing their Covid-secure plans they showed other clubs, venues and organisers that track racing could be held simply and safely despite the challenging circumstances.”

The full ceremony and testimonials can be watched in a replay of the live event on Youtube. Steve’s award begins at 13:30 and Jane’s at 27:50:

Congratulations Jane and Steve!