Belgrave’s ultrarunning sensation Sam Amend has been elected as club president for 2022/23.

Taking over from Fiona Maddocks, Sam said it was “an honour and a privilege as a Belle and a life member to be selected for the role of president. I am forever proud to be part of such a high-achieving, athlete-centred club.”

She continued: “I hope to be a role model to the younger athletes coming through, as well as continuing to be an integral part of the already established and growing women’s team.”

Announcing the news, chairman John Gladwin described Sam, who broke three British ultrarunning records in 2022, as “one of the greatest ultra distance athletes this country has ever produced”.

Notable outgoings

In total seven new faces joined committee for 2022/23, and the club is delighted with the influx of new energy and ideas.

But we also say goodbye to notale long-serving names who have contributed huge amounts to the running of the club.

Matt Threadgold departs as general secretary after seven years due to relocation abroad. As well as chairing countless meetings and making much of the unseen club admin run smoothly in the background, Matt has been instrumental in upgrading the facilities at Belgrave Hall and leaves us with an asset that generates significant revenue for the club.

Rose Grace steps back from committee after a number of years in various role including four as treasurer. Rose is another figure whose tireless contributions to all aspects of club administration have kept us running smoothly and the club owes her a huge debt of gratitude.

Rob Norville steps down as membership secretary due to increasing work commitments. Rob has put in an enormous admin shift in keeping us paid up and affiliated as well as managing successful Rosenheim League teams.

Emma Watkins, who is moving to Australia, will also step down from committee. Emma has served as social secretary, welfare officer and track and field team manager, and was crucial in improving and updating club rules and welfare policies in recent years. We are hugely grateful for her efforts.

New committee 2022/23

President Sam Amend

General Secretary Phil Wicks

Treasurer Gareth Holden

Chair John Gladwin

Membership Secretary Alan Mead

Coaching Secretary Lloyd Kempson

Welfare officers James Morris and Sam Amend

Clothing Steve Gardner and Steph Hewitt

Marketing and publicity Alex Janiaud

Planning and sponsorship Neil Wilson

Social secretary Luke Pratt

Men’s road and cross TM Steve Gardner

Women’s road and cross TM Charlie Dickinson

Juniors Terry O’Neill

National Athletics League TMs Mike Burslem and Orna McGinley

Rosenheim League TM Vacant

Racewalking Carl Lawton