Club Runner/Charity of the Year
This year's RRR Presentation Night takes place at Royton Cricket Club on 6th December
(tickets can be booked here).
Amongst many awards to be presented on the evening is the Rod Bowers Trophy for RRR Club Runner of the Year 2024 - the person that members think has made the greatest contribution to the club in the last 12 months. That's not necessarily the 'best' or fastest runner, but the person you believe has stood out this year.
From the many nominations received, the RRR Committee has selected a shortlist of 6. This is the only award decided by the membership & is often very close, so please get involved & cast your vote!
The committee has also selected a shortlist from the nominations received for RRR Charity of the Year 2025 - the local charity that we'll raise funds for at club events through the year. Again, please take the chance to have your say.
Below you will find the shortlists in each category (including links to the charity websites), together with some of the reasons provided for the nominations - followed by the voting form itself.
Deadline for your vote is Thursday 5th December.
CLUB RUNNER OF THE YEAR 2024
COLIN GREEN
Reinforced his ultra credentials this year by finishing the full Summer Spine Race (268 miles) & becoming the 1st person to complete the new Greater Manchester Ringway Trail (200 miles) in one. Has also returned to club championship & cross-country races. Nominations said that Colin "proves anything is possible if you want it enough...a complete inspiration".
NICKY HALL
A year of consistent improvement, completing 14 of the 17 club races to finish 2nd in both her group & age category whilst also progressing to the RRR Cup Final & running 2 marathons (including her 1st in Uganda). Nominations described Nicky as "a great ambassador for the club, especially supporting the Uganda charity...some amazing running, improving race after race".
JAMES HENDERSON
RRR men's captain & committee member who leads from the front, finishing 2nd in the club championship & winning a very competitive age category. Nominations described James as a "leader & captain...super enthusiastic, especially with his group...makes decisions based on club progress as a whole...always happy to help anyone at any time".
ANTHONY ROGERS
Has gone to another level of ultra running this year, completing numerous 50-mile events & becoming a GB Ultras ambassador, whilst also our best-placed runner in last winter's SEL Cross-Country League. Nominations also mentioned that he is "a regular attendee at training nights & weekend runs...very supportive of other runners...represents RRR well at a wide range of events".
ANGELA ROGOWSKYJ
A valuable addition to the committee this year as Lead Welfare Officer, completed 14 club races & is part of this winter's cross-country team. Nominations said that Angela "is present at most races & always stays to cheer in the slower members...has improved massively this year...always smiling...always encouraging to her group...turns up to most training nights...even brings cake to many events".
GAIL SHAW
A remarkable 60th year, setting PBs at distances from 5K to the marathon, completing 13 club races for 2nd place in the Ladies Championship, winning the FV55 category & 2nd in her group. Has helped lead her training group & done an outstanding job providing all the club statistics. Nominations said that Gail has "taken her running to an amazing level...exceptional personal achievement...dedicated to club training nights...I'm inspired by Gail's commitment to her training...seems every time she pins a number on her vest she bags a PB".
CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2025
DR KERSHAW'S HOSPICE (www.drkershawshospice.org.uk)
Our local hospice, voted 2024 RRR Charity of the Year, providing quality palliative care for patients & support for their families...funded predominantly by public donations. Nominations described Dr Kershaw's as "meaningful to a lot of locals & members of the club...a great local charity".
PENNINE PEN ANIMAL RESCUE (www.penninepen.co.uk)
Founded in 2001 & based at Honeywell Lane in Oldham, this charity provides sanctuary & finds homes for unwanted & abandoned animals. Nominations said that "this charity is right on our doorstep...as many club members are pet owners this would be a worthy charity to support".
TEAM HILL CHARITABLE TRUST (www.facebook.com/TeamHill7)
Founded by local teacher Steve Hill, raising money & awareness to support local good causes plus sustainable projects elsewhere, supporting children locally & globally, empowering & inspiring the next generation. Nominations mentioned that "this charity does great work in Uganda and has a link with running".