Jane Illingworth

Most of you will know me as the person that shouts at you all at the start of training but I thought I would take the opportunity to introduce myself.

I was originally a southerner from London (don’t hold it against me!) and moved to Yorkshire at the age of 19…. It truly is gods own county and I never intend to leave! I have always been active and have been running for over 20 years being a member of Ackworth Road Runners for over 12. I first got into running when my kids were small as a means to maintain health and for some me time! (With 4 kids, me time was essential! ) but found I loved it and have run ever since.

I have competed in many races over the years with the highlights being the London marathon, Malta half marathon, (twice), coming 3rd lady at pontefract half, (1 hour 38 minutes …ain’t never gonna be that quick again!), being in the first ARR team to ever get the baton round at the Leeds country way (at the price of skinning my knees to the bone … Liane is still traumatised by the blood covered baton she had to carry for the next 10 miles! ) and of course the Ackworth pram race in which we came third and won twice! (Joe Worthington would say that this is the happiest he has ever seen anyone at the end of a race… evidence in pic below! ). There have been many more brilliant races and great memories with the club…

I am also a keen cyclist and cycling does take over a bit in the warmer months but running is my first love and I also enjoy a long meandering walk with my 2 (very tired!) dogs.

I have made some amazing life long friends at the club and enjoyed lots of excursions and holidays with them over the years. I joined shortly after moving to Ackworth and it is absolutely the best thing I have ever done. You are all brilliant and inspirational people and I look forward to shouting at you many more times in the future! Keep on running