J and M RunTogether group making an impact throughout their community

Marion Hemsworth On Beach1000

Marion Hemsworth was recognised with a British Empire Medal in the 2025 New Year Honours - for her "services to wellbeing and to the community in West Sussex". Along with her friend Julie Essex, she’s the co-founder of J and M Running, a RunTogether group in Haywards Heath.

running group on bridge in woods

We wanted to find out a little more about this extraordinary volunteer, who was also recognised in the England Athletics Volunteer Awards last year.

After retiring from a long teaching career Marion - already a keen runner - not only became very active in her local athletics club but also sought to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take up running for enjoyment and good health in less formal settings.

Marion is a Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF), an Endurance Coach and a Run Leader Mentor. As with all volunteering roles - the satisfaction has to go both ways. Marion helps to develop other leaders in her team but her favourite thing about being a Run Leader is seeing people happy and enjoying their running:

"I love seeing lots of smiley faces! Also, when individuals achieve a distance or time that they previously thought was impossible for them."


Her group organises up to nine sessions a week.

J and M running group

"It is a team effort. We have a range of talent and people contribute different things - from leading long trail runs to organising a walking group, to providing strength and conditioning sessions."

The enthusiasm has spread and sub groups have had an impact on the community as well:

"There are a number of subgroups including a parkrun tourism group, a paddle tennis group and even a book group!"

J and M runners dressed as Wally

J and M Running offer two Start (back) Running courses a year so people can begin slowly and build up to 5k over a period of 8 to 10 weeks, with the NHS Couch to 5k App as back up.

Members then pay a flat annual fee which goes to charity (with over £10,000 raised so far) and they can then participate as much or little as they like. Marion was happy to share her secret to encouraging people to start running.

"Make sure you give everyone the confidence to give it a go by never turning them away or putting them off. No one is ever considered too slow and no one is left behind."


She also founded Clair parkrun ten years ago and is an excellent advocate for this programme.

"parkrun provides a great way for non runners to start as you can always walk, or use a combination of run / walk. I think it helps too to see such a wide range of shapes and sizes out there, giving it a go!"

"Beginners should go and observe a parkrun and you soon realise you will fit in and you can give it a go, without fear of embarrassment."

J and M running at Clair parkrun

Thank you to Marion and all our other dedicated Run Leaders throughout England for the wonderful work you do!

J and M Running at parkrun
Marion Hemsworth On Beach1000 blurred out