We’re spotlighting five individuals across Worcester on their journeys to the start line of the Sutcliffe & Co Worcester City Runs on September 14th 2025. The Worcester City Run Real Ambassadors will be updating us with their training progress as they prepare to take on the 10K in the autumn. Whether they’re seasoned runners, getting back into it or catching the running bug for the first time, they’re all looking forward to lining up on the start line and taking on the challenge.
Sue Smith, running the 10K for Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers
“I have worked for Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers Ltd for over 25 years and have worked my way through the roles, now an integral part of the management team. Sutcliffe Insurance Brokers are a family run independent broker in the heart of Worcester with over 40 years’ experience in the industry.
In 2016, I was eager to step out of my comfort zone and run the Birmingham Half Marathon to raise money for charity. As a result of completing this race, I found a passion for recreational running, participating in Worcester parkruns and running frequently mid-week. In 2022, I suffered a broken back due to a water sports accident, putting me out of the running game. This year I have taken a brave step to restart my running hobby by aiming to complete the Sutcliffe & Co Worcester City 10K without stopping!”
Laura Pitt, nominated by Worcestershire County Council
“I’m 44, will be 45 just before the Worcester City Runs in September.
I got into running in 2016 when Worcestershire County Council organised a Couch to 5K course for its staff. Once I’d completed the nine-week course, I continued running and really fell in love with it. I enjoyed the freedom I felt, especially after a day in the office sat at my desk. I felt so much more energised, and noticed my sleep improved massively. And then live and things got in the way, and I stopped running during the pandemic, probably 2020. But in July 2023 I rescued a 14-month-old cocker spaniel and together we enjoyed long walks, especially hilly walks, like the Malvern’s. This then led to me running again. I try and get out three times a week to run; running during lunchtime or after work fits in really well during the winter, and we have lots of running options from the office, such as woodlands, and less muddy road running routes. I enjoy being outside, and have two horses, which also keep me busy and active.
Worcestershire County Council are offering staff a desk to 5K course, starting this spring, which I have volunteered to lead, I am currently doing the Leadership in Running Fitness Course (LIRF) to be able to take on this role. So, I’ll be one of five volunteers, who’ll take a group out once a week, with the goal to get colleagues to try and move more, build connections, and increase their physical activity. And hopefully reach that 5K goal. I’m excited to be a part of that.
Worcester City Runs will be my first 10K, so it’s going to be a real journey for me over the next six months. So, for me now, I’m looking forward to warmer temperatures and lighter evenings, and more time spent outdoors in my trainers.”
Mitchell Hawthorn, running for Worcester City Council
“Hi, I’m Mitchell, the Corporate GIS and Systems Officer at Worcester City Council. I’m taking on the 10K, a race I have entered in the last three years. Since lockdown, running has become a key pastime for me, and I regularly take part in local parkruns, sometimes travelling further afield for running events. This race is particularly special as it showcases Worcester’s beautiful scenery and landmarks. Last time out, I managed a time of 49:29. I’d be looking to take it one step further with a sub-47m 30s run this time out.”
Tammy Gooding, nominated to run the 10K by Events of the North.
Tammy presents the breakfast show on BBC Hereford & Worcester, Monday-Friday 6-10am. Tammy lives in Malvern and ‘pester power’ set her on her journey to the Worcester 10k!
Driving through Worcester on event day last year, Tammy was asked by her twin boys what was happening. Having explained, her boys asked her why she didn’t train to take part. And so, a challenge was born!
Tammy kicked off the year on the Couch to 5k programme with the support of Dai Morris from Worcester Pitchcroft parkrun. She’s been taking part in regular evening runs with a group from Worcester Black Pear Joggers and is proud to be an ambassador for the Worcester City Runs.
Tammy says “I’m terrified and excited in equal measure. My fellow Tuesday evening Joggers are encouraging and holding each other to account all the way to the start line. It’s a huge challenge but I’m determined to succeed!”
Sevvy Hasan, running the 10K on behalf of Acorns Children’s Hospice.
“I’m based in Stourbridge, married 26 years and have two daughters aged nearly 25 and 23, the elder works for me in my business and the younger is at Central St. Martins (UAL) studying fine art.
My business is King Will’s Wills Ltd, which is now in its eleventh year, providing Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney and probate services throughout England and Wales but predominantly in the West Midlands and Worcester, I regularly take part in charity Will months, where I offer my services for free, including for Acorn’s Will’s month.
I’m not an experienced runner but have in the past been involved in competitive bicycle racing. Over the last few years, due to the demands of the business, I have lost much of my fitness and gained weight. My goal this year is to get fit again through a chance of lifestyle, walking and then running, with the aim of participating in a 10K or possibly even a half marathon and with the ultimate, lifelong goal of running a marathon next year, 26 miles in 26 (26 in 26)!
My goal for the 10K is to go from couch potato to beating 50 minutes but I would be happy with anything under 1 hour.
A couple of things that not many people know about me: at age 12, I was the fastest in the West Midlands at the Rubik’s Cube – 29 seconds, and in my 20s I lived in St. Petersburg, Russia for four years running a night club.”
We wish all the ambassadors best of luck in starting their training and we’ll be catching up with them soon to find out their progress. Join our Real Ambassadors on the start line of the Sutcliffe & Co Worcester City 10K or Half Marathon this September. Entries are now open for all events at www.worcestercityrun.com
