Mike Mason

Head Coach

I joined Hyde Village Striders in 2003 when the club was still a small group based at the Village Hotel Gym in Hyde. Encouraged by my wife Liz, I began helping with Stride Out beginners’ courses, gained my Athletics Endurance Coaching qualifications, and have remained a coach and member ever since.

What appealed to me then, and still does today, is the club’s inclusive ethos—welcoming runners of all abilities and creating a supportive environment where everyone feels part of the community.

My own running journey began during the running boom of the 1980s. Since then, I’ve completed everything from 5Ks to marathons, triathlons, long-distance swims and cycle rides, as well as events across Europe and America. Joining Striders opened up opportunities and experiences I never imagined possible.

The most rewarding part, however, is seeing runners develop from nervous beginners into confident athletes willing to challenge themselves and achieve their goals.

Elizabeth Mason

Run Leader

I’ve been with Hyde Village Striders since 2003 and became a Running & Athletics coach in 2005. Through the Strideout Programme I’ve coached hundreds of runners all around tameside.

I believe that running is about so much more than just running miles. It’s about building mental resilience, finding a supportive community, group, club, and proving to yourself that you can be a part of it! In my 20 plus years of running.

I’ve raced right across the board. Park runs, 5ks. 10ks, Half & full marathons, Ultras and even a few Triathlons. So it’s a definite when I say if I can do it you can too!!!

Matt Dickenson

Run Leader

Matt has been a member of the club for many years and not only leads a group but also arranges a lot of group training sessions such as hill reps

Rachael Horrocks

Run Leader

I’m a run leader at HVS, supporting runners from their first 10K to marathon and finding it hugely rewarding to see people achieve goals they once thought impossible. I value the club’s supportive community and encourage anyone to give running a go because I believe anyone can do it.

I started running in 2012 on the Stride Out course planning just a 10K, and 14 years later I’ve completed five marathons and still enjoy all distances and cross country, with the Tour of Tameside as my standout event—2026 will be my 8th tour.

Dan Mcgarry

Run Leader

Dan started with the club by completing our stride out course. He took over his group in 2024 and trained to become a run leader.

Gail Johnson

Run Leader

I joined HVS around 12 years after completing the strideout course. I was instantly hooked. Over the years I have enjoyed races and have completed 4 marathons (1 virtual).

I can honestly say that if I can do it anybody can.  I really enjoy being a person centred run leader, I love to support members with no pressure. I believe that running should be enjoyable and sociable too. 

Andy Robson

Run Leader

I joined the club in January 2024 as part of our Stride Out Course. I entered a stage of my life where my physical and mental wellbeing became a primary focus, and running has been a huge part of that, dropping over 6 st in a year, going from a non runner to a marathon running in under 15 months has been a huge achievement. in 2025 I trained as a LIRF supporting co coach Gail, with groups that progress on from our strikeout course, helping reach their personal and athletic goals.

Running came to me later in life but its had a very profound affect on me, it welcomed me into a fantastic & support club as well as the wider running community.

I’m proof that the body is capable of doing whatever the mind sets its sights on

Katherine Hadley

Run Leader

Kath is one of the faces of our Stride out Course, she’s been running and supporting this for many years and continues to help many new runners start their running journey

Alan Gibbon

Run Leader

Alan supports the Stride Out Group too, helping runners gain greater confidence in their abilities

Elizabeth Rouke

Run Leader

Twenty-four years ago I stepped into the Stride Out programme, every hill, every mile, every early morning run led me to become a LIRF later. I’ve had the privilege of leading the Stride Out programme for many years helping new runners build the same strength, resilience and determination that running gave me. My Strider vest is my armour I wear it with pride is reminds me of the lessons I have learnt. Strength determination and the courage to keep moving forward – It will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Darren Smith

Run Leader

Darren supports runners who have been running for many years, especially those looking to run faster and longer distances. For Darren HVS is a family affair, as both his wife and daughter run with the club