Andrea Sidebottom

My Running Story

I began running in 2016 after a health scare and with my 60th birthday approaching. Wanting to improve my fitness, I started the Couch to 5k program. It took me six months to complete, but it gave me the confidence to keep going.

In 2018 I joined Prestwich Plodders, an all-ladies running group, and soon discovered parkrun. What started as one run at Heaton Park has grown into a real passion—over 200 parkruns at more than 100 locations, plus 200+ volunteering roles. Later that year, I joined Ramsbottom Running Club, built up my stamina, and ran my first official 10k at Run the Lights in Blackpool. Crossing that finish line was unforgettable.

Since then, I’ve taken part in countless races, from 5ks to half marathons, including the Manchester Marathon relay, Amsterdam 8k, Balmoral 10k, Belfast Marathon relay, and my first half marathon at Wilmslow. Parkrun tourism has taken me further afield to Jersey, Cork, Poland, Belfast, and even Norway. I also found a love for trail running thanks to The Sunnywood Project.

In 2022, I became one of the founding members of Clarence Runners, where I now lead our Jeffing group. To support and encourage others, I completed the Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF) course in 2023.

Running has given me so much—fitness, friendship, travel, and memories I’ll always treasure. I truly can’t imagine my life without it… and my journey is far from over!