Sunderland Harriers have never been renowned for a strong women’s endurance section of the club.
But now there are signs of improvement as performances have been their best ever during 2016.
Picking up bronze medals in the North of England 5km team race on their home course at Silksworth in July was the high spot for team manager Eddie Maddison.
The year also included some local success, including winning the Sunderland Strollers’ Pier-to-Pier team race.
Maddison said: “I got involved about five years ago when we just had a handful of women in the club.
“I went on an England Athletics course called Leadership in Running Fitness and this gave me the credentials to lead running groups as part of the club.”
After qualification, Maddison was able to deliver fun and safe sessions to multi-ability groups and give advice and support to the new runner, as well as developing pathways for those who want to progress.