Andy Elphick

The man who ‘treadmilled’ his way to his first ever marathon. Here Andy Elphick shares his running memories and more.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in Brighton August 1966, attended Carden infant and junior school before going onto secondary education at Dorothy Stringer during in which time I represented the school in cricket, football, golf and hockey (ironically always found an excuse to not compete in the annual cross country race).

I met Paula in 1983 we married in 1989 and had two children Aaron and Jade. I also have a six year old grandson Milo who is already a junior park runner (a Hopper in the making).

When did you first start running?

I started running in 1998. For some silly reason I entered the London Marathon, having no running experience and managed to get a place. At the time I was working extremely long hours so my training consisted of 45 minute sessions on the treadmill during my lunch hour with a longer run outdoors on Sundays. My first official race was the Brighton half in 1999 and then London a few weeks later which I completed in 3hrs 43. I have completed another two London marathons and a several half marathons.

When did you join the Hedgehoppers and why/what made you become a regular?

I joined the Hoppers in 2018, due to a bad Achilles injury in 2011 my running had stopped and I was more than happy watching my daughter Jade complete her weekly parkrun. She encouraged me to run again down at Preston Park on a Saturday, Jade become a Hopper and I soon followed after watching her compete in the West Sussex Fun Run League.

Best thing about being a Hopper?

Its great to be part of such a fantastic club, so many amazing people, who have welcomed me and my family into the Hopper family and of course Zoe’s wonderful cakes.

Favourite running memory i.e. that WOW moment?

Finishing my first London marathon in under 4 hours with the majority of my training done on a treadmill.

What’s the longest distance you’ve ever run?

Marathon – I couldn’t imagine running any further.

Favourite running event and why?

I really enjoyed the Bewl 15 last year, it is a well organised low key event. It’s nice flat run (well most of it) with beer and cakes at the end.

Please tell us one thing about yourself that people may not know?

At the age of 15 I had a week’s trial for England school boy’s hockey team (didn’t make it), one of my team mates got in and went on to play for GB in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.