Coming from an active and sporting background, its not surprising that Jade Elphick has claimed a few running victories in the last year or so but you maybe surprised to learn how the foundations were laid. Jade has very kindly shared her running memories with us.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I have been born and raised in Brighton in the exact house I came home to on 11/10/1993! I did manage to escape for 4 years to get my degree in Adventure Education at the University of Chichester, living the student life. Growing up I always had sport in my life both in and outside of school, including cricket, football, skiing, climbing and whatever else my Dad tried to get me to play (I even had a golf lesson – that was far too slow and boring for my liking). The exposure I had to sport in my childhood, led me into pursuing a career as a PE Teacher and I currently teach at a secondary school in Horsham.
When did first start running?
The first ever race I remember doing was at Waterhall playing fields in Brighton. I was a year 7 student who played football. My PE teacher dragged me along in my football boots to compete for the school. All I know is I didn’t come last and I think I did alright for a football player running a XC race! I wouldn’t say my running career began then; it was a good 10 years later until ‘I started running’. Now, I am lucky enough to train and support my pupil from my school at the exact same race every year!
Best thing about being a Hopper?
Has to be Zoë’s cake, the fact it’s free and that I am the youngest member.
All jokes aside, it is a fantastic club with a really nice atmosphere. I have met some amazing people, who I cannot thank enough for encouraging me, inspiring me and helping me to develop as a runner.
Favourite running memory i.e. that WOW moment?
Running my first ever marathon (The Moyleman, 2019) and finishing first female. At the start of the race I was extremely nervous and honestly felt that I would be happy just to finish the race. I never even dreamt of finishing in the time and place that I did. None of this would have been possible without the best training buddy, Geraldine, who also finished in an amazing time of 4.17. This also has to be my favourite race, not only for the beautiful scenery and killer hills, but for the lovely pint of Harveys and vegan pizza once crossing the finish line. Highly recommended to anyone stupid enough to enter an off road marathon (or half)!
What made you start running?
A number of things – seeing my Dad race in multiple half and full marathons as a child and my PE teachers encouraging me to race at school, were both the initial influence. Later on, joining Chichester Runners and meeting people at the club helped re-establish a desire to run. I have all these people to blame, I mean thank, for my crazy obsession.
What’s the longest distance you’ve every run?
After running my first marathon, I decided I wanted to take it a step further. The Downs Link Ultra (38 miles) seemed like the most ‘sensible’ option, a flat(ish), short(ish) ultra. Managing to run the whole way and finishing in 5 hours 23 minutes was a surprise, this was all thanks to my amazing support team – Mum, Dad and Geraldine.
Please tell us one thing about yourself that people may not know?
Well there isn’t much people won’t know as my mum seems to enjoy posting it all on Facebook!! But as a county cricket player in my teenage years, I bowled out Charlotte Edwards, who at the time, was England captain and opening batter.
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