Kerry Kipling

This week’s Friday Feature is Kerry Kipling and she has kindly shared her running memories – from meeting and trying to keep up with Roy Taylor at parkrun and seeing Ann Eke at the first Brighton Marathon the seeds were sown in Kerry joining the Hoppers.

Please tell us a little bit about i.e. where you grew up, family etc.?

I grew up in Woodingdean with the downs as my back garden. I just remember being outdoors all the time. Even now my mum, dad and sisters and I definitely spend more time outdoors than indoors. I have lived in Patcham now for over 20 years but our house is up for sale as it’s time for a change.

When did you first start running?

I think this only happened properly with the inaugural Brighton Marathon. I had previously done a race for life and the Brighton 10k but a friend somehow convinced me that running a marathon at 40 was a good idea.

How many years have you been running for?

Well I was 50 last year! Even after saying never again after that first marathon I have clocked up 20 marathons and a small ultra.

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

I plucked up the courage to start doing Hove Park parkrun in July 2009 and it was there that I met Roy. The only reason I could keep up with him was because he was injured. After meeting Ann during the first Brighton Marathon I also then kept seeing her at parkrun. Between the two of them encouraging me I became a Hedgehopper and started taking part in the fun runs in 2011.

Best thing about being a Hopper?

The wonderful people.

Your favourite running memory and why?

The surreal start of Loch Ness marathon. A winding coach journey to the start that is in the middle of no where. Breathtakingly beautiful.

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

Last year’s Downslink. Obviously not at the same speed as Jade!

Favourite running event and why?

It’s definitely got to be Brighton Marathon weekend. I have ran, volunteered and cheered. The atmosphere is fantastic. The town is buzzing all weekend. It seems like every person you know is there as well.

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

My Canadian grandfather and his siblings had a bit of a reputation. They have their own memorial in their home town. There was even talk of a film being made about them at one point.