At Carryduff Running Club, we strive to leave no-one behind, and over the past few weeks we’ve given you some member stories to demonstrate that. Whether you’ve been with CRC for years or you’re just thinking about lacing up your trainers for the first time, you’ll find inspiration, humour, and heart in every journey.
To celebrate the amazing people who make our club what it is, we’ve been profiling a few familiar faces—some of whom you might recognise from our membership flyer (pictured below 👇).
These stories come straight from the runners themselves They show what happens when you mix motivation, community, and a little CRC magic.
🛋️ C25K Graduates – From Nervous Starts to 5K Finish Lines
From first steps in snowstorms to running their first ever 5Ks, these new runners started 2025 with a bold goal and finished with new friendships, confidence, and a love for running. Their honest, heartfelt stories capture the true spirit of CRC: support, community, and never being left behind.
💚 Bronagh Fletcher – From Lockdown Jogger to Amsterdam Marathoner
When gyms closed during the pandemic, Bronagh reluctantly gave running a go—now she’s completed the Amsterdam Marathon! From Mass to marathons (with a few angels in the WhatsApp group along the way), her story is full of warmth, wit, and community.
📖 Read Bronagh’s story
🟪 Nick Rafferty – Running for a Reason, Giving Back with Every Step
Nick’s journey into running began with a 3-mile charity run — now he’s completed over 15 marathons and raised thousands for causes close to his heart. His story is packed with heart, resilience, and a deep love of community.
📖 Read Nick’s story
⚽ Ryan Kinnear – From Football Boots to Finish Lines
A competitive sportsman turned marathon runner, Ryan’s journey through triumph, disappointment, and deep reflection reveals how running—and CRC—helped fill the gap after retiring from football. With five marathons behind him and a coaching future ahead, he’s only just getting started.
📖 Read Ryan’s story
🌸Kelly Breen – From 2 Minutes to 2 Years and Counting
Kelly started running during lockdown with no background in fitness, no interest in racing, and definitely no plans for long distances, only able to run for two minutes at a time. But one thing led to another… and here we are: club runs, running weekends abroad, and a brilliant circle of new friends.
Her first 5K was the hardest bit — and still the most rewarding.
🥇Mark Cunningham – From Dreading 5Ks to Leading the Pack
Mark avoided running for years and dreaded the thought of doing even 5K. But with a little club encouragement (and a lot of fresh air), he’s now fitter than ever and a regular face on CRC’s Saturday long runs. His story is honest, familiar, and proof that your mindset can change more than your pace.
📖 Read Mark’s story
💙 Stacy Hamill – From Couch to 5K to Two-Time Marathoner
After baby number two, Stacy found space for herself through CRC’s Couch to 5K. Two years on, she’s run marathons, made lifelong friends, and jokes that she sees her running girls more than anyone else.
📖 Stacy’s story
💛 Sharon Devlin – Running in Honour, Running for Life
Sharon’s journey began with a personal loss and a charity challenge—but it turned into something much bigger. With CRC, she’s found joy, strength, and purpose, and she’s now training for her fourth marathon.
📖 Sharon’s Story
🧡 Aislinn McBride – Slow Starts, Strong Finishes
An introvert who joined CRC for safety and structure, Aislinn ended up with a whole new circle of friends. Her thoughtful approach to training has helped her grow stronger and more resilient—on the road and in life.
📖 Aislinn’s story
These stories are just a snapshot of what makes Carryduff Running Club so special. It’s not about being the fastest or needing to know everyone in the club – it’s about finding your pace, your people, and a place to belong.
Feeling inspired? Come along to a training session or drop us a message – we’d love to welcome you along.