Run Wales as an programme was established to support people into activity, celebrate those who run, walk or jog and to help develop the thriving social running community in Wales. To aid us in this mission, we’re thrilled to welcome some additional members to the Run Wales team. We hope that the growth of the team will mean that we’ll be able to offer better support to those that we already engage with and also to better support the growth of the Welsh social running community.
Over the next few weeks we’ll be introducing the members of our new team, highlighting what they’ll be working on and their plans for the future. You might know some of them already!
First up is Tom, who joins as a Digital Content Assistant
How did you come to join Run Wales?
I grew up in Mid-Wales, living in a rural area of North Powys since I was little and to be honest, as far back as I can remember! After school, I moved to Cardiff in 2019 for Uni, studying Politics and then Sports Management. Opting to remain in Cardiff, I started at Run Wales in July this year.
What are you responsible for?
I’m primarily responsible for the maintenance and content of the Run Wales social media pages and our website. There’s lots of inspiring stuff happening on the ground, and I’m lucky enough to be the one who’s job it is to shout about it.
It’s great to be able to offer specific communications support for Run Wales to allow the rest of the team to better support their areas of the programme.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Whether it be in the academic or professional world, or in free time, sport remains a huge part of my life. Much of my time is taken up by running, studying or playing league cricket on summer Saturday’s for my local side in Powys or Cardiff.
However, I’ll never say no to some relaxing time at home or heading out with my partner. I have also started learning Cymraeg this year, so look forward introducing more of a bilingual element to our content in the future.
How’s your running journey been so far?
In the schools I was at, the sporting calendar was dominated by football and rugby before becoming fragmented around the summer exam season. My school had a small, but established running club.
After realising that rugby or footy probably wasn’t my ultimate calling, I decided to give running a go, having never really taken it seriously before. I was immediately taken in by the atmosphere, the inclusivity and began to recognise the value of running in a club and how welcoming they were to someone who was a relative newbie.
Despite being lucky enough to compete at a decent club level, I’ll never forget this and the value of not just running, but being able to run in a supportive, inclusive and encouraging atmosphere that clubs and groups provide.
What are you most looking forward to about working for Run Wales and its future?
Having recognised its value early on in my running journey, the idea of promoting and supporting runners through social groups really resonates with me and I’m excited to help share their value better than ever before.
I also think that there are so many stories that risk going under the radar, so I’m looking forward to being able to dedicate my time to shouting about all the amazing and inspiring people, events and things within the social running community in Wales.
How to get in touch with Tom?
If you have an inspirational story to share or any general query, message any of our accounts on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and I’ll do my best to get back to you. Otherwise, see the below for how to get in touch with me directly:
Email: tom.hughes@runwales.org.uk
Phone: 07714 672317