We are really delighted to announce some changes to the core team at Peak Running, that will enable us to support our fantastic community even more.
Laura Jayne Minall joins us as Business & Service Development Director
Having previously led a business that bridged the public and private sectors, Laura brings with her extensive leadership and delivery experience across community physical activity, arts and culture, as well as mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
She has worked on a wide range of collaborative projects delivering positive social impact and often involving underrepresented and minority groups, those with special and additional needs and people at a social or economic disadvantage. Her work has been rooted in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and overcoming barriers to opportunities, access and participation.
Laura says: “I am excited to join Peak Running CIC in 2024 and be a part of shaping the next steps on their journey to grow their impact across the East Midlands. I look forward to working with Andy and the team, the Peak Running and Jog Derbyshire communities, partners and stakeholders in devising, developing and delivering innovative, inclusive and inspirational opportunities for people to access outdoor activities to benefit their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.”
In this new role Laura will provide leadership across the business, with a particular focus on developing and supporting our vision for the future.
Kathryn Langan joins us as Community Group Mentor
Kathryn brings a diverse range of experience with her from working in both large corporations and small businesses in the UK and abroad. She is a qualified personal trainer and run leader, and is an enthusiastic member of her local running community - both as a runner herself and as a volunteer.
The role she is taking up will provide mentoring, guidance and practical in-person support to community based jog group, including those affiliated to Jog Derbyshire.
When asked about her motivation for applying for the role Kathryn said: "The reason why I became a Personal Trainer, was to help more people become fit and active in order to have a better quality of life, no matter what their age or ability. When I saw the job advertised with Peak Running, it was like it was written for me. Running is my main passion and helping encourage people to be more active outdoors is my dream role."
Dani De Simone becomes Community Relations Director
Dani joined us just over two years ago as our Community Coordinator, a role that she quickly made her own.
Since then, she has worked tirelessly in helping us improve and expand what Peak Running does. Taking responsibility for much of the work behind our events, website and social media, as well as a multitude of other things. Something that has made her an invaluable part of the team.
So it’s great news that she’s agreed to take on this more senior role. A job that she’s effectively created for herself.
Upon this promotion Dani said: "A little over a decade ago when I was first dabbling in trail running and working at a local charity, I had never envisaged that these two worlds - which were distinctly separate for me at the time - would collide and I’d wind up working in my dream job at a local Community Interest Company organising and thinking about all things running!
The past two years have flown by; I’m fortunate that work hasn’t often felt like “work” (apart from when I’ve been 24+ hours deep into the Peak District Ultras!) and that’s mostly thanks to the lovely people who make up the Peak Running community and team. I’m excited to continue on this journey with you all and help to make the Peak Running offerings and events the best that they can be."