Run Leaders

Lynne Cowden,
Coach Coordinator & Run Leader: 

“Having played football for many years I retired and took up running with ERN in 2017. Coming from a team sports background I enjoy running with a group and encouraging others to improve themselves – but ultimately to have fun. In 2024 I became a run leader to help out at run sessions. While I’m often found at the ERN weekday sessions – I will also be found on the hills and trails are weekend. I’m always happy to tell the tales from the trails on a run to anyone willing to listen!”

Fiona Mackenzie, Run Leader:

”I’ve been a runleader for a significant part of my running life, & love encouraging people to see what they can achieve. 

I have been known to help out on Monday nights, on the excellent development sessions, along with Elly, Ellie, Andrew, Matt, Siobhan, Emma & Jenny.

Come along & try them for a change. Summertime often has added ice-cream runs & impromptu post run dips. I’ve had a bit of time off recently as I was training for The Cape Wrath Ultra/Explorer expedition race. But i’m back after a prolonged recovery/holiday combo. See you all soon.”

Elly Mackenzie, Run Leader:

“I trained as a Jogleader in January 2010 and started to help Gordon on a Monday night at Portobello. Monday night sessions are jointly led by myself, Andrew and Fiona. With three leaders you are never left behind and always a good opportunity for a natter (except during Covid restrictions). I thoroughly enjoy seeing the regulars set and achieve their own goals.”

Andrew Simpson, Run Leader: 

“I trained to be a Run Leader in 2011 as a way to give something back. My Thursday night sessions are designed to help runners arrive at a belief in what they can achieve. These coached sessions with targeted training have helped loads of ERN members to have more confidence in their running. Beyond the Thursday sessions, I and a few other ERN runners have paced runs for other members looking for that elusive PB – with a high rate of success. It’s those little moments that make being an ERN Run Leader all the more worthwhile.”

Miguel Mudarra, Run Leader: 

“I recently qualified as a coach after it was required to run a session post COVID, which makes me a beginner at coaching but an experienced clown. I’m the coach that speaks a bit too loud, gets a bit too overexcited and hugs a bit too much… What can I say, it’s the Spaniard in me. I’ve been a Chooseday regular for over 5 years and have led more mobilisations than I can remember and it still makes me giggle to see people not being able to move one arm forward one arm backwards “

Sorrel Cosens, Run Leader: 

“Before I joined ERN I was sceptical about running with a group; I was reasonably happy going out on my own although in reality I didn’t get myself moving all that often. The Tuesday and Sunday club runs were so much more relaxed and welcoming than I’d imagined a running club would be!  

I was motivated to do my Leader training after the Covid pandemic, and then I did the trail running leader qualification in 2023.  My happy place is off road, and thankfully Edinburgh has its fair share of trails and hills within the city, so we can factor those into ERN runs regularly.”

Peter Chambers, Run Leader: 

“I first got involved in athletics coaching in 2014, taking an Assistant Coach and Disability Inclusion course in London (at the Olympic stadium!) and working with a blind and visually impaired track and field group in Battersea Park. When I moved north of the border I wanted to carry on supporting athletics and took my Leader in Running Fitness course in 2020. I hope to support runners of all abilities to gain the mental and physical benefits of regular exercise and can’t think of a better club to do that with than ERN!”

Emma Lougheed, Run Leader: 

“Having spent years protesting that she couldn’t run the length of herself, Emma started running in 2013 when someone turned the speed up on the gym treadmill and she had no option but to keep her legs moving! Emma trained as a Jogleader prior to joining ERN at the end of 2014 and has recently started leading a Thursday night group to meet the demand for places. She also covers Monday and Tuesday nights as needed, and has discovered an unhealthy passion for hill reps.”

Wendy McFarlane, Run Leader: 

“I decided to train as a Jogleader when ERN was considering reintroducing Chooseday Tuesday runs. I have always found the pace of these runs to be a bit quicker (not a bad thing!) but I was always at the back of the pack. It was important that ERN runs are accessible to all paced runners without feeling intimidated by the pace. I think it is great to hear the excited chatter of the participants as we make our way round the route (even when we are going up hills!) No one is ever left behind and there is always company to help clock up the miles at whatever your speed may be. This is one of the many benefits which I love about being a member of ERN.”
Photo courtesy Gordon Donnachie.

Dave Sorensen, Run Leader: 

“My running career started early, when I ran away from my Mam (I came back in the end). Sadly, yet happily, I only discovered ERN fairly recently, and found that running in a group is a fine, fine thing, and they will welcome absolutely anyone, which is important when you’re me. After a period of rolling along with my new friends, I went and did a running leadership course – as all good runners know, you should stretch yourself a little. You will most likely find me on an ERN group run on a Tuesday or Sunday, where thing are pretty social. You may see some parts of Edinburgh that you never knew existed, and I am happy to point out that I haven’t lost anyone yet, or at least not that I’ve noticed.”

Dave is also our Sunday runs Routemaster.

Niamh O’Connor, Run Leader: 

“I joined ERN like many others when training for Edinburgh marathon in 2014. It really is the friendliest club! No one left behind, lots of encouraging club members, varied training options and a healthy appreciation for cake. I did my Leadership in Running Fitness Course in 2023, and look forward to the next ten years with ERN!”

Helen Whiteley-McPhee, Run Leader: 

“I didn’t get into running until I was in my 30s, when I realised I actually quite enjoyed it and could see the mental health benefits. I joined ERN in 2017 to train for Berlin Half, and I love being an ERNie! Our brilliant, friendly club has helped me to run faster, further and stronger, coached me to a 5k PB and enabled me to run until I was 6 months pregnant, as well as giving me the confidence to run with a buggy and take on multiple trail races. I trained to be a run leader because although I’m not the speediest, I’m super enthusiastic and keen to help others get out pounding the streets and trails.”

Matt Gorrie, Run Leader: 

“I’ve been a club member for 10 years and a run leader for about 5 years. I normally help out on Monday nights.

I’ve always found ERN to be a very welcoming and supportive club and have loved the encouragement that the club has always given me through many events.

I’m always very happy to speak to new members so if you are interested in coming to training for the first time I’d be delighted to have a chat.”

Siobhan Gorrie, Run Leader: 

“I started running in 2016 simply as a way of getting a bit healthier, and despite much protestation that I wasn’t “the type” to join a running club, I was persuaded to give ERN a go because I’d heard how friendly it was and had met some members at a local parkrun. I soon found that its reputation was totally accurate, and I love the club’s welcoming ethos that supports people no matter what
stage of running they’ve reached.

I’ve always been a regular Monday night attendee and decided to do the Leadership in Running Fitness qualification to become a run leader – partly to help out the club and give something back, and partly as a challenge for myself. I really love the role, especially seeing the development of newer runners and the sense of achievement they get out of a longer run or a tough hill session!

You’ll usually find me out on Monday nights, and sometimes at the Thursday night speed sessions, but I also enjoy going on a good trail adventure at the weekend when I’m able to, either solo or with other ERNies.”

Stephane Maurage, Run Leader: 

“My name is Stephane. I am your average Joe (not too fast and not too slow!). I joined Edinburgh Running Network in 2018 as a way to keep fit. I had no idea if a running club would be suitable for me as I feared it would be too elitist and I would be too slow. That was not the case and from day one, I felt very welcomed with all paces catered for and I never left.

I decided to become a runner leader when during the pandemic (remember this!), the club found it hard to continue with the planned sessions as we needed more leader and sometimes had to limit the number of participants.

When I started my running journey, with a few parkrun and a couple of 10k (which I thought would be my limit!), I had no idea where it would lead me to. Fast forward to 2025 and I have done a couple of ultra marathon (50K) and all distance between mile and marathon. So anything is possible! Whether it is for improving your pace, distance or just socialising come and give us a try , the best decision you will make today!”

Victoria von Rintelen, Run Leader: 

“I started running regularly in 2023 after a couple of tricky years and it turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life.

I joined ERN in November that year, typically joining Tuesday night sessions and in 2025 I trained as a run leader.

I like Tuesday nights because the pace groups are inclusive, it’s nice to know that there will be people who will run the same pace I want to run, and I don’t have to worry about feeling like I won’t be able to keep up. Plus it’s social and fun and great chat.

As a run leader I want to facilitate an inclusive and supportive environment, because I love running and want to create a space for other people to discover or further their love of running too.”