Vice Captains – Monique Raaijmakers and Michael Cheverton

Monique and Michael will work alongside the captains, ensuring as a club we are supporting, inspiring and motivating members on training and events.

Monique is also the person to speak to for all Barrow branded kit, from vests to hoodies. For more info visit our kit page.

Monique's running story

It seems a very long time ago now when I first joined Barrow Runners and thought that a 'run' was something I did on a hockey pitch, down the wing on a rugby pitch (until I broke both my arm in two places) or something I enjoyed doing on a squash court.

Memories of my first 'long run' at the Great North Run were not positive ones. Kath had to put up with a very grumpy me after I thought I'd cracked it but was told we we only at mile 9. It hurt ...

Since then, I've embraced the mud, the hills and distances further than the standard court or pitch I'd grown used to. Some marathons are now even included in 'my favourite runs' category.

I first entered the London Marathon back in 2005 and raised funds for Guide Dogs for the Blind. since then I've been lucky enough to gain good for age places in another 7 great London races.

For those who know me, I'm not the best in the cold. A bit whingey I know and quite predictable but I blame it on my Zambian upbringing, Dutch blood, spells in Guyana, Sri-Lanka and Spain. I came to live and study in England in my mid teens after deciding that I couldn't cope with Canadian winters and after being influenced by the Famous Five and Mallory Towers books!

Running/Tri achievements

• Completing the Virgin London Marathon 2017 after surgery and beating cancer
• Enjoying the Vitruvian Half Ironman for my 50th
• Barrow Runners Club Champion 2004, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015
• Barrow Runners Vet Champion- 6 times
• LRRL Vet Winner 2009 - 2015

Memorable races

• Both Mixed Barrow teams winning the Round Leicester relays - 13 stages, 87 miles around the beautiful Leicestershire countryside
• Charnwood Hills in the snow
• Northumberland Coastal run
• Belper 30km
• Lakeland Trails Series, Keswick 10km

Michael started running in 2022 with his first half marathon in the Leicester half and hasn't looked back since! I enjoy running all distances but particularly focus on the marathon distance. I also love running on the trails and I can most likely see myself focusing predominantly on trail running at some point in the future!

A strength and conditioning lecturer by trade with experience working with a professional football club for 9 years.

You will find me at the most of the weekend events - league races, park run's etc and also coaching at the track night on a Thursday !

Unfortunately you won't find me at evening training in the midweek all too often although I would love to attend more.. I am definitely a morning lark when it comes to running!