The embodiment of someone who gives absolutely everything to the sport they love, Hayley Simpson lives and breathes running.

An athlete, a coach, and a fantastic cheerleader for her teammates, Hayley has been immersed in the culture of running for as long as she can remember.

Her running journey began around 20 years ago, as she joined her club East Cheshire Harriers, that soon became more like a family.

Both her parents were incredible athletes, taking on varying distances and instilling Hayley with a passion for fitness.

She’s known for her speedy cross-country times, but when she turned 18 Hayley also began earning excellent times in road races, proving to be a fantastic well-rounded athlete.

“I’ve always competed in cross country and track, but I have enjoyed taking on some different road races.

“Along with running myself, I’ve also coached at East Cheshire for 11 years. I mainly coach the U11 group, along with a number of U13 and U15 athletes,” she said.

She’s a coach loved by all at East Cheshire Harriers, taking children from the start of their running career and moulding them into confident athletes.

It’s true that success breeds success, Hayley’s athletes have achieved nothing short of greatness on the track and throughout the cross-country season, and that’s all down to her dedication to the sport.

Aside from her intense passion, Hayley also loves the feeling she gets from being active.

“I enjoy being able to switch off from the day. I mainly run early mornings before work, and I love to run in the hills where it is peaceful.

“I also enjoy being a part of East Cheshire and training with the group, the club environment is fantastic.”

She’s seen heaps of success throughout her career but says one of her favourite races comes from her very home in Tameside.

“My favourite race has to be the Hell on the Fell. The trig point is my favourite place, so there is nothing better than running up there for me.

“I also love Parliament Hill for the National Cross Country, there’s nothing quite like the stampede of women racing up the hill,” she said.

Conwy Half Marathon is also on her list, as she admittingly ‘slightly crazy’ and loves hills.

“The Great Orme is amazing,” she explains.

In 2021, Hayley took the win at the Hell on the Fell. She can’t quite explain the feeling this brought her.

“I never thought I’d achieve that. To win my race was an unreal feeling. That was one of my favourite sporting moments.

“But I also love watching my athlete’s race, I couldn’t be prouder seeing them do so well.”

Hayley has recently been appointed as a Local Runners Podcast ambassador, hoping to boost the popularity of the, already very successful, podcast.

“I am privileged to be a LRP ambassador. The podcast motivates me, usually on a Monday morning, when I am dreading my morning run.

“I have been asked to feature in the women’s special episode, in honour of international women’s day.

“The line-up is unbelievable, and I can’t wait to be a part of this, make sure you get your questions in for the fantastic panel,” she said.

Having mastered cross-country, track races and road distances, there is one beast left for Hayley to conquer, the 26.2-mile distance known as a marathon.

Spending the last 20 years of her life as an athlete, Hayley always said she would never complete a marathon. But, in just over a month’s time, she will head to her home city to face the Manchester Marathon.

“I still haven’t come to terms with the fact that I am running a marathon, the training doesn’t scare me but having to run the distance on the day does.

“Over the last year I have started doing my Sunday long runs in a group. The marathon was discussed by a number of people, I thought it was the best time to do it while having the group to train with.

“The ‘7-11’ group has kept me going, I haven’t had to change much of my training, and I’ve loved running with them.”

Her main focus has been ensuring her Sunday long run takes place. In January, she committed to taking up yoga every week, which has benefitted her training massively.

“My training is going well, I just can’t believe I am running a marathon. I had a few struggles last year, so I just want to enjoy running again and stay fit.

“I would also love to achieve a half marathon PB, but I’m not putting any pressure on myself.

“I said I would never run a marathon, but once I’ve done this I’m never, ever doing another,” she said.

It’s been an excellent start to 2023 for Hayley, who has stormed through the cross-country season.

“Cross country is my favourite. I’ve missed a few races and I’ve honestly been gutted.

“This season has been amazing, I’ve loved being back on the cross-country scene and I wish it continued all year round.”

As the cross-country season comes to an end, the next challenge looms on the horizon for Hayley, as she prepares to take on the Manchester Marathon on April 16.

Until then, she will continue to inspire the running community, sharing her love for the sport.

🏃 Tour of Tameside 2023 🏃

We're proud to be delivering this year's four-day running festival, which takes place from 15 to 18 June. 

Find out more and book your place here. 

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