Meet the coaches

Russell Dickinson-Deane
I started running in 2003 making my debut race appearance at the Great North Run. Since then I’ve run multiple 5k, 10k and half-marathon races plus a couple of marathons with a 3.03 marathon PB at the age of 50. I’ve also run extensively at cross-country and trail, plus a couple of easier fell races. Post-Covid, I decided to shake up my running and took part in track racing at all distances from 200m to 3000m last summer, surprising myself with a 5.20 mile race. I believe anyone can achieve their goals with the right support and training, and recently coached a runner to a 50-minute marathon PB and PBs at every endurance distance in 2021. At TBH, I lead in Groups 2 and 3 but can coach any runner regardless of group.

Gemma Finnie
My running journey started in 2017 when I gained a place in the Great North Run general ballot and realised I couldn’t even run for the bus! I spent the next few months doing my own style of couch to 5k, where I’d run when I could around shift work, I’d run as far as I could and gradually increased my distance – running with friends along the way. After I ran the GNR, I realised this was a sociable and friendly sport, and I wanted to improve my running fitness, therefore I researched running clubs and found Tyne Bridge Harriers looked like they catered for all abilities.

In October 2017, I joined in the beginners group on a Wednesday night before braving group 5 and then into group 4. I then completed my leadership in running fitness (LiRF) course in September 2019 and primarily led group 4. I am now a regular leader of group 3 and have recently completed my coach in running fitness (CiRF) course and I am looking forward to using my knowledge and experience running from 5km to ultramarathons (71 miles) to help TBH members to achieve their own goals.

Matt Walker
I started running with the goal of completing the Edinburgh Marathon in 2013 and joined Tyne Bridge Harriers to help my training where I found an enjoyment and camaraderie in running that I was not expecting. My first marathon was a valuable experience, by which I mean I learnt a lot from my mistakes! In my years of running with TBH, I have developed both fitness and running skills, and assisted others in doing the same, regularly leading groups 2 & 3. Over the years I have progressed from road, via cross country, to the trails and fells, and more recently have started to go beyond the marathon distance. I am a newly qualified coach and am looking forward to using my experience and knowledge to help others achieve their running aims.

Dan Buckley
I started running in 2016 following 30 years of playing rugby, with my first event being the local great north 10k in that year.
Since then, I have done a number of 10k’s, half marathons, marathons and last year completed my first ultra-marathon which was a huge personal goal of mine, proving that we can all push ourselves further then we thought possible with the right training and training partners.

I have recently gained my coach in running fitness qualification and look forward to enhancing the coaching already provided at Tyne Bridge Harriers by the other coaches and leaders. I typically run in groups 4&5. As a club we are looking to start the C25K programme and I along with several leaders are trying to promote the wider community to take that first step into running and being fitter and healthier and gaining new friends.


Michael Nemeth
I’ve been a member of Tyne Bridge Harriers since April 2013 and was lucky enough to be given the
opportunity to do my LiRF (Leader in Running Fitness) in 2014. After 3 years as a Run Leader, I
qualified as a CiRF (Coach in Running Fitness) in 2017. Regular members will know me as part of the
furniture with Group 4 where I’ve seen many members progress through the ranks over the years.
As a runner, I have very respectable PB’s over a range of distances and have completed distances
from 5K, right through to ultramarathon, with my biggest achievement being the completion of The
Wall (Carlisle to Newcastle within a day). I am able to create and develop training plans for those just
starting out or for those looking to improve or chase times at a specific distance. My training plans
will always take in the needs of the athlete and adapt as necessary.

Becky Blain
My running journey started when I joined the club back in 2012 in preparation for my first ever
Great North Run. I absolutely loved the race and have not looked back since. From then I have
competed for the club in a variety of distances including 5k, 10k & lots of half marathons, finally
achieving the sub 90 minute dream in 2021. I also participate in many club events including cross
country, track and field, northern and national championship races. My usual running group within
the club is group 2 or 3 but I believe that my experience and knowledge, especially after completing
my CIRF course, enables me to help coach a variety of abilities within the club and I cannot wait to
push members further than they thought they could go with their running goals!

Permanent link to this article: https://www.tynebridgeharriers.com/meet-the-coaches/