Meet Gareth Perry

This time around we get to profile the wonderful Gareth Perry. Despite the humorous quips and self-deprecation, his commitment to ensuring that the Rogues runs smoothly and successfully cannot be understated. Gareth is usually involved in the great things that happen in the group, most notably enduring 12 marathons in 2017 to raise £2,800 for Whoopsadaisy.

When did you start running?
I was a keen runner at school, then gave it up for Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll. Well not many drugs actually, nor that much Sex.
I then had an early middle-aged epiphany in 2006, whilst recovering from depression and found running again.

Why do you run?
Though currently suffering from long-term injuries, my reasons for running is it makes me feel good and prevents me from running to fat and senility, allows my brain to think clearer and for the past few years, has been the source of great friendships.

What is your next race and what do you want from it?
It makes more sense to answer these questions as an organiser and planner of Rogues rather than a runner so the next big race is The Brighton Marathon where I would love to see 50 people competing, wearing the Rogue Vest.

What are your hopes and expectations for the event?
The above gives you one aspect but I am hoping to see some great performances from Rogues as well as really looking forward to seeing some members complete their very first Marathon.

What is your favourite training ‘session’?
Again, as an organiser of the sessions, I would say Hills and Pyramids are the ones that give me most pleasure as I get to administer “encouragement and motivation and hold everyone’s coats”

What is your favourite pre-race and post-race meals?
The night before I race, I nearly always go for a good pasta meal and post race has to be pizza, which as we all know is illegal to consume without good red wine.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement in running?
Running 12 Marathon in a year. But I would make this very clear, do NOT EVER EVER do this.

What is your running ambition?
Simply to overcome my injuries and return to banging my dodgy knees up and down some lovely hills.

How important is it for you to be a member of Rogues?
Without Rogues, I would almost definitely be getting up to some mischief somewhere so essentially it’s good for society.

What other sports do you like?
I like cycling and would love to still be able play football. Crown green bowls is probably all I can aspire to now.

What’s your best racing achievement?
My sub 1:30 Half Marathon and sub 40 minute 10k are the ones I am most proud of but completing the Berlin Marathon after failing to complete Brighton is probably the one I should put first.

What, or who, are you a “secret” fan of?
Thomas Ireland

Choose a movie title for the story of your running life.
No Country For Old Men

Can you play any instruments?
If only, but I can croon a few tunes ok

What is the nerdiest / geekiest thing you do in your spare time?
Architectural Walks around Brighton & Hove, this includes pubs

What’s the strangest or useless talent you have?
I have so few talents, I treat them all with great respect

What was your childhood nickname?
Pez

Name one thing on your “bucket” list?
A new bucket

If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
The ability to make Jacob Rees-Mogg say titwank every time he’s asked about Brexit

When I dance I look like?
Austin Powers, probably

What makes a good friend?
First to the bar

You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what colour would you be?
Borange, or maybe Grown