News

06/07/2023 00:00, In Blog / Club Notice Board /

Jeanette Jenkins was a long-standing Welsh Athletics official and member of Fairwater Runners Cwmbran and undertook many volunteering roles within the club. She was a competitive runner and as she developed coaching skills her race times improved, and she represented East Wales on many occasions.

In addition to her own development Jeanette thrived when coaching others, motivating them to be their best. She introduced a structured coaching plan for her club and encouraged others to join the coaching team. Jeanette was also responsible for organising development days for the East Wales Endurance team, which were hugely successful for the region.

Jeanette also volunteered her time to the East Wales Regional Committee – she was Welfare Officer for many years and attended all the meetings, but additionally, helped to create the East Endurance Road Running Champs – even baking cakes for the meetings held in the initial setting up stage.

In 2021, together with her husband Martyn, Jeanette was awarded the Regional Volunteer Award in recognition for their commitment to the region.

For many years Jeanette and Martyn were a familiar sight in freezing fields timing the Gwent League Cross Country events, and Welsh Athletics events. Although competitive athletes themselves, they were always keen to support the organisation of events.

Competing, coaching and officiating – Jeanette also added Race Director to her repertoire. She organised events for Fairwater Runners, including the highly successful Rack Raid.

Closer to home, Jeanette supported the setting up of Pontypool parkrun and was often seen in a high viz helping out.

Many people in our athletics community will have been touched by her commitment and dedication to the sport, her loss will touch so many.