About Us

Chessington Unity Running Club (CURC) has equal access at its heart. We hold weekly and annual events and sessions, accessible to everyone.

The club was started by a small group with a wide range of experience in different clubs and groups, who wanted to start something that belonged to Chessington, and anyone who wanted to try running for themselves.

Our goal is to make this club a big part of the community in Chessington. Our motto is ‘run as one’ as we really want everyone of all abilities to feel welcome; and supported. Join us and we will support each other, whether it’s first steps into running, coaching sessions or social runs. You can expect to hear from us about events and sessions that will suit you throughout the year.

Although recently established, we have an EA trained coach, two welfare officers and run leaders within the club. So if you’re keen or just curious about joining the club or would like more information, please get in touch with us at info [at] unityrunningclub.co.uk and join us at one of our weekly club runs..

Meet The Committee


Tom Arkle – Chairperson

Pace: on my own 5.45 mins/km; having a chat – anything from walking upwards

I started running when I was about 20 or so, mainly because I was rubbish at other sports and it seemed like anyone could do this.  I set myself a challenge to get to a half marathon in a year, it took a whole year to gradually increase my distances to get that far but the year after I completed 3 half marathons in one summer. I’ve also run with my wife which was a great team activity, although she prefers Yoga! The thing that amazes me about running is that voice in your head that tells you you can’t; can be proved wrong by simply doing it. After a few months my 1k goal became an easy run for me, then my 5, 10 and so on. I now run for pleasure and for my mental health, it gives me space to think.

I talk too much and am happy to run with anyone at any pace!

A Limerick for Tom

There was a fit guy called Tom Arkle
Who caused a hell of a debacle
He founded a club
Now here’s the rub
Its success has outdone others’ sparkle!


Beverly Gow – Captain

Pace: run at the speed of chat

I am a middle-aged menopausal woman that took up running for the first time 7 years ago.  I soon became a running bore and will shoe-horn that I have run 5 marathons into every conversation (did you see what I did there 😊!).  I love running and would love everyone to give it a go.  I often hear my peers say ‘I couldn’t even run for a bus’, and my reply ‘but what if you could?’.  I have a life goal to get as many people running as I can.  I am a massive fan of parkrun and am North Surrey Events Ambassador, as well as Event Director and Run Director for a number of parkrun events.  I trained as an English Athletics Coach in running fitness (CiRF) and now lead regular core strength training classes for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.  If you have a goal I would be happy to help you get there. 

A Limerick for Bev

Our own Captain CURC Bev Gow
Should properly take a deep bow
You’ll agree that no one can do better
At producing our weekly newsletter
Thanks Bev, for all you have done for us, and do now


Carol Smith – Treasurer

I am Carol Smith (aka “Lippy”), retired Chartered Accountant, wife, mother of four grown up boys, a grandmother and one of Kevin Stone’s Zero to Hero graduates. I ran my first Kingston parkrun in October 2016 and I have since achieved new running goals, from 10K, through 10 miles to half marathons, and more recently my first 16 miles. I like combining races with a bit of foreign travel and sightseeing with my running friends. I love the social side of running in a group and I love my club’s diversity and inclusivity. Running boosts my mood, gives me energy and allows me to have the odd glass of fizz without worrying about my weight!


Robert Wells – Welfare Officer

Pace: 6:00 – 7:00 per km

Running has been a consistent companion for many years, helping me to keep my mental health positive. Running with CURC has been a brilliant way to maintain my running journey, resulting in countless PBS and my first marathon.

As the Club’s Welfare Officer, I am also on hand to lend a supportive ear to any concerns you may have.

A Limerick for Rob

A drama teacher called Mister Rob Wells
Family man, softly spoken, never yells
Our club’s male welfare officer
A discrete, caring listener
Knows when not to tread on eggshells!


Fiona Leicester (Watters) – Run Leader Coordinator & Welfare Officer

I started running in 2016 after completing the Zero2Hero course and haven’t looked back since. Running has helped me reassess my life and make lots changes for the better! It has also introduced me to a whole new group of amazing people. I have completed 2 marathons with 3 more planned, numerous halfs and 2 virtual ultra weekends. I am a run leader and an RD at Kingston parkrun. Running has completely changed my life and I enjoy helping others on their running journey


Nigel Lee – Membership Secretary & CURL Co-ordinator

I am a retired P.G.A. Advanced Golf Professional and Level 3 Golf Coach of 50 years. The greater part of my time was spent coaching the game, I love. A former P.G.A. South Region ‘Coach of the Year’, l was privileged to work with some European Tour players but most of my time was helping struggling golfers. My philosophy was simple “I teach golf to people, not people golf”.

My introduction to club running started in mid-2018 and completed my first parkrun around that time. Being more of a speed walker, than a runner. I’m usually near the back of the field and I have experienced the gruelling side of entering events, by completing 3 marathons.

Now, being on the committee, hope my 5 years’ experience of being Kent P.G.A. Chairman, will help.


Lee Walstow

I started running in 2023 having long retired from both Rugby and Football, initially as a way to get fit but also to prove I could run. I’ve never been a “natural” runner. The Zero to Hero course the club put on is perfect for anyone wishing to dip their toes into running in a supportive and encouraging environment. The Run as One ethos truly means there is help, guidance and support at each and every turn. Having graduated I’ve progressed up to 10k distance on a few occasions and now regularly lead runs around the streets of Chessington and Horton Park.

Having always been of the opinion if you like something get involved, I recently joined the committee and hope to continue the amazing work started by the team.