With his distinctive gazelle-like stride, Alastair Hobday has been a recognisable sight and permanent fixture on the Derbyshire road and cross country scene for almost thirty years.

Alastair has played a key part in the HRC success-story since his move from Derby AC in 2006. Four London Marathons in the bag – and with another in his sights for 2015 – Alastair tells us about the time he ran the original Ramathon in 1986, his favorite session and his 2003/04 purple-patch.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO RUNNING? The now defunct Allestree Half Marathon used to go past my parent’s house in the early to mid-1980’s. I always fancied trying it but could only do the fun run because of my age at the time. I did the fun run a couple of times, enjoyed it and then first tackled the original Ramathon in 1986, aged 17. I seem to recall I did about 1h35mins having died a thousand deaths from 9 miles onwards after starting somewhat too fast!

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN HEANOR RC? I’d known Rob for a number of years through athletics and Rolls-Royce, and I was aware that a number of runners from the club I was in at the time (Derby AC) were migrating across to Heanor and enjoying it. I soon followed…

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE CLUB? I think I joined first claim in 2006.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST RUNNING ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? The majority of my best running achievements came in a purple patch in 2003/04. I ran under the hour for 10 miles, under 36 mins for 10k and 28 mins dead for 5 miles within a few weeks. Having said all that, running in the Yellow and Blue in the National 6/12 stage final around the iconic Sutton Park takes some beating.

FAVOURITE SESSION? When I’m fit (which isn’t very often) my favourite session is 20x70secs with 20 secs recovery (on grass). It can be brutal and needs building up to over a few weeks, initially doing 12 then 16 reps before the full 20 can be tackled. It represents a full 30 mins of mental effort and is ideal a couple of weeks before a target 10k race.

INDUSTRIAL ESTATE OR SHIPLEY PARK? Shipley Park for me.

BEST THING ABOUT THE CLUB? Good competition across all ages and abilities, great social scene and superb club trips abroad.

WORST THING ABOUT HEANOR RC? I wish Heanor was nearer Willington where I live. It’s 18 miles each way to get to training!

BEST FRIEND IN THE CLUB? All the Rainsford family, Lee Perkins and Darren Ridout. Oh, and my wife (Yvonne).

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RACE YOU’VE COMPETED IN? London Marathon (4 times)

WHY DO YOU RUN? I run because I enjoy it. Even after all these years doing it, racing still gives me a great buzz.

FUTURE TARGETS? I’m currently enjoying trying out triathlon. Nothing crazy like Ironman, just a few sprint events so no more than an hour or so effort. I’ve entered the London Marathon again next year as I still feel like I have unfinished business there, but not sure the body is up to the required training anymore!