Meet the Team

Mel Steventon

Founder, Director
UKA Run Leader, Mountain Leader

Mel founded Due North Events ltd in 2017 and has gained Run Leader and Mountain Leader qualifications and continues to be the main run and walk leader.

Mel took the decision in 2024 to transfer the company from a Limited by Shares company to a Community Interest Company ( Not for Profit Social Enterprise ) After working closely with third sector groups since the Covid19 lockdown and working hard to increase female participation at races as well working towards a more ethnically diverse participation it became obvious that the companies social aims were a higher priority than profit making.

Mel remains Race Director for the now Not for Profit Trail Races.

Mel herself is a keen trail runner and walker. Personal achievements include completing the Bob Graham round in 2019. First Female to consecutively complete all 214 Wainwrights in 2020.

She is a Yorkshire lass living in Cumbria, where one Northern accent struggles to understand the other, but Mel travels back n forth between the two beautiful counties to deliver running, walking and outdoor skills sessions.

Sue Marshall

Director, UKA Run Leader
Volunteer Run/Walk team member

Sue is THE queen of downhill running! She has many V60 Fell Running wins to her name as well as completing many Ultra races. All these achievements and Sue did not Start running until she was in her forties, and her first Ultra race in her 50’s, she continues to up her game year after year!! So is living proof that it’s never too late to start. Being a nurse by trade she is usually the one we turn to if anyone needs a plaster, or some encouraging words.

Hilary Seward

Director
UKA Running Coach
Volunteer Walk/Run team member

Hilary is a fully qualified UK Athletics Running Coach as well as a regular ‘helper outer’ at our walks. Hilary is especially valued at the trail races where she is usually found at the back of the race ‘sweeping’ the course and giving masses of encouragement to the runners at the tail end of the race, The hero’s! The type of runner which we absolutely love, those who make the most of being out in the beautiful Dales with no worries of sprinting to the finish line.

Tahira

Tahira is a qualified 1st4sport Coach, specialising in building passion and skill in athletes since 2019. Tahira’s coaching began with a Rounders team, where she provided support and guidance until 2022 and is now a trainee Run Leader for Due North CIC and volunteer walk leader with Due North and Muslim Hikers.

In 2024, Tahira conquered her first ever trail race, The Due North Burnsall Trail Half-Marathon! 

Tahira says  “ I’m excited for more challenges, including longer races and ultras.  My ultimate goal is to master ultra runs as a Type 1 Diabetic.  With boundless energy and a passion for adventure, I’m always ready to explore the vast outdoors!”

Sarah Millington

Race HQ Coordinator and Volunteer Walk leader

Sarah is a keen walker and trail runner although sometimes finds herself back on the tarmac and has recently completed the London Marathon!

Sarah is the smiley face at the race tent ensuring that everyone is registered on time and receives their goody bag and pie at the finish line. She also helps out on the guided walks in the Yorkshire Dales where she grew up and has lots of local knowledge (mainly short cuts to the best cafes 🙂 )