OUR RUN AMBASSADORS

Phill Young - Joint Run Director

Phill Young is a running coach and co-race director of Brutal Run, helping people use running to feel stronger, healthier, and more in control of their lives—both physically and mentally.

After changing careers in 2019 following his own transformation, he has spent the past seven years supporting runners of all abilities with structured approach to training by bringing running, strength work, nutrition and mindset coaching together in a way that fits around real life.

Phill has competed from track distances through to ultramarathons, including completing a 100km race along the Serpent Trail in 2025. Phill holds a strong believe that running isn’t just about times and distances—it’s about building confidence, managing stress and energy, and creating space in a busy world.

The Samaritans Run holds real meaning for Phill, as he believes no one should struggle alone. On race day, he is part of the event team, helping create a supportive, welcoming environment where every runner feels part of the day and can enjoy their run in a safe environment.

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You can find more about Phill and what he does at www.phillyoungcoaching.co.uk or find him on Social media at Phill Young.

Sally Armstrong

Sally has been expertly leading the warm-up at the Bracknell Samaritans Run for the last 5 years & will do so again this year.

Sally is a keen runner and a fitness instructor, teaching classes including Spin, Step, HIIT and Body Conditioning at Sportspark Reading. She has completed the London Marathon, several Reading Half Marathons and countless other halves, 10k’s and endurance runs.

Sally’s reason for supporting the Samaritans is very personal:

“Five years ago I was approached by Samaritans to run their race warm up. I jumped at the chance as not only would I be running, Samaritans is an organisation close to my heart. My mother and my grandfather have both volunteered with Samaritans and I have seen first-hand, through family and work, the huge difference this organisation makes to the lives of many people.

Exercise and mental health are words that should always be found in the same sentence. The power of endorphins released when we exercise is nothing short of incredible. The running community is one of the most accepting communities I have had the pleasure of joining and if you are ever short of someone to chat to a trip to your local parkrun will solve it.”

Thanks for your continued support Sally! You can follow Sally’s page Group fitness with Sal here.

Why not join Sally and hundreds more local runners on the 20 June 2026? Register today for the 5k, 10k or Teddy Bear Kids Run.

Simon Bennison

Simon Bennison is a local Personal Trainer & Running Coach. Simon has been supporting the Bracknell Samaritans Run for years, first as participant then as Run Ambassador. Simon finished 1st in the Bracknell Samaritans 5k in 2014! Simon offers training plans & helps organise our fabulous pacers.

Simon has been in the fitness industry for over 19 years. He used to specialise in strength and body building but made a transition into running in 2012 and since then has run and competed in over 57 half marathons, 4 full marathons and too many shorter distance races to mention!

“The Samaritans run is sentimental to me as its the first race I finished 1st in a few years back so it's great to be on board promoting the race! I also love local races and I am a big fan of the Binfield 10k and Bracknell half marathon too.”

We are delighted to have such a fantastic sportsman as one of our ambassadors and are very grateful for Simon’s continued support! 

Bennison Fitness - www.bennisonfitness.com

Why not join Simon and hundreds more local runners on the 20 June 2026? Register today for the 5k, 10k or Teddy Bear Kids Run.

Jo Micklewright

Jo is a keen amateur club runner who has been running for the past 25 years.  Jo also hosts a friendly Saturday morning run group who choose not to run in the local Parkruns. This group is a happy alternative for a mixed distance of runs with still lots of chat and support.

As well as  running Jo is a keen Hyroxer having participated in seven of them over the past two years.
“Keeping strong, training in functional movements alongside running are the perfect mix for women at any age but especially over 50. We want to train for longevity and to be as strong as possible in our old age. Muscle and strength is our armour”

Jo also participates in local runs but these days tends to focus on the occasional half marathon alongside 10k and 5k races.

“ I love the atmosphere of the Bracknell Samaritans run; it’s well organised, friendly and for a cause close to my heart. Movement of any description will alway make you feel better afterwards”

We are so pleased Jo continues to be one of our Run Ambassadors - thank you!​

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Why not join Jo and hundreds more local runners on the 20 June 2026? Register today for the 5k, 10k or Teddy Bear Kids Run.

Rachel Moodie

​I believe in the importance of exercise, moving your body to feel good and keeping strong!

I have always been passionate about sport and fitness, I use to play rugby, I’ve worked as a PT and still work as an exercise instructor in the Wokingham area. After a fair few injuries I took a step back from rugby and started competing in HYROX, where I’ve attend two world championships representing England and will be attending Stockholm in June for my third.

Since competing more seriously in HYROX I have spent much more time running. Running has become the favourite bit of my training, even if it never feels like it gets any easier! I’ve competed in a few 10km and half marathons but 10km is definitely my preferred distance and I will be looking to get a few more running races under my belt this year.

Instagram  @moodie_roxfit99

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​Rachel says 'Why not join hundreds more local runners on the 20 June 2026? Register today for the 5k, 10k or Teddy Bear Kids Run'.