Athletics and running community recognised in New Years Honours List

We are delighted to share that a number of athletes and key figures within the athletics and running community have been recognised in the New Years Honours List.

Paris Olympians and Paralympians

Summer 2024 was jam-packed full of track and field action, with English athletes dominating the headlines for their outstanding performances. Hannah Cockroft was honoured with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to athletics after securing her ninth Paralympic title in Paris.

Keely Hodgkinson, Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson were also recognised in the New Years Honours List for their services to athletics, all awarded Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) title.

J and M Running founder, Marion Hemsworth

RunTogether group founder, Marion Hemsworth, has been awarded an MBE and recognised for her services to wellbeing and to the community in West Sussex. Based in Haywards Heath, J and M Running offers sessions for people of all abilities, Couch to 5k, #RunAndTalk sessions supporting mental health, and have together raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

Personal Best Foundation Chair, Mark Lawrie

Chair of the Personal Best Foundation trustees, Mark Lawrie, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his outstanding services to education and young people. Mark has guided the Personal Best Foundation as Chair of Trustees since its launch in November 2022, bringing his decades of expertise in education, sport, and community development to the Foundation's mission of empowering young people through athletics.

Speaking on their recognition, England Athletics CEO, Chris Jones, said:

"All at England Athletics are immensely proud of those recognised in the New Years Honours List from athletes to volunteers. Last summer in Paris, the whole country got behind these athletes and were stunned with their achievements on the track and field at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"We are particularly excited to see Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Hannah Cockroft recognised, as they hold such key roles as ambassadors of our funetics and Personal Best Foundation programmes respectively with Foundation Chair, Mark Lawrie, also celebrated.

"Congratulations also to Marion Hemsworth of J and M Running, without the tireless support of volunteers, our sport would not be possible so it is fantastic to see Marion's efforts celebrated."