David Palmer

When I approached the age of 30, I recognised the risk of middle age spread was becoming a real possibility. So I made a pact with myself that every 5 years I would get myself in shape and fit. This led me to committing myself to the London Marathon in 1997.  I trained hard but badly, yet really enjoyed the running.

Over the next 10 years I became a running anorak getting into serious heart rate training books etc. Over the last 15 years I have kicked my nerd tendencies and focused on helping others enjoy it as much as I do. I have a Level 2 CIRF (Coach in Running Fitness) and am an experienced trainer with a Post Grad Cert Ed.

Ian Walker

I started running with Oaks Blokes in September 2010, after years of minimal exercise, a desk-based job and a chronic back injury; it has literally transformed my life.  Two months after starting with Oaks Blokes, I competed in my first of many 10k races and have since completed several half marathons, marathons and triathlons.

In August 2012, I completed my first Ironman triathlon and I am currently training for the London Marathon.

I have been an accredited ‘Leader in Running Fitness’ with UK Athletics for four years and I have the privilege of coaching the ‘Get Back to Running’ course.  My greatest satisfaction in coaching this course is witnessing the commitment and transformation of my groups, either beginners or lapsed runners, whose fitness and running distance rapidly improves, as well as secondary benefits, such as weight loss, smoking cessation and more mindful diet.

Richard Perry

I was a reluctant runner before joining Oaks Blokes but love it now. I joined 15 years ago soon after stopping playing regular football and later became one of the coaches. I find running with other people much more motivating than running on my own. My preferred distance is 10k or a little bit more. I’m too lazy to run a marathon!

David Swann

Over the years running has been a constant; I enjoy being outside with the sun on your face, wind in your hair and am quite happy with more inclement weather: gives me a chance to wear a, rarely worn, waterproof jacket!

I have the Leader in Running Fitness licence from England Athletics and very much enjoy planning routes and encouraging others to participate in being out and about whilst not necessarily having to run all the time as walking up a steep incline is more than acceptable. A good chat is very important both on a run or over a coffee afterwards; running in company is very encouraging and maintains fitness.

Matt Harvey

I moved to Sevenoaks in 2014 and was looking for something non-serious and sociable in order to keep up my fitness.  I saw the Oaks Blokes flyer in Holly Bush Café where the temptation of Coffee & Bacon Sandwiches plus a little run proved far too tempting.  I used to run quite a bit as kid/teenager and thought it was something to pick up again.

 The combination of sociable running, the varied terrain, great company and being out in the countryside around Sevenoaks gives me the mental break from hectic life. It also stops me going mad in the pub on a Friday night! During Covid, as an attempt to stave off boredom and do something else other than bake Banana Bread, I decided to become a coach and got an accredited ‘Leader in Running Fitness’ with UK Athletics.  And that was where my journey to not get lost around Knole Park & surrounding area began.

 I have run Marathons in the past, Serious (Brighton) & Not so Serious (Marathon Du Medoc).  However, I'm now happy to concentrate on shorter distances, particularly if it’s doing something out of the ordinary.  This year I’ve managed Dirty Rotten Scramble (the UKs Toughest 10k Trail Run), run across the Baie De Somme for Transbaie and stick to 10k-Half Marathon distances.  I can provide support and advice if that’s a distance you’d like to achieve.  I regularly go on our abroad Away Runs and have joined The Oaks Blokes Ski Trips.

Michael Gilhooly

I started running with Oaks Blokes to get fit for a 10K. I enjoyed it so much that I kept going — within a year I’d progressed from that first 10K to running a half marathon and, eventually, an ultra marathon. Somewhere along the way, I discovered that I actually love running!

I’ve completed the Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualification and enjoy helping others get the most out of their running, whatever their ability or goals.

As a doctor, I know how important it is to exercise regularly but as a person I know how difficult it can be to squeeze exercise into a busy life. For me, running with a group makes all the difference. It’s sociable, fun and, perhaps most importantly, gives you a reason to put the time aside each week rather than saying “I’ll go for a run later.”

I’m looking forward to helping other Oaks Blokes discover the same enjoyment I’ve found in running

Chris Lewis

I joined my first Oaks Blokes run in summer 2023. As a sedentary office based 'worker', in London 5 days a week, I was looking for something that would provide me with a regular opportunity to exercise and improve my general mental wellbeing. Oaks Blokes has given me this in spades.

Since becoming part of the community, I have been able to take part in various events including 5k, 10k and half marathon events.  In summer 2026 I took part in a 50k challenge, running from Rochester to Tonbridge.  It has been incredible how regular and consistent running with the group has provided me with a life platform from which I have been able to do so much more.

A massive positive about Oaks Blokes is the comradery and friendship that is extended by all members to one another. The watchword is 'support' - in whatever context. Seeing new members come through, it is awesome to observe how quickly they become part of the group. It is definitely true that the social aspect of Oaks Blokes is as much a reason why people run so regularly with us.