Meet the Worcester City Runs Ambassadors: Mitchell Hawthorn
Meet Mitchell Hawthorn, one of our Worcester City Runs Ambassadors for 2025. Mitchell works as the Corporate GIS and Systems Officer at Worcester City Council, but outside the office, there’s a good chance you’ll find him out on a run. Since lockdown, running has become a key pastime for him.
This September will mark Mitchell’s fourth time taking on the Worcester City Runs 10K, one of his favourite events on the calendar. “It’s a really flat and scenic route, and a great way to take in some of Worcester’s best views,” he says. “There’s something about running through your own city with thousands of others that’s hard to beat.”
Mitchell’s love of running started back in 2022. After watching a friend complete the Edinburgh Marathon, he felt inspired to lace up his own trainers and give it a go himself. The Worcester City Runs 10K was actually his first official race – and since then, he’s never looked back.
Originally running on the outskirts of Worcester near St Peter’s, Mitchell later moved to Droitwich and joined Droitwich Athletics Club, where he’s enjoyed the varied runs and has discovered some great new routes along the canals. “Running has really helped me explore the area I live in. You get to see your hometown from a whole new perspective,” he says.
He’s not just sticking to local runs either. He recently completed a parkrun in Krakow while on holiday, where the reward was not just a runner’s high but Easter chocolate too.
Although he hasn’t started full training yet, he’s still keeping active with regular parkruns and has been working with a physio to build strength in his calves and hamstrings to improve his balance and overall performance. With a previous 10K time of 49:29, Mitchell’s aiming to beat that this year and break the 47-minute 30-second mark.
Mitchell’s Top Tips for the Worcester City 10K
Whether you’re a first timer or aiming for a new personal best, Mitchell has some words of wisdom to share:
- Start slow and build up. “Train up to 8K and let the race day atmosphere pull you through the last 2K.”
- Don’t worry about what you look like. “Everyone is focused on their own race. I really admire the people who run in fancy dress!”
- Embrace the feel-good factor. “Running gives you a buzz like nothing else. I love parkruns and try to do one wherever I go, even on holiday.”
Mitchell is the perfect example of what the Worcester City Runs are all about – a celebration of community, personal goals, and the joy of running in Worcester. Having already taken part three times, he’s excited to return for another go in 2025.
Feeling inspired? Join Mitchell and thousands of others at the Worcester City Runs on the weekend of 13–14th September. Whether it’s your first 10K, you’re cheering on a friend, or soaking up the buzz, there’s something for everyone.
Book your place now at www.worcestercityrun.com.
