Meet Jen: The Ultra-Marathon Maestro of Black Country Runners Club

Welcome back to the second installment of our BCR Member Spotlight series, where we dive deep into the stories of the incredible runners who make our club so special! This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Jen Hitchcott, one of our founding members and the heartbeat of our club as our dedicated club membership secretary. From her jaw-dropping ultra-marathon feats to her infectious passion for running, Jen’s story is sure to inspire you to lace up and hit the trail!

Runner Profile: Jen Hitchcott

• Age: 33

• Years Running: 15

• Running Highlight: Conquering the epic "The Wall" ultra-marathon—a grueling 70-mile journey from Carlisle to Gateshead, completed in an astonishing time of under 12 hours!

• Why She Runs: Jen’s running journey kicked off with a bold and impulsive decision: signing up for a 10-mile charity race with absolutely no fitness background to support a cause she cared deeply about. “I was completely out of my depth,” she recalls with a laugh, “but crossing that finish line changed everything.” What started as a one-off challenge quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Within two years, Jen was tackling ultra-marathons—races that push the boundaries of physical and mental endurance. For her, running is far more than a workout; it’s her ultimate stress reliever, an instant mood booster, and a powerful source of self-confidence. “There’s something magical about the rhythm of your footsteps and the open road ahead,” she says. “It clears your mind and makes you feel unstoppable.”

  Ultra-marathons, with their punishing distances and unpredictable challenges, have taught Jen invaluable lessons in resilience and discipline. “When you’re 50 miles into a race, and every part of you wants to quit, you learn what you’re truly capable of,” she shares. But it’s not just about personal triumphs. Jen is equally passionate about the running community’s unique camaraderie. Whether she’s exchanging high-fives at a local parkrun or sharing words of encouragement with a fellow runner 10 hours into an ultra, Jen loves the sense of belonging that running fosters. “It doesn’t matter if you’re sprinting a 5K or slogging through a 100K—runners lift each other up. It’s like a family.”

• Fun Fact: Despite her fearless approach to ultra-marathons, Jen has an unexpected phobia: lifts! A harrowing experience of being stuck in an elevator for over an hour—culminating in a dramatic rescue by the fire brigade—left her with a lingering fear. “I’ll happily run 70 miles, but put me in a lift, and I’m a nervous wreck,” she admits with a grin. These days, you’ll find her powering up the stairs, turning even that into a mini-workout!

  
  

Jen’s Running Legacy

As one of the original members of our running club, Jen has been instrumental in shaping its vibrant, inclusive spirit. As club membership secretary, she’s the organisational wizard behind our events, from coordinating parkruns to planning social gatherings that keep our community tight-knit. Her journey from a novice runner to an ultra-marathon veteran is a powerful reminder that anyone can start running—and that the sport has a way of transforming lives in unexpected ways.

Jen’s story is a testament to the grit, joy, and connection that running brings. Whether she’s conquering a 70-mile ultra or cheering on a first-time parkrunner, her passion is contagious. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our BCR crew, and who knows—maybe Jen’s tale will motivate you to take your own first steps (or strides!) on a running journey of your own!