Nicholas Stevens has been running since childhood, with his early years representing Avon in the 800m and 1500m, inspired by the legendary middle-distance battles of the 1980s. Now a dedicated member of Wells City Harriers since 2021, he continues to enjoy social runs, long Sunday miles, and the occasional unexpected victory—like his V60 win at the 2024 Gwent Cross Country.
Nicholas Stevens
Turkey Trot, Buffalo (2024)
Interview - June 2025
When did you start running/what got you into running?
I started running as a kid in the 1960s and living in a slightly rough area I learned to run fast for survival! I did the 800m and 1500m representing the old Avon county but was decidedly average against good runners - a persistent theme. 🤣
Do you have a running 'hero' or someone that inspired you to run?
The Coe - Ovett - Cram - Elliot battles were a legendary middle distance era and my favourite was definitely the state school warrior Steve Ovett!
How long have you been a member of Wells City Harriers for?
Since moving to Wells to live in 2021.
Bath Half, 2024
What do you enjoy about the Tuesday evening training sessions?
I like the excellent organisation of Tuesday evenings and if it wasn’t for the fact that Millfield school keep changing the lock combination on the wooden hut it would be perfect!
What do you enjoy about the Wednesday evening group run?
Wednesdays are a great time to recover and have a social run with friends.
Going international, running with Al's Amherst Runners
(Buffalo Bills Highmark Football Stadium)
What runs do you enjoy the best?
Sunday morning long runs are definitely the most enjoyable.
What distance races do you enjoy running?
I think that I must try too hard because I never really enjoy races, only the feeling you get afterwards! Perhaps because the intensity is lower, I do come quite close to enjoying running a half marathon.
Frome 10K, August 2024
Do you have a favourite local running race?
I used to enjoy the Somer AC Cowpat Canter but this race has sadly ceased to exist.
What do you enjoy about Parkrun?
The idea of Parkrun is fantastic and encourages people to get out on a Saturday morning to run. Whilst I of course love running, I think that the 5K is actually a pretty difficult distance so I am rather embarrassed to admit that I have only ever run about 20 Parkruns.
Are there any standout moments during your time at Wells City Harriers? (for yourself or other members?)
Rather surprisingly, I won the V60 Gwent cross country age group at the Pontypool race in 2024 which was very enjoyable.
Where is the best place you have run?
We took the grandchildren on an ocean cruise and whilst it was only running around the top of the moving ship, Strava credited me with PBs for every distance from 1 mile to Marathon in the same run. I wasn’t even trying hard.
You have been involved with the organisation of the Wells Festival of Running. How have you found this experience?
It’s hard and thankless to be the Race Director and surprisingly stressful on the day, but it’s a great race and I would like to remain a part of the organising team and make a contribution back to the running community.
The Town Tree Trail, May 2024
Do/Did you participate in any other sports?
I played over a thousand games of football from 16 to 42 reaching the very low heights of local teams Paulton Rovers and Radstock Town then sinking over time to the lowest possible levels. I then continued sinking during the swim stages of triathlons.
What is your greatest running achievement?
I recently won V60 in a 5 mile race in the town where my son lives in the USA, and managed to dip under 19 minute 5k pace which is not bad on age grade score.
Collecting his trophy at the Turkey Trot, Buffalo (December, 2024)
Do you have any other running stories?
Probably best to leave it on a high😄
To view Nick's performances, visit his 'Power of 10' and 'Run Britain' profiles, by clicking on the images below.
Missed an interview? Click on the links below to Meet another Harrier.
Carol Buckland - November 2024
Graham Goldsmid - January 2024