Brad Smithers
Treasurer
Brad was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. He is a reformed accountant and in 2010 celebrated his 50th birthday by running the 6ft track and since then has continued this passion by running predominantly on bush trails over various distances including the North Face 100 in the Blue Mountains. While running trails he observed a genuine “fellowship” with fellow trail runners as well as a connection with the trees, the mountain air, black cockatoos and with the earth. He is a firm believer in “Pay it Forward,” repaying good things done to him to others instead of the originator of the good deed with the ultimate aim to make our world a better place to live.
Helen Pretty
Secretary
I run trails. Lots of them. I’m not fast, but I love the peace, tranquillity and the scenery out there and you will usually find me running with a camera to capture those magic moments on the trails. I’ve been running for over 20 years and run both short and long distances, although the marathon and 50 km are my favorite. I’m a keen trail runner and have run events such as the Six Foot Track Marathon, Woodford to Glenbrook, the old Mt Wilson to Bilpin bush run, Wild Endurance, the Kepler Challenge in NZ, but have also been known to run road races too, like the Gold Coast Marathon, Sydney and Tokyo Marathons. As I said though, I’m not fast – you will find me in the back half of a race, but hey, I enjoy it and that works for me. I am really happy to be part of the RW committee – I love volunteering at events and crewing. It’s an amazing experience giving something back to the sport you love and helping others achieve their goals.
Matt Dunshea
President, RD
It’s only been in the last three years that I’ve taken to running in a “serious” way and to train for, and enter, races – mainly trail races. Previously, I used to run to supplement training for other sports that I was playing at the time. I find being involved as a volunteer for events every bit as rewarding as actually racing them. I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Running Wild team since Season 7 and especially love belonging to the broader Blue Mountains running community.
Melissa Stewart McSeveny
Committee
Melissa Stewart McSeveny didn’t take up running until after having kids but is now a self-confessed running geek. She listens to all the podcasts, reads all the books and articles, will talk to anyone who’ll listen about any aspect of running, and in 2021 became an accredited coach. She holds the fastest (and only) known time running from Jenolan Caves to Nepean River and just loves getting out on the beautiful local trails of Dharug and Gundungurra country. Mel is on the Running Wild Committee to encourage others to get out and share those beautiful trails and get amongst the awesome Blue Mountains running community.