Our Mission Statement

To show a deep understanding of our customers’ needs and a continuing determination to exceed them through originality, product quality, value and service.

Our Key Aims

At the core of everything we do at Running Imp are the company’s 4 key aims.

Service. Advice. Choice. Value.

We focus upon these key aims with every decision we make and with every customer we encounter.

Our Values

When any new member of staff joins the team at Running Imp, they are introduced to our corporate values. These values shape the organisational culture within which we work each day.

●We are outward looking, customer focused and committed to delivering the product that the customer expects, every time.

●Our relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties are based on mutual respect, performance and a deep understanding of each others needs, they are long lasting and profitable for all.

●All our dealings and relationships are founded in integrity.

●Innovation is valued and actively encouraged. We are never complacent and constantly strive to move the business forward.

●Our people are empowered and supported to reach their full potential and thereby make their maximum contribution to the success of the business.

●We promote a learning environment in which individuals’ training and development is actively encouraged. We believe that if people in the business grow, then so will the business.

●Within our workforce is an invaluable mix of skills, professional experiences and personalities.

At Running Imp there is no finishing line, we are constantly looking to progress and improve, and this is only made possible by the determination, dedication, and creativity of our employees.

Our Environment

As the market leader in our field we recognise our responsibility to take a leading role in promoting environmental good practice. Full details of our environmental policy can be seen here.

Our Story

1988

21 years ago, two PE teachers with a passion for running, Chris Illsley and Dick Hughes, created a company that would cater for all the requirements of a running race organiser.

They called it ‘The Running Imp’.

Chris and Dick, working from home, established the young firm as a true ‘one-stop-shop’ for event organisers, supplying everything from medals and trophies to signage and timing.

After a year in partnership, the two decided to go in separate directions—Chris Illsley and Caroline Birkin formed Running Imp International and Dick and Roz Hughes formed Running Imp UK.

2000

Under the leadership of Chris and Caroline, the Lincoln-based Running Imp International Sports was soon enjoying rapid growth, and at the turn of the new millennium moved from 3 rented units at an industrial estate to the purpose built new premises the company can be found at today; Millennium House.

The foundation stone to the newly completed headquarters was laid by renowned television and radio personality and charity fundraiser Sir Jimmy Savile OBE, KCSG in an opening ceremony on the 27th June 2000.

2007

19 years since the creation of 'The Running Imp', Chris Illsley and Dick Hughes were to come 'full circle'.

Running Imp International Sports Ltd and Running Imp Ltd/Sporting Impact Ltd had become leaders in their field, but in 2007 Dick Hughes and his wife Roz decided to retire and after successful negotiations sold their business to Running Imp International Sports Ltd.

2009

2009 marked the 21st anniversary since Running Imp began in 1988.

This celebratory year began with a brand new look for the company, as Running Imp launched a new branding campaign, adopting the trademark vibrant corporate colours you can see today.

The Charity of the Year scheme was launched, whereby Running Imp will donate a percentage of its sales of dedicated products to help support a certain charity each year. The very first Charity of the Year to receive our donation was the Panathlon Foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing sporting opportunities for young disabled children.

Running Imp announced a new sponsorship deal with pioneering road running organisation Run Britain, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to regulate and re-invest in road running events all over the UK.

2010

Sister company bespokemedals.com was launched as an international specialist in the design and manufacture of personalised medals.

bespokemedals.com provides a unique online experience, offering more information and interactivity online than any other medal producer in the world. In its first year, the company produced over 1.8 million medals to events in the UK and abroad.

Today

Following on from 2010, Running Imp has unveiled its biggest ever brochure, with 154 pages of essential items and innovative new products. This year’s range of standard medals includes 63 brand new designs, all created exclusively for Running Imp by the company’s in-house design department.

So today Running Imp is looking forward to an exciting future, delivering all a sporting event could ever need with the highest levels of customer service and the lowest prices from the UK to the rest of the world.