Written by: Nancy Britten
Hello, hello, Haries! After a spot of winter hibernation, I’m back with another HOTW interview for you to kick off 2026. Our 9th interviewee was none other than our wonderful treasurer, Ceri! Had you been a fly on the wall in this interview, you might have mistaken it for an episode of “The Rest Is History” (with both Ceri and me being history students, it was only right that we dedicated a substantial portion of our chat to centuries gone by). Enjoy!!
Name: Ceri Griffiths
Degree (and why?):
2nd Year History.
I had a bit of a crisis and was originally going to do Geography… despite not even doing Geography at A-level. At a family gathering my cousin told me, “You don’t give Geography vibes, but you do give History vibes.” I’m really glad with my decision. The only thing I feel like I’m missing out on is the field trips.
Coffee shop of choice?
Origin. I lived above it in first year so it’s my fave. I love the coffee and the vibe, and the staff are actually friendly. Their playlist is also basically the same as mine.
What’s your coffee order?
Today it was a latte. I go through phases, but at Origin I always get a latte because they don’t put chocolate on the cappuccinos… and honestly, what even is a cappuccino without the chocolate?
Where are you from?
Newport, South Wales. I tell people Cardiff, which is a lie. Not a lot happens in Newport. Edinburgh is definitely a lot more chaotic.
Why did you choose to come to Edinburgh?
TikTok was a big influence. I saw all the snowy, Christmassy, Harry Potter-style TikToks and thought, get me there. It snowed once last year, I hated it, and I was miserable…total scam. But even so, I love it here, so I’ll forgive TikTok.
How did you get into running?
My gran was a big runner, so she took me to my local club when I was seven and I’m still there now. She’s 92, and was still running into her mid-eighties. She was a long-distance runner, mainly 10ks, and her mileage was genuinely insane. She’s very cool.
You’re Treasurer…how’s that going, and why did you want the role?
I think it’s fun knowing all the club gossip and what’s going on behind the scenes. The club is absolutely thriving this year with loads of new members, even though in August I was extremely stressed and questioning why I’d done this.
I did A-level Maths and I like numbers (this somehow turned into an extensive discussion about economic historians)
How has racing been this year?
It’s been going really well and I’ve had a lot of fun. In my last year of school and first year of uni I didn’t run as much, so it’s been nice to be back competing.
That said, things were going great until about a week ago when I did a random treadmill session and haven’t run since. I’m currently testing the very fine boundary between what’s a niggle and what’s an injury.
Do you have a highlight of your Haries experience so far?
Isle of Man last year. I was laughing for the entire weekend. Completely unexpected as me and Heggie weren’t even going to go. Honestly, the highlight of my year.
What are your goals for the year (running and non-running)?
Running: just stay consistent and hopefully run some good road and track times in the spring.
Non-running: passing my modules is a very solid concern at the moment.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
I don’t think I do…
That said, I went through a concerning beetroot-shot phase in the summer. I’d read it enhances performance and the article said either have a shot or drink two litres beforehand. I couldn’t find a shot, so I drank two entire litres. I felt so awful afterwards. I’m traumatised and haven’t eaten beetroot since.
If you didn’t run, what sport would you do?
Football. I quit when I was 16, but at age seven I was fully convinced I was going pro (if it wasn’t for that injury, obviously).
If you didn’t study your current degree, what would you study?
Geography… or low-key something completely rogue like engineering. I miss numbers sometimes. Words get so much of my time.
If you could only run one distance forever, what would it be?
5k. Solid distance. I think my first ever 5k was at the Isle of Man and I had a fabulous time so every 5k since reminds me of that. Also, it’s not too far.
Three dream dinner party guests (and why?):
Okay, firstly, I always think, would you not want to go back to when the Bible was written?
• So first I’m picking a Bible scribe: has to be done. I want to witness all the shenanigans.
• If I’m going back in time, can I also meet my mum when she was my age? (Yes. Yes you can. 100 bonus points for being wholesome).
• Khloé Kardashian. She’s my idol. Me and my mum got addicted to the Kardashians over the summer. They’re empowering, touch on women’s issues, and are always very good at talking things out.
A fun fact (running or non-running):
I hold the Newport Junior parkrun record. I was very serious about junior parkrun. (If I held the junior parkrun record, I would personally never stop telling everyone about it for the rest of my life)
If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?
Can I fly? Because that would be ideal. (your wish is my command)
If you had to teach a class on anything, what would it be?
Trumpet lessons. Fun fact: I used to play the trumpet and quit at Grade 7. It wasn’t my true calling, but I do think I should’ve stuck it out to Grade 8. (another fun fact… ceri you’re full of surprises)
Alternatively, I’ve always wanted to make pottery. Not paint it, make it.
Most used emoji?
I go through phases. I used to always use the laughing emoji and thought I’d cut back…(she proceeded to checked her phone and I can confirm it’s still her most used)
The broken heart and praying emojis were second and third.
Favourite meal to cook?
Bolognese. Pre-every race, I make a bolognese.
Favourite historical era?
There’s no time like the present…I like modern history. British history especially, because I know it best. I’m also obsessed with US history. (Justice for the medieval enjoyers please)
Favourite session?
In the summer, training for 1500s: 6 × 400 with 5 minutes rest, each one 5% quicker than 1500 pace.
Favourite day of the week to run?
Thursday. It’s almost Friday, elite vibes. It’s Thursday today …I would say happy Thursday but unfortunately, I can’t run.
Favourite place you’ve travelled to?
Canada, specifically Quebec. It’s just so cool. If I’d done a year abroad, it would’ve been McGill.
Dream sponsor?
Caitlin Heggie got me hooked on sweet and salty peanut butter, the Pip & Nut one. A 1kg tub, smooth obviously. That could genuinely solve all my problems.
Song of choice?
More Than a Woman, Bee Gees. I was listening to it on the elliptical.
