As the first winner in our Brooks competition series, Alex Snook explains what makes her Run Happy

The Jarrow & Hebburn women's squad is my Run Happy story.

There are a few of us that train together, travel to races and go socialising together. We have recently enjoyed success, including a team third in the Northern Cross Country Championships, which is a fantastic achievement for a small club from South Tyneside.

Most of us live locally and I sometimes see my running buddies more often than my family! If one of the group does a race solo you know there will be a barrage of good luck texts from everyone and there will be many phone calls afterwards to let them know how you have got on.

Individual members have enjoyed enormous success, such as Sarah McDonald on the track and veteran Elaine Leslie, but people always make themselves available for the relays and team events.

The amazing club camaraderie we all have is why I enjoy running and hope to continue to do so for many years to come. I consider my team-mates to be some of my best friends and this is what makes me Run Happy.

WHAT MAKES YOU RUN HAPPY?

Brooks believes in the transformative power of the run. The run can turn a day – or a life – completely around and can flat-out change the world.

That's why each month they're rewarding one AW reader for sharing what makes them Run Happy. We want to hear all about your Run Happy experience, whether it's a first race, a new PB or a moment that changed your race around. It can be anything.

Each month we will pick our favourite story. Not only will it appear in Athletics Weekly, but the owner of that story will receive Brooks kit including footwear, a jacket and a tee.

Click here for further details and to submit your story.

On Twitter? Why not get social?! We'd love for you to share your stories and pictures on Twitter too - just tweet @AthleticsWeekly and @Brooksrunninguk using the hashtag #RUNHAPPYRACES.