A friendly running club based in Cirencester!

RSE Club Report – Taking in the Scenery!

The Grizzly

“Participants can expect 3000′ ascent over 20 miles, with two sections of pebble beaches, totalling over a mile; two energy sapping bogs, where runners are often up to their waists in water and mud; and the infamous “Stairway to Heaven”, a steep path up the side of a cliff” with an official race description like this, how could anyone say no?

The Grizzly (20 miles) and Cub (10 miles) races are tough, hilly events on multi-terrain surfaces, taking runners along the coastline of Devon. But with the challenges comes unique comraderies as participants help each other through the bogs and rivers, up the steep, slippy hillsides, and along the shoreline. Tipped as the muddiest Grizzly yet, the race lives up to its name!

A huge well done to the RSE members who took part!

The Grizzly

  • Sarah Reynolds – 5:19:12
  • Nadine Brown – 5:19:50
  • Ellie Witnall – 5:19:52

The Cub

  • Andy Sworn – 2:04:17
  • Carol Sworn – 2:04:18
Muddy, hilly, boggy, slippery, and beachy. Bands, a bagpiper and great volunteers. Type 2 Fun!
Sarah Reynolds
I'm not sure why I agreed to do this race as I usually hate hills (I'm blaming Nadine), but it turns out I absolutely loved it. The weather and scenery were beautiful, and it was fun to run/walk the course with friends. I'm very tempted to sign up again next year...
Ellie Witnall

Bath Half Marathon

Held in the centre of Bath, this half marathon attracts thousands of runners for its fast course, despite it being slightly undulating. The 2 lap route hugs both sides of the river Avon valley, avoiding some of Bath’s notorious hills and providing some beautiful scenery along the way. The race is well supported with spectators throughout the route

Congratulations to Paul Beaumont who completed the course in a brilliant time of 1:48:42!

This was my second half. I wanted to try a " biggish" event. This one was recommended. Was a bit apprehensive on several counts. Decided to go on the train from Swindon. Helped me to feel pretty positive about it, as lots of runners were on it . And then walking up to the Runners Village it seemed as though the runners had taken over Bath. Thought the event was very well organised - and the water stops had non plastic cups (big tick!).However, the stand-out thing was the crowd - with the encouragement and the noise ( and a couple of bands playing). Had decided before the race was going to try to use my watch to run at a sensible consistent pace. - typically, I didn't look at it once! Have to say there was a bit of a sting in the tail - running up to the finish. But it got the job done. And very happy with the chip time Should have mentioned it was good weather.
Paul Beaumont

Fission 20/20

Starting in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, this small, local-feeling race is a great option for those training for a spring marathon. The 2 lap course is flat and follows country lanes past farm land close to the river Severn. A half marathon option is also available, incorporating 1 lap of the route.

The race was the next event in the RSE club championship, and a great amount of RSE members turned out to take part. A huge well done to everyone who completed the course!

  • Nia Glover – 2:35:31
  • Ben Mutlow – 2:41:48
  • Jennifer Glass – 2:46:44 – 2nd LV55 and new PB!
  • Darren Jenner – 2:55:49 – new PB!
  • Rachel Bodey – 2:56:04
  • Elliot Gardiner – 3:05:53
  • Alan Powderhill – 3:06:16 – new PB!
  • Leah Brown – 3:07:04 – new PB!
  • Ellie Witnall – 3:09:13 – 2nd 20 mile race of the week!
  • Nadine Brown – 3:11:20
  • Kirsty Pitts – 3:16:15
  • Liz Farooq – 3:17:47
  • Elaine Chapman – 3:20:06
  • Tim Wainwright – 3:21:04
  • Andrew Barrett – 3:21:56
  • Linda Edwards – 3:40:52
  • Felicity Crotty – 3:52:42
  • Kevin Joynes-Creed – 3:52:50
Brilliant RSE turn out for the Fission 20 miles. So happy to achieve my 3rd PB in my last 3 races. I felt fairly comfortable throughout and was pleased to achieve a 7 minute PB in the end. Well done to everyone who ran so well. πŸ‘πŸ’ͺ
Alan Powderhill
This is the first time I've raced in a 20 mile race, and really enjoyed it, thanks to Elaine and Liz.
Kirsty Pitts
New 20 mile pb (partly because I have never done a 20 mile race before). Great course - lots of headwind but pretty flat - nice cake at the finish.
Jennifer Glass
Felt really strong today probably strongest I've felt in any long run. Lovely to run at Fission with beautiful scenery and a flat course. Not too hot slightly cool breeze what more can a runner want 😁. Really happy with my performance - struggled from mile 16 but I expected it.
Tim Wainwright
I used this race as my last long training run before the Manchester Marathon. The strategy was to try and stick to my planned marathon pace of 9.09 min miles, so I’m very happy with the overall pacing (considering I had to pit stop for a wee for a couple of mins at mile 6 πŸ˜…). Time to taper! 😁
Elliot Gardiner

Minchinhampton 10k

This undulating road race starts at Minchinhampton Primary school before heading out along the quiet country lanes of the surrounding area. The Minchinhampton 10k has a local, friendly atmosphere, and although there are some hill climbs, there’s also long downhill stretches, making it a fairly quick course.

A huge well done to RSE’s Philip Hudson who completed the race in a brilliant time ofΒ 48:08!

Minch 10k is a challenging run on roads from Minchinhampton down to Avening and back through the lanes, the route is made tougher with a 1-mile hill from 6-7k.
Philip Hudson

Cleevewold

Crossing the highest point in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Common, it’s unsurpsing that the Cleevewold race is tough and hilly. The race starts at the medieval Postlip tithe barn before heading out to Cleeve Common and into the countryside, and then returning to Postlip via the Belas Knap neolithic burial mound.

A huge well done to Cheri Edwards and Vicki Mason for taking on the challenge!

  • Cheri Edwards – 2:30
  • Vicki Mason – 2:50
A fab race! Usually 14 miles but they amended the route and it was just shy of 13. Which was long enough as there was 2000ft of elevation! Started on Cleeve Common and ran up, down, around, up - lots of up - on nice trails and a couple of bumpy fields. Beautiful sunny day so great views. There weren’t that many entrants (70ish?) but it had a friendly vibe and was well marked, marshalled and organised. No medal but a bottle of local ale at the finish line and I was very surprised to get a jar of local honey for being first FV35. (Like I said…it was a small field of entrants!) Thanks to Vicki for suggesting it.
Cheri Edwards

parkruns - 16/03/2024

Kingsway parkrun, Gloucester

  • Cheri Edwards – 26:20

Kingsbury Water parkrun

  • Linda Edwards – 31:23

Chipping Sodbury parkrun

  • Vicki Mason – 27:52

Seaton parkrun

  • Carol Sworn – 29:07
  • Sarah Reynolds – 29:08
  • Andy Sworn – 29:20

Cirencester parkrun

  • Phil Hudson – 23:29
  • Ben Chapman – 23:36
  • Phil Newman – 24:45
  • Paul Billinghurst – 25:17
  • Paul Robertson – 34:25

Morecambe Prom parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 24:47

Seven Fields parkrun

  • Steve Sandercock – 23:57

Central parkrun, Plymouth

  • Darren Jenner – 25:08
  • Felicity Crotty – 36:29

Gungahlin Parkrun, Canberra

  • Liz Hulcup – 29:58 – 1st LV70!

parkruns - 23/03/2024

Aberdeen parkrun

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 30:24

Guildford parkrun

  • Taryn Hancock – 32:43

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 22:21
  • Daniel Drayton – 24:56
  • Paul Billinghurst – 25:01
  • Paul Beaumont – 26:04

Tsurumi Ryokuchi parkrun

  • Cathy Steer – 31:37

Philips Park parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 26:00

Β 

Save the Date!

  • 1st April – April Fools away day run
  • 3rd April – Easter Egg Hunt!
  • 7th April – Highworth 5 mile (RSE Championship race)
  • 15th April – Start of the Beginners’ course
  • 10th May – Bourton Mile (RSE Championship race)
  • 3rd June – Stroud Beer RaceΒ (RSE Championship race)
  • 12th June – Cirencester Summer SizzlerΒ (RSE Championship race)
  • 6th July – Cotswold Way Relay
  • 12th-14th July – Hope Trail Festival

Spread the Word!

Please share the below poster and help spread the word that a new Beginners’ running course is starting!

The next RSE club report will be Sunday 7th April

If you would like a run or race included in the club report, don’t forget to fill in the form below by Sunday 5pm.

RSE Club Report – Fast and Flat!

Linda Frank’s 5 miles

This popular race sells out very quickly and runners need to be quick on the booking forms to gain a place. Although the race is not the most scenic, it’s very flat course and downhill finish make it perfect for PB seekers, and the race holds a place in the Gloucestershire AAA championship.

Congratulations to the club members who took on the challenge!

  • Paul Beaumont – 37:50 – Glos. AAA 1st MV70!
  • Jo Wood – 38:30
  • Steve Sandercock – 38:35
  • Sharon Smith – 39:00 – Glos. AAA 1st FV70!
  • Jo Beames – 39:07 – Glos. AAA 1st FV55!
  • Libby Butler – 40:02
  • Elaine Chapman – 41:08
  • Tim Wainwright – 41:20
  • Ellie Witnall – 43:53
  • Sue Navin – 44:41 – Glos. AAA 1st FV65!
  • Linda Edwards – 45:38
  • Helen Cue – 56:20
  • Charlie Austin – 56:56
  • Sylvia Warman – 1:09:37

Great club turnout and a lovely flat course managed a 23 second 5 mile PB so very chuffed – Libby Butler

 

My first 5mile race. Actually enjoyed it even though it was an early start for Sunday morning. Even thoughΒ  it was laps which I don’t normally like the route was residential so lots of short sections so it didn’t really feel like laps. – Helen Cue

Boddington 10 mile

A brand new race for Gloucestershire, the Boddington 10 is a four-lap course, starting at the top of Boddington Lane before following 4 laps of Boddington. The race is flat and fast, following quiet roads, giving it the potential to be a firm fixture in runner’s diaries.

Well done to the RSE members who took part!

  • Sharon Smith – 1:20:10
  • Jo Wood – 1:22:14
  • Darren Jenner – 1:22:25
  • Kirsty Pitts – 1:25:44
  • Libby Butler – 1:27:38
  • Zoe Markham-Lee – 1:31:31
  • Liz Hulcup – 1:34:02
  • Linda Edwards – 1:34:12
  • Felicity Crotty – 1:47:51

Really enjoyed this race, even though there were 4 loops and we seemed to be heading into the wind more often than not!
It was a fast, flat(ish) course along country lanes, good support from the marshalls and Ted.
Well done to everyone running. Kirsty Pitts

 

This was a great race, great pace and a PB of over 2 mins. 😁 – Libby Butler

Stonehenge Stomp 40k

The Stonehenge Stomp 2024 event has challenges from 5k to 40k and is open to walkers, runners, families and dogs! The stunning views around Stonehenge make this the perfect day out for those looking to explore the area.

A huge well done to Cheri Edwards and Vicki Mason who took on the challenge, and completed the 40k course in a brilliant 5:30:00!

This event is now in its 36th year – and it’s easy to see why! There’s route options to choose from 5k up to 40k and it welcomes runners and walkers. The routes are marked by different coloured little flags (see photo) and these were easy to spot – no wrong turns for us today 😁 Although it was a very relaxed atmosphere (no set start times, no official timing etc) it was well organised and checkpoints were frequent, with friendly marshals. The route gave us a tantalising view of Stonehenge around mile 9, but we had another mile or so of undulations before we reached the closest viewpoint! It was mostly off-road, a mix of fields, bridleways and tracks. Instead of a medal we received a beautiful cloth badge (see photo). Thoroughly recommend this event, we both really enjoyed it – Cheri Edwards and Vicki Mason

parkruns 20/01/2024

Worcester parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 25:39
  • Felicity Crotty – 34:02

Evesham parkrun

  • Cheri Edwards – 26:38

Lydney parkrun

  • Vicki Mason – 32:31

Bicester parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 26:14

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 21:56
  • Daniel Drayton – 23:17
  • Ben Chapman – 24:25
  • Phil Newman – 24:32
  • Phil Hudson – 24:48
  • Robert Baker – 25:30
  • Paul Beaumont – 28:27
  • Elaine Chapman – 28:28
  • Maria Yates – 32:21

Oxford parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup – 26:54

parkruns 20/01/2024

Banbury parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 25:35

Old Deer Park parkrun

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 29:27

Lydiard parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup – 34:54
  • Darren Jenner – 41:50

Stratford-upon-Avon parkrun

  • Linda Edwards – 28:22

Cirencester parkrun

  • Phil Hudson – 22:58
  • Daniel Drayton – 23:35
  • Phil Newman – 24:53
  • Ben Chapman – 25:11
  • Jon Campbell – 25:21
  • Robert Baker – 25:22
  • Paul Billinghurst – 27:09
  • Elaine Chapman – 28:45
  • Maria Yates – 32:00

Witney parkrun

  • Vicki Mason – 32:11

It was the RSE Awards!

A huge congratulations to all of our winners at the annual RSE awards!

Ladies Short Stuff

  • 1st – Sharon Smith
  • 2nd – Anne Gardiner
  • 3rd – Zoe Markham-Lee

Ladies Endurance Expert:

  • 1st – Nia Glover
  • 2nd – Sharon Smith
  • 3rd – Sarah Page

Ladies Championship:

  • 1st – Nia Glover
  • 2nd – Sharon Smith
  • 3rd – Zoe Markham-Lee

Men’s Short Stuff:

  • 1st – Mark Garrett
  • 2nd – Ben Chapman
  • 3rd – Elliot Gardiner

Men’s Endurance Expert:

  • 1st – Mark Garrett
  • 2nd – Elliot Gardiner
  • 3rd – Alan Powderhill

Men’s Championship:

  • 1st – Mark Garrett
  • 2nd – Elliot Gardiner
  • 3rd – Alan Powderhill

Master’s Championship:

  • Ladies – Nadine Brown
  • Men’s – Darren Jenner

RSE’s Most Improved Runner 2023:

  • Sue Navin

The Rochelle Ravenscroft Memorial Award (Runner’s Runner):

  • Anne Gardiner

Save the Date

The next RSE club report will be Sunday 11th/Monday 12th February

If you would like a run or race included in the club report, don’t forget to fill in the form below by Sunday 5pm.

Race Report Form

RSE Club Report – New Year, Another parkrun!

parkruns 06/01/2024

Lydiard parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 22:05
  • Steve Sandercock – 25:11
  • Katy Miller – 27:44
  • Cheri Edwards – 33:46

Whitley Bay parkrun

  • Linda Edwards – 29:46

Worcester parkrun

  • Felicity Crotty – 36:04

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Phil Hudson – 22:01
  • Phil Southworth – 25:06

Seven Fields parkrun

  • Vicki Mason – 28:34

parkruns 13/01/2024

Lydiard parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 21:33
  • Steve Sandercock – 24:51

Cirencester parkrun

  • Ben Chapman – 24:24
  • Phil Newman – 25:22
  • Sharon Smith – 26:28
  • Phil Hudson – 27:14
  • Phil Southworth – 27:18
  • Robert Baker – 28:46
  • Sue Navin – 29:05
  • Vicki Mason – 33:08
  • Maria Yates – 33:19
  • Sylvia Warman – 38:36

Marlborough Common parkrun

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 31:05

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Felicity Crotty – 31:24

Central parkrun, Plymouth

  • Darren Jenner – 26:33

Chipping Norton School parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup – 29:07

Congratulations to our Gloucestershire AAA Road Race Championship medal winners!

Save the Date!

The next RSE club report will be Sunday 28th/Monday 29th January

If you would like a run or race included in the club report, don’t forget to fill in the form below by Sunday 5pm.

RSE Club Report – A December Round Up!

Valencia Marathon

The mild climate year round and flat streets makes Valencia a popular destination for runners, and the Valenica Marathon is also known as one of the quickest marathons in the world. It is therefore unsurprising that it attracting athletes from across the globe.

Joining them from Running Somewhere Else was Linda Edwards, who completed the course in a brilliant time of 4:57:13!

Valencia, city of art, culture and running. It was last winter that my friend Susan from Stratford Upon Avon athletics club suggests Valencia as a marathon. The city is famous for its art and culture and boasts possession of the Holy Grail. A combination of running and tourism made it a great destination to combine both.

As a pre marathon warm up we joined the 5K bimbo run in the beautiful Turia gardens as there are no parkruns in Spain. Looking at the attendees I soon realised that almost all of runners were fit young athletic people which was slightly concerning for two women past their prime. The marathon attracted a good international field of athletes chasing PB's on a flat course.

The logistics of getting to the start line and the organisation of pens meant we had walked around 3-4 miles before crossing the starting mat.The race commenced with a rendition of the Spanish song 'libre' and the music with bands continued throughout the whole course.

Fabulous support and bright sunlight were a welcome treat in December. I loved it all until the usual exhaustion hit me at around 18 miles. Pressing on however I reached what must be the most iconic and beautiful marathon finish line in the world. A blue carpet down an isle of blue water under a blue sky surrounded by outstanding modern architecture.

I finished my 14th marathon in 4:57:13 ( nowhere near a PB on a PB course). Susan however completed her 40th marathon that day. We had much to celebrate over a glass of Agua de Valencia and Paella.

Linda Edwards

Westonbirt House Christmas 10k

Starting at Westonbirt House, this festive 10k takes runners along 2 laps of the countryside roads around the house before heading back through the stunning gardens. The friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery makes this a good race to end the year on.

A huge well done to all the RSE runners who took part!

  • John Campbell – 46:04
  • Daniel Drayton – 47:29
  • Andy Sampson – 49:15.8
  • Stephen Sandercock – 49:45.4
  • Robert Baker – 54:10.8
  • Elliot Gardiner – 1:01:32.0
  • Sylvia Warman – 1:08:52.3
  • Charlotte Austin – 1:14:19.0
Enjoyed this one and paced myself better than usual. Surprised to see the chip time is a PB by a few seconds. Lovely course great marshalls and really good food and drink afterwards.
Sylvia Warman
Last race of the year but as I currently have a few niggles, I was carried by Mr. Snowman! Used it as a nice relaxed training run with Robbo who was an official DB Max 62 min pacer today πŸ‘πŸ» nice not to be shattered at the end of a race for a change! πŸ˜… A couple more weeks rest until the marathon training begins in January.
Elliot Gardiner

Glos AAA XCountry League (race 2)

The Gloucestershire cross country championships were held last Sunday at the University of Bath. this was incorporated in the tri counties championships (Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset), so strong fields were assembled.

The course was relatively flat, especially compared to the Cirencester park course, but was still twisty,Β  muddy and breezy.

Well done to team RSE who took on the mud!

Ladies Race – 6.6km

  • Sharon Smith – 33:17 – 1st LV70
  • Jo Wood – 34:17

Men’s Race – 10k

  • John Last – 43:08 – 3rd MV50
  • David Witnall – 50:39
  • Mick Bagot – 54:03
  • Paul Beaumont – 55:33
The most difficult part of the day was finding the correct carpark and paying the fee! The course was good not too hilly and NOT raining . Managed to leave my competitors behind and came first in my age group and the Championship Gold Medal.
Sharon Smith

parkruns - 09/12/2023

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 24:42
  • William Cobbett – 26:13
  • Robert Baker – 28:51
  • Cheri Edwards – 28:59
  • Jessica James – 30:10
  • Jenny Hoffman – 36:44

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 29:43

Seven Fields parkrun

  • Taryn Hancock – 30:38

Sharpham Estate parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 25:55
  • Felicity Crotty – 35:08

parkruns - 16/12/2023

Wotton parkrun

  • Vikki Mason – 38:12

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 23:24
  • Daniel Drayton – 24:53
  • William Cobbett – 26:37
  • Phil Southworth – 28:35
  • Robert Baker – 29:53

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Helen Cue – 34:32

Central parkrun, Plymouth

  • Darren Jenner – 27:16
  • Felicity Crotty – 40:41

parkruns - 23/12/2023

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 22:54
  • Daniel Drayton – 24:24
  • William Cobbett – 25:37
  • Paul Beaumont – 25:43
  • Steve Sandercock – 26:43
  • Phil Southworth – 27:45
  • Liz Hulcup – 30:05
  • Ellie Witnall – 30:47
  • Sue Navin – 37:51
  • Sylvia Warman – 37:53
  • Maria Yates – 38:00

Witney parkrun

  • Cheri Edwards – 27:04
  • Vicki Mason – 34:14

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Felicity Crotty – 31:37
  • Helen Cue – 33:54

Central parkrun, Plymouth

  • Darren Jenner – 26:42

parkruns - 30/12/2023

Lydiard parkrun

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 29:56

Cirencester parkrun

  • Phil Hudson – 24:00
  • Sharon Smith – 26:28
  • Robert Baker – 26:43
  • Andy Sworn – 27:56
  • Paul Robertson – 28:05
  • Phil Southworth – 28:14
  • Carol Sworn – 29:57
  • Liz Hulcup – 30:58

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 24:29
  • Vicki Mason – 31:50
  • Felicity Crotty – 32:05

NB: a consolidated club report for parkruns on Christmas Day and New Years day is not available on the parkrun website, so I have been unable to include these in the RSE report.

Save the Date!

  • 20th January – Awards night!
  • 9th June 2024 – Fairford 10k!

The next RSE club report will be Sunday 14th/Monday 15th January

If you would like a run or race included in the club report, don’t forget to fill in the form below by Sunday 5pm.