Author Archives: Ellie Taylor

Gloucestershire AAA Cross Country League – Cirencester Park

Cross country races are notorious for being wet, muddy and hilly; it’s a brave runner who takes on the course! The Cirencester Park version was no different, but this time it was on home turf. It was also a great honour for RSE to take on hosting of the race. A huge well done to Dave Witnall for mapping out the course and meeting with the race officials and judges, and on the day point of contact for marshals, Sarah Reynolds who organised the marshals, and Pauline Tilbury who brought her expertise in race organisation to the mix – the day ran like clockwork thanks to this dream team!

A massive thank you to all of the marshals, who braved the elements throughout the day to ensure runners questions were answered, and they ran in the right direction! – Sarah Page, Martin Page, Paul Beaumont, Ellie Witnall, Jo Wood, Ollie Hazel, Richard Grice, Felicity Crotty, Monica Farthing, Fran Penny, Liz Farooq, Kevin Joynes-Creed, Caroline Joynes-Creed, Andy Poole, Vanessa Poole, Dave Daniels, Ben Chapman, Elaine Chapman, Daniel Chapman, Matthew Chapman, Anne Gardiner, Paul Coates, Phil Southworth, Steve Sandercock, Kirsty Pitts, Ted Pitts, Maria Yates, Katy M, Gareth Roberts, Martin Sheriff

We also had 2 runners who took to the course, and got thoroughly soaked in the process!

Entering the 6.4k heat:

• Fran Penny – 38:34
• Paul Beaumont – 38:43

Here’s to another successful year next year!

Gower 50k Ultra

The first place in Britain to be names as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, the Gower is the perfect place for runners seeking an awe-inspiring back drop. It’s a more unique runner who takes on the 50k version! With a back drop of backdrop of cliff tops, downland, woodland, sand dunes and world famous beaches, the course starts in Oxwich before heading across country to Fairyhill and Llangennith, then following the long coastline back round to the start. Although advertised as a 50k, there was a bonus 6k tagged on the end for good measure, which I’m sure all entrants appreciated!

A huge congratulations to Rosie Hartland, who took on her first ever ultra marathon! Rosie completed the course in a fantastic time of 8:46:34!

It was without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever done but also the best experience ever. I loved and hated it at the same time, mostly because the weather was so feral! We had a lot of serious head winds on the peaks, moors and beach strips which made it hard to even stand up straight! I am still buzzing and in total disbelief I did it 😁 The 20 mile wall hit me hard and I almost gave up but I was adopted by a lovely group of runners who kept me going to the end ❤️❤️ I think getting soaked through actually helped oddly because I got so cold I became numb to all the pain 😂

Rosie Hartland

Guy Fawkes 5

The flat, fast course of the Guy Fawkes 5 makes it a good choice for those taking on their first 5-miler, or for those seeking a PB. Based in Tewkesbury, the route is not the most inspiring, but the good news is it’s over a lot quicker than the standard 10k. There is also free cake at the end for all finishers, which is part of the reason this race is so popular.

RSE runners took to the course en masse:

• David Witnall – 32:10
• Mark Garrett – 32:15
• Paul Robertson – 35:59
• Elliot Gardiner – 36:12 – First 5-miler!
• Dylan Boreham – 38:03 – First 5-miler!
• Elaine Chapman – 39:13
• Jo Wood – 39:31
• Alan Powderhill – 40:12
• Steve Sandercock – 40:46
• Darren Jenner – 41:08
• Anne Gardiner – 41:24 – New PB!
• Paul Beaumont – 41:43
• Paul Coates – 42:12
• Sarah Page – 42:26
• Liz Farooq – 43:00 – New PB!
• Kirsty Pitts – 43:12
• Liz Hulcup – 43:41
• Martin Pitts – 44:20
• Linda Edwards – 45:55
• Gareth Roberts – 46:23
• Rosanna Price – 49:53
• Felicity Crotty – 54:21
• Sylvia Warman – 55:49 – First 5-miler!

There was a great atmosphere and it was really well organised. A nice, flat course with a lovely medal and cake at the end 😄

Liz Farooq

We were lucky not to get rained on and marshalling was cheerful and supportive. Very grateful it was flat course!

Sarah Page

First time doing a 5 mile race distance so wasn’t sure what to expect & anything would be a PB 😂. Plan was to run in between my 5K PB pace and 10K PB pace at 7.15 minute miles. Managed to average 7.12’s and get well under 37 mins, so very pleased overall. A new target set to break next time!

Elliot Gardiner

parkruns

Hampstead Heath parkrun

• Jenny Hoffman – 32:39

Curl Curl parkrun

• Anne-Marie Davies – 27:54

Cirencester parkrun

• Paul Robertson – 22:12
• Daniel Drayton – 23:29
• Jon Campbell – 23:50
• Elaine Chapman – 26:34
• Andy Sworn – 27:16
• Kevin Joynes-Creed – 27:32
• Linda Edwards – 29:19
• Maria Yates – 32:44

Witney parkrun

• Taryn Hancock – 31:15

California Country parkrun

• Cheri Edwards – 29:12

Stratford Park parkrun, Stroud

• Sharon Smith – 27:22

Save the Date!

Dates to add to your diary:

• Wednesday 9th November, 8pm: Ice Ultra Talk / Q&A Session with Sampo
• Saturday 28th January 2023: Annual RSE Awards evening

If you would like a run or race included in the club report, don’t forget to message Ellie Witnall by 5pm Sunday each week 

parkruns

Cirencester parkrun

A huge congratulations to 2 of our club members who completed their 100th parkrun this week! That’s nearly 2 years worth of Saturday mornings spent at a parkrun – well done both of you!

• Elliot Gardiner – 22:32
• Phil Newman – 24:11
• Paul Beaumont – 25:12
• Phil Southworth – 25:28
• Daniel Drayton – 25:39 – 100th parkrun!!!
• Paul Coates – 26:07
• Steve Sandercock – 26:11 – 100th parkrun!!!
• Gemma Wright – 26:22
• Sarah Reynolds – 26:33
• Sharon Smith – 27:46
• Andy Poole – 27:46
• Andy Sworn – 27:54
• Anne-Marie Davies – 28:20
• Kirsty Pitts – 29:33
• Rosanna Price – 29:50
• Vicki Mason – 29:55
• Nadine Brown – 31:31
• Monica Farthing – 32:36
• Felicity Crotty – 34:23
• Paul Robertson – 35:06

Hampstead Heath parkrun

• Jenny Hoffman – 33:11

Shrewsbury parkrun

• Taryn Hancock – 30:14

Cranbrook Country Park parkrun

• Darren Jenner – 25:54

And a parkrun Cup Update!

For those of you who have not heard, RSE are running their first ever parkrun cup! (Unfortunately lockdown hindered plans the first time it was held.) This challenge aims to put all runners on an equal playing field, using handicaps on runners with faster times. Each round, runners are drawn for 1-1 head to heads, which they complete at Cirencester parkrun. The winner goes on to the next round!

The parkrun cup is now down to the semi-finals! The remaining ties are as follows:

• Linda Edwards VS Paul Robertson
• Vicki Mason VS Maria Yates

After competing in several rounds, gaining new PBs and knocking out some of RSE’s finest, the competition is tight! Dave Witnall will be putting out a full update before the final – watch this space!

Save the Date!

Other dates to add to your diary:

• Wednesday 9th November, 8pm: Ice Ultra Talk / Q&A Session with Sampo
• Saturday 28th January 2023: Annual RSE Awards evening

Cross Country

As a club we are organising the first round of the Gloucestershire AAA Cross country championships, held in the Bathurst Estate on Saturday 5th November.

The first group of volunteers will be needed from 9-11.30 this will be for car parking and the junior races marshal points. This will give an opportunity to run the races also. The second group from 11- 15:30 for car parking and senior races and Marshall points.

We will provide some refreshments for those helping.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact David Witnall or Sarah Reynolds directly and indicate which slot you would like to do.

If you would like a run or race included in the club report, don’t forget to message Ellie Witnall by 5pm Sunday each week 

Abingdon Marathon

If you prefer quiet country lanes and villages to the grandeur or a city marathon, the Abingdon Marathon is a race to look out for. The two-lap course is flat, taking runners from the centre of Abingdon through to the villages of Drayton, Milton and Sutton Courtenay. The race is well support by marshals and spectators, particularly in the grandstand start and finish at Tilsley Park, but also gives runners moments of quiet around the village lanes.

This year, RSE has a great turnout of runners!

• Rachel Bodey – 3:41:55
• Andy Poole – 3:42:17
• Sarah Page – 4:12:18 – New PB!
• Ellie Witnall – 4:14:17
• Kevin Joynes-Creed – 4:22:10

The Abingdon Marathon today was thoroughly enjoyable despite the slightly damp start! Support from families and running friends was fantastic, and a ‘hats off’ for all the race wardens too-many of them carefully guided us through all the turns and pathways-really helpful especially in those last few miles when it’s hard to concentrate on anything other than the next step! A lovely day.

Andy Poole

A small event with a friendly atmosphere, brilliant support from friends, family, RSE and locals despite the weather. A very wet line up and start, plenty of mud and puddles, but blazing sunshine by the end so it had it all! (apart from hills – but I was able to forgive that). My first marathon – I’d never thought I could do it so very pleased to find out I was wrong

Rachel Bodey

Abingdon Marathon, ouch.
It’s safe to say that’s the hardest start line I’ve ever managed to get to. The training, pre race preparation and weather were all about as far from ideal as they could have been. Even 10mins before the start I could quite happily have had a DNS.
Thankfully I did cross the start line which kinda meant the finish line became compulsory.
For anyone wanting a fast time Abingdon has to be top of your list. The route is pretty much flat and the organisation is exceptional. Given the rain all of the marshals were amazing with clear instructions and fantastic support. Having a few familiar faces as the RSE cheer squad was amazing as well.
Congratulations to all of team RSE on some fantastic individual results today, I couldn’t be prouder to wear the yellow vest alongside you all 💛

Kevin Joynes-Creed

Castles Half Marathon

Based in the historic village of Bamburgh, this is a popular race with incredible views of the castle. The course slightly undulates across the Northumberland, and the website boasts of views out to the Farne Islands, Holy Island and the North Sea.

Running for RSE was Linda Edwards, who completed the course in a brilliant time of 2:14!

It starts and finishes at the glorious Banburgh castle. The course was quiet and undulating ( hilly) and the scenery would have been beautiful if it had not been misty.

Linda Edwards

parkruns

Preston Park parkrun, Brighton

• Amanda Ball – 33:37

Cirencester parkrun

• Jon Campbell – 22:56
• Daniel Drayton – 23:26
• Paul Beaumont – 24:50
• Phil Southworth – 25:02
• Andy Sworn – 28:08
• Anne-Marie Davies – 28:30
• Marie Yates – 30:36
• Cathy Steer – 31:48
• Sylvia Warman – 35:00

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

• David Witnall – 21:05
• Elliot Gardiner – 21:35 – New PB!
• Ben Chapman – 22:54
• Alan Powderhill – 23:39 – New PB!
• Paul Robertson – 23:39

Warwick Racecourse parkrun

• Felicity Crotty – 33:21

Seven Fields parkrun

• Vicki Mason – 32:42

Woodgate Valley Country Park parkrun

• Linda Edwards – 29:56

Save the Date!

Other dates to add to your diary:

• Wednesday 9th November, 8pm: Ice Ultra Talk / Q&A Session with Sampo
• Saturday 28th January 2023: Annual RSE Awards evening

Cross Country

As a club we are organising the first round of the Gloucestershire AAA Cross country championships, held in the Bathurst Estate on Saturday 5th November.

The first group of volunteers will be needed from 9-11.30 this will be for car parking and the junior races marshal points. This will give an opportunity to run the races also. The second group from 11- 15:30 for car parking and senior races and Marshall points.

We will provide some refreshments for those helping.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact David Witnall or Sarah Reynolds directly and indicate which slot you would like to do.

If you would like a run or race included in the club report, don’t forget to message Ellie Witnall by 5pm Sunday each week 

Bath Half Marathon

With 7,000 runners taking part, the Bath Half Marathon boasts incredible support from thousands of spectators throughout the heart of the city. This year the race was celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The course is fast and flat, attracting runners from first-timers to PB-seekers to those aiming to set record-breaking attempts.

Well done to Tim Wainwright and Alan Powderhill, who both completed the race only 2 weeks after having run London Marathon!

• Alan Powderhill – 1:54:54
• Tim Wainwright – 2:12:32

My 4th bath half, different course this time with a lovely steep hill right at the finish. I was 30 seconds off my PB and was shocked I had it in my legs 2 weeks after London, along with the weather all in all a very positive day.

Alan Powderhill

Swindon Trail Ultra

Starting and finishing in Swindon’s Lydiard park, this ultra trail race is listed as beginner friendly due to a ‘generous’ cut off time. That being said, runners cover over 50k with 2185ft overall elevation. The route visits the beautiful countryside surrounding Swindon, including the Ridgeway, castles and canal paths.

Running for RSE were ultra veterans Mark Manley and Lesley Hinsley, who finished in a brilliant time of 6hours and 16 minutes!

Mark and I ran the Swindon 50k Ultra today. A circular trail route starting at Lydiard Park, off up to Barbury Castle, taking in part of the Ridgeway, Coate Water, Swindon Old Town, canal path and old Railway line, back Mouldon Country Park, through Lydiard Millicent to arrive back at Lydiard Park. 2,000 ft elevation.

Lesley Hinsley

Cotswold Classic Sprint Duathlon

Hosted by Tough Runner UK, the Cotswold Sprint Duathlon takes place in the picturesque surroundings of Notgrove Estate, Cotswolds. Open to entrants of all abilities, the course features a 5km run, 20km cycle, followed by another 5km run through the open rural roads around the estate. Competing for RSE was Charlie Austin, who completed the course in a brilliant time!

Chip times have not been released, but Charlie completed each section in the following:

• Run 1: 38 mins
• Bike: 1hr 7 mins
• Run 2: 40 mins

I did the Cotswold Classic Sprint Duathlon this morning. Bloody early start with registration opening at 6am. Race started at 8am 5k trail running loop in beautiful countryside. Then a VERY HILLY 22k road bike ride with a repeat of the 5k run at the end.

A nice event, but if anyone wants to give duathlons a try for the first time and they aren’t reasonable on a bike it might put them off. The Westonbirt Duathlon in March is a better first time event.

Charlie Austin

Eden project trail half

The Eden Project Half Marathon and Marathon combine to be Cornwall’s biggest running event, starting and finishing at the famous biomes, and crossing a typically Cornish trail route (think hilly!). The race is described as ‘challenging’, following a multi-terrain course that takes in the natural beauty of the area. Runners can expect to visit the Cornish mining heritage as well as beautiful countryside landscapes.

Congratulations to Zoe Markham-Lee, who finished the course in 2 hours 16 minutes!

Best thing about the race was that you got a pint and a pasty at the end! Very undulating! Ran it with my mate Jon. He holds the water etc to make it easier!

Zoe Markham-Lee

parkrun

Hackney Marshes parkrun

• Campbell McIlroy – 22:38

Malling parkrun

• Paul Robertson – 21:59

Cirencester parkrun

• Jon Campbell – 22:33
• Phil Newman – 24:50
• Jessica James – 26:05
• Liz Hulcup – 26:16 – 1st LV65
• Steve Sandercock – 26:24
• Paul Coates – 26:51
• Anne-Marie Davies – 28:51
• Maria Yates – 29:57
• Caroline Joynes-Creed – 31:59
• Kevin Joynes-Creed – 32:01
• Phil Southworth – 43:08

Witney parkrun

• Taryn Hancock – 30:29

Hogmoor Inclosure parkrun

• Darren Jenner – 27:25
• Felicity Crotty – 34:52

Save the Date!

Other dates to add to your diary:

• Wednesday 9th November, 8pm: Ice Ultra Talk / Q&A Session with Sampo
• Saturday 28th January 2023: Annual RSE Awards evening

Cross Country

As a club we are organising the first round of the Gloucestershire AAA Cross country championships, held in the Bathurst Estate on Saturday 5th November.

The first group of volunteers will be needed from 9-11.30 this will be for car parking and the junior races marshal points. This will give an opportunity to run the races also. The second group from 11- 15:30 for car parking and senior races and Marshall points.

We will provide some refreshments for those helping.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact David Witnall or Sarah Reynolds directly and indicate which slot you would like to do.

If you would like a run or race included in the club report, don’t forget to message Ellie Witnall by 5pm Sunday each week