A friendly running club based in Cirencester!

RSE Club Report – What’s the Story, Marathon Glory!

South Downs Way 50

Following the South Downs National Way trail, this 50 mile race rewards runners with awe inspiring views north across the Weald and the coast/ English Channel. The course starts in Worthing and finishes in Eastbourne, following chalk footpaths and bridleways to points such as Truleigh Hill, Devil’s Dyke, Ditchling Beacon, and Greenwich Meridian.

A huge well done to Sarah Reynolds who completed the challenge in 10:21:55!

Blessed with sunshine and a strong tailwind, I made my way up and down the South Downs Way from Worthing to Eastbourne. Great check points, friendly marshals and a fab support team (thanks Katy and Matt!) made this a fun day (painful too...)
Sarah Reynolds

Manchester Marathon

Known for its famously flat route, Manchester Marathon is the UK’s second largest marathon draws participants from across the world. The Mancunian support along the course is second to none, and the course boasts some iconic music to keep runners going.

Well done to the RSE club members who took on the challenge!

  • Nia Glover – 3:25:05
  • Elliot Gardiner – 4:06:34
  • Phil Newman – 4:12:38
  • Alan Powderhill – 4:15:43 – New PB!
  • Leah Brown
  • Paul Robertson
A very good day for me achieving a 10 minute marathon PB! Brilliant to run with some great RSE runners. A good course with really friendly crowds. Everyone ran so well, and so pleased all the training paid off.
Alan Powderhill
During mile 24 of the London Marathon last year, I said to myself I’m never doing another full marathon again, but yet after not hitting the goal I wanted, I signed up to the Manchester Marathon the following day 😅After what seemed like a very long winter training schedule (but a more sensible & relaxed approach to my plan) it was time for my second marathon. The atmosphere, live music and support from a very friendly crowd was amazing and it all spurred me on to stick to my pacing plan and achieve a new PB by 9 mins! 🦾 I’m so pleased with my overall pacing improvement since last year which shows all the hard work and training pays off! 🤩🏅 I’m thankful to everyone for all their support throughout my training plan; my family, friends, everyone at RSE & coach David Witnall, the Manchester Marathon training gang Alan Powderhill Paul Robertson Leah Brown Nia Glover Phil Newman Now the question is 3rd marathon?…sub 4 target?
Elliot Gardiner
Really good race with lots of support. Robbo, Al, Leah and myself ran together for the bulk of the race. Split up toward the end with Leah and myself leading the way but a few cramps for Leah slowed us to a walk around the 25 mile mark but picked up again for a good finish to find a very pale Elliot at the finish line - ideal conditions and a good flat course.
Phil Newman
This was my first marathon and it totally surpassed all expectations, the crowds were brilliant throughout and the buzz around the race was incredible. I didn’t expect to find the race so much fun! The messages of support for us all from the club were amazing and I’m so grateful for all of the help and guidance throughout the training, it really reinforced just how wonderful RSE is!
Nia Glover

Limassol Marathon

The officail race of Cyprus, this beautiful race follows the Mediterranean coastline. Starting in the centre Limassol, runners head out along the beachfront to the ruins of the ancient Royal city of Amathus, before running back to the city centre. The route boasts spectacular views and a fast, flat course, as well as a friendly and celebratory atmosphere.

Congratulations to Lesley Hinsley who completed the race in 4:33:29!

Well I can honestly say, that was the hardest race I have ever done. It was 27°c, sun shining brightly. Not a cloud in the sky. The course was an out and back through the town centre of Limassol on the road surrounded by tall white buildings, designed to reflect the heat. There was no support along the way at all as all roads closed to everyone. Unlike when my experience of Manchester which was one big 'party'. The heat totally zapped all my energy. I tried desperately to keep cool pouring water over my head at every aid station. It was horrendous!! Runners were being taken off by ambulance and others wired up to machines in the medical tents back at the finish. Never again! Having said this the organisation and running village were great.
Lesley Hinsley

London Marathon

Highly regarded as the running event of the year, the London Marathon draws elites, celebrities, charities, fancy dress costumes and record breakers alike. The majority of ‘mass’ runners begin at Blackheath, although there are two starting areas to cater to the number of participants. The course boasts iconic London landmarks, including the Cutty Sark at 10k, London Bridge at mile 12.5, Canary Wharf and Embankment, and the final stretch down birdcage walk, passing Buckingham palace. Finishers collect their medals on the Mall.

A huge congratulations to the RSE members who ran the course and to Paul Robertson who completed the virtual London marathon – I’m sure they will fill us in once they have recovered!

  • Felicity Crotty – 5:00:42
  • Monica Farthing – 6:01:00
  • Rachel Bodey – 3:49:53
  • Tim Wainwright
A lovely day, amazing experience, ridiculous crowd, spectators, experience!!
Felicity Crotty

Malvern Hills Trail half

This multi-terrain half marathon is a great choice for runners who like beautiful scenery and views, and don’t mind a hill or 2! The staff and the atmosphere are friendly, making it a perfect choice for a warm, spring day.

Congratulations to Zoe Markham-Lee who completed the course in 3:26:02!

2,525 feet on elevation. We went through fields, woodland and lots and lots of hills. Good aid stations with lovely oranges to refresh you. My legs definitely feel it today!
Zoe Markham-Lee

parkruns - 13/04/2024

Chippenham parkrun

  • Cheri Edwards – 27:44

Chipping Sodbury parkrun

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 29:23

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 22:35
  • David Witnall – 23:53
  • Paul Billinghurst – 24:16
  • Anne Gardiner – 25:39
  • Samantha Ward – 31:01

Witney parkrun

  • Taryn Hancock – 33:22

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Vicki Mason – 30:45

Central parkrun, Plymouth

  • Darren Jenner – 25:40
  • Felicity Crotty – 34:32

parkruns - 20/04/2024

Keswick parkrun

  • Cheri Edwards – 26:03

Cirencester parkrun

  • Phil Hudson – 22:23
  • Paul Billinghurst – 24:02
  • Sharon Smith – 24:45
  • Steve Sandercock – 26:18
  • Paul Robertson – 58:58

Oxford parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup – 27:45

Save the date!

  • 9th May – RSE Skittles Night for TIC+
  • 10th May – Bourton Mile (RSE Championship race)
  • 3rd June – Stroud Beer Race (RSE Championship race)
  • 12th June – Cirencester Summer Sizzler (RSE Championship race)
  • 23rd June – Rounders & Afternoon Tea – RSE vs Bourton Road Runners @ Stow Rugby Club
  • 6th July – Cotswold Way Relay
  • 12th-14th July – Hope Trail Festival
  • July (date TBC) – Family fun & BBQ @ St Michaels Park
  • 3rd August – RSE Summer Pool Party @ The Open Air Pool
  • September (date TBC) – Quiz & Chips for charity
  • October (date TBC) – End of Season social

The next RSE club report will be Sunday 5th May

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.