Slogging On: Home and Away

Race Report – 05/10/2025

Cirencester Slog

In support of SARA and the NFRSA, The Cirencester Slog is an annual 10 mile trail run in Cirencester Park. Runners get to tackle a mix of terrain and enjoy rarely explored parts of the park. In addition to the 10 mile race is a 5k family friendly trail run. RSE runners tackled both distances today, with the 10 mile part of the Club Championship.

10 mile:

Alan Powderhill: 1:20:46
Dan Drayton: 01:23:36
Darren Jenner: 01:23:55
Elliot Gardiner: 01:25:41
Zoe Markham-Lee: 01:42:24
Elaine Chapman: 01:43:45

5k:

Felicity Crotty: 33:46
Sylvia Warman: 36:58

Been a while since I’ve run a club race, but figured I’d be doing a long run anyway so why not. Enjoyed a leisurely walk down, great when a race is on your doorstep!
Not a huge turnout but very well organised. I really enjoyed it! It was definitely a slog at times but had the great company of Zoe in the first 8 miles which made it much better. Ran some new parts of the park as well. All in all I loved it, my legs not so much and are aching a fair bit!! – Elaine

Still not fit enough to race, so took it steady and used it as a training run. Aimed for around 8.30 pace/a sub 1.30 and a negative split, so I was very pleased to achieve that. Nice to explore some new parts of Ciren park I’d never run in before. Plus the feed station at the finish line had an excellent selection of treats! Would recommend this race for anyone interested in a local scenic trail race. – Elliot

Trail isn’t usually my favorite surface, but today went very well. A really nice course with some long flat segments that meant I could get into a good rhythm.
The slog description was apt for the last mile, where it seemed the finish line never got any closer.
A good morning in the park with fellow RSE runners. – Alan

An enjoyable but tough local race, did better than I expected. – Darren

Lovely weather for it. I saw parts of the park I’d never seen before and could probably never find the route again! I ran most of it with Elaine, until she coached me (got bored of me) and told me to run faster. It was nice to be home, still in the morning, from a race. – Zoe

Went to support the Cirencester slog 10 mile race but had a bit of FOMO so signed up to do the 5k. It was nice to support the charities and see some different trails within the park. – Felicity

Signed up for this as I thought the 10 miles might be a bit much so close to a half. It was great to run a 5k that wasn’t endless loops. The terrain was a bit more cross country than parkrun too. And due to the tiny field I won my age category (as the only person in it!). – Sylvia

Run to the Sea Bournemouth

This 50k ultra race runs from Moors Valley Country Park to Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth. It follows the Castleman Trailway for part of the route, as well as a stretch of the seafront into Bournemouth. Runners tackle a variety of terrain including forest trails and coastal paths. Sara represented RSE at Run to the Sea, completing her first 50k ultra.

Sara Juggins: 06:38:14

It was my first 50km ultra marathon. It was a really good scenic route not to hilly mainly hard surfaces so road trainers were fine. It was really well signed and the CP were fantastic. Very well organised. – Sara

Cardiff Half

The Cardiff Half is renowned for being fast, flat and well supported, making for some fast times despite this year’s windy conditions. Runners were taken on a sightseeing tour of the city with the course taking in the iconic landmarks within the Welsh capital including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, barrage, Norwegian Church and Wales Millennium Centre.

Paul Robertson: 1:48:15
Rachel Weaver: 2:23:19
Monica Farthing: 02:27:46

Weather was perfect for a run. THAT hill at mile 12 is harsh so I did walk up it!!! Then it’s downhill till the end. Knocked off 5 mins from last time I ran it. – Monica

This race is a must if you like big race day feels! Big runner attendance, big crowds and a route that takes in some wonderful views and sights. This course has great potential for PB’s which makes it no surprise to be one of the Super Halfs. Lush to see some RSE runners out there today. – Paul

After an early start, finally the race began. Cardiff didn’t disappoint with its party atmosphere. The support was incredible. This definitely won’t go down as an easy run! Mostly due to continuous volume of runners. I was so pleased to see Monica in her RSE top out on the course. Now time to rest. – Rachel

Alcester 10k

The Alcester 10k race has been running for 11 years, taking place on Warwickshire’s rolling country lanes. The race epitomises the strong sense of community in Alcester, which includes one of the local cider brands providing cups of cider to runners at the water station!

Rachel Smith: 59:55

This is a lovely 10km road race that starts in Alcester High Street and runs a single loop through the Warwickshire countryside. Well attended with over 1,500 runners. Pleased with my time. I only hope the official time is similar as very close on the hour! 🙂 – Rachel

Parkruns

Didcot

Liz Hulcup: 28:05

Maldon Prom

Cathy Steer: 32:27

Cirencester

Phil Hudson: 22:31
Ollie Hazel: 23:03
Paul Billinghurst: 23:31
Phil Newman: 23:29
Paul Robertson: 25:50
Robert Baker: 26:35
Vicki Mason: 29:27
Phil Scoble: 30:14
Maria Yates: 30:16
Anne-Marie Davies: 30:31
Sylvia Warman: 37:52