Starting with races from last weekend…

Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon is a road marathon held in October in Chicago Illinois. It is one of the seven World Marathon Majors. The Chicago Marathon is one of the largest races by number of finishers worldwide. The race was awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque in 2024, for “outstanding contribution to the history and development of road running.”

• Jennie Glass 3:40.02  (New PB !!)

Jennie “Chicago marathon has to be one of the best organised marathons I’ve done. It was an early start which meant getting to bag drop and the starting corral in the dark but the nerves and excitement of being part of such an iconic event – with 53,000 other runners – helped a lot. The crowd support through the different neighbourhoods was incredible and the route took you alongside Lake Michigan and past some impressive  Chicago architecture.  Chicago is one of those cities where it feels a bit like you’re in a movie – apparently it’s the birthplace of the skyscraper. The course is flat apart from a small hill at mile 26 which felt hard at the time. I managed to shave 7 minutes off my PB so I was delighted with that. It was a long way to go for a race but the enthusiastic support from the crowd and the whole race experience was unforgettable. I would definitely recommend it.”

Gloucestershire Cross Country Race Number 1

Further to last week’s report, when the results weren’t available.

Jon says “Unfortunately the results are not trustworthy for the blokes. Somehow they’ve scrambled the 2 men’s results and put them in the same race (races 8&10).I think the women’s is ok. This was the first of 4 Gloucs AAA x- country races was held at Nympsfield; organised by Stroud RC. 6km for ladies, 9.2km for men. Dry, cool conditions, perfect for running. Good vibe. Some short and sharp hill work on the big loops. Good turn out from RSE. Enough to gain a team score in both ladies and men, which bodes well for 25/26 season. Tough race, and strong efforts by our guys. Next race is 1 Nov at Ciren Park, organised by us. Dave Witnall is race director. Please help marshal but most importantly, run!!”

Royal Parks Half Marathon

• Sylvia Warman -2:40.05 (New PB !!)

Sylvia “I decided I’d like to try a big closed road half. This was a good choice. Well organised with great volunteers, epic encouragement from the public and a interesting and mostly flat course. The weather was also very kind. And despite feeling very tired towards the end a PB by a few seconds.”

Moving to this weekend….

York Marathon

• Paul Robertson 3:58.59

Paul – “This race was absolutely fantastic. Overtaken London into second place on my favourite marathon (that I have run) list. The organisation, route and finish line was probably the best organised I have seen. Water stations everywhere on route with water, electrolytes and gels at most. Don’t think you ran more than 4 miles without a row of portaloos! The organisation and detail was just top notch. The race village itself takes over the South Campus of York University and there’s everything you could want. Food drink, entertainment, massages, pop up shops the lot! The university itself is beautiful!

Not a PB today but happy to return to the sub 4 marathon club and post my second fastest marathon. I know where I left time on that course so would definitely go do that one again. Crowds not as big as Manchester and London but they are from Yorkshire and they are loud and proud.

Absolutely buzzing.”

Lightning Bolt 10k at Langley Burrell.

Fast and flat; a club championship race.

• James Ball 39.18
• Nia Glover 40.57 (New PB!!)
• Mark Garrett 42.58
• Al Powderhill 44.59 (New PB!!)
• Ben Mutlow 45.40
• Rebecca Southerington 46.01
• Michael Bagot 46.57
• Darren Jenner 47.08(New PB!!)
• Tom Burdett 47.23 (New PB!!)
• Ben Chapman 47.28
• Sharon Smith 47.46
• Steve Sandercock 50.52
• Zoe Markham-Lee 53.37
• Jade Beaumont 57.38
• Felicity Crotty 57.41

Al – “Over the moon to join the sub 45 10k club! I managed a 54 second PB and squeezed under the 45 minute time by 1 second. A brilliant 10k course, didn’t enjoy the rain though.
As always great to see so many other RSE runners doing so well.”

Nia “I’ve been wanting to run this race for ages as it’s famous for being fast and flat and perfect for getting a PB. We had a great turnout from RSE today in less than favourable conditions! I was thrilled to run a PB and also go sub 41 which feels like a big milestone.”

Sharon – “Thanks to the wonderful Dave Daniels who gave me a Sports Massage  on Friday I enjoyed the race without any aches at all. Weather was a bit blustery but as always great marshalling and friendly team. A nice flat rural course which I would highly recommend .”

Jade – “Really nice to get out and run despite the horribly wet weather! Great to see so many RSE runners get PBs!”

Darren – “Terrible weather that seemed to get worse as we went along. Very happy and a little surprised to knock 28 seconds off my PB 🥳. A good turn out by RSE and lots of quick runs today. Well done to all of the marshals and supporters for braving the conditions.”

Ben Chapman – “This was a perfect 10K for a PB – and it looks like a lot of our members got one! Not me today though as I’m gradually getting older and unfitter, but I loved it anyway – even though it was rather wet! 🌧️
Highlights included being flanked by a 4-man RSE safety circle just after the start, and the world’s loudest marshal barking instructions and encouragement. Brian Blessed has a challenger methinks! “😄  Congratulations to all the PB earners 🥇

Tom – “Wet race – constant drizzle.
Started with Rebecca, Darren and Mick around the 48 minute pacer. Naturally they all sprinted off and left me.
I stuck with the pacer until the final kilometre. Then I had Ben on my side. This spurred me on to push and get ahead – leaving me with a PB time of 47:23 – beating my Ciren Summer Sizzler PB by two minutes!
Great race – even if the conditions were not so great!
Well done all who took part and thanks to those who came to cheer us on/marshall the event.”

Well Run 10k

This 10k race starts from Far Peak near Northleach. Well Run races aim to encourage runners of all abilities to take part, with the ethos of running a friendly, all-inclusive event that promotes a strong social community and good mental wellbeing for all.
WellRun Kids Fun Runs welcome children aged 6-16 to take part in a 1km or 3km, cross country, undulating race course,

• Sara Juggins 1:00.05

Sara – “It is a mixture of down hill and one long up hill for about 3km. It’s a very scenic route. A very well organised event.”

Running Somewhere Else – Parkrun Report

Event Date: 18 October 2025

Hackney Marshes parkrun (#728)

• Campbell MCILROY – 21:12

Haverfordwest parkrun (#343)

• Jon CAMPBELL – 21:31

Cirencester parkrun (#314)

• Wayne HEWITT – 21:27

• Paul BILLINGHURST – 23:01

• Robert BAKER – 26:00

• William COBBETT – 26:06

• Andy SWORN – 26:09

• Ben CHAPMAN – 26:20

• Sue NAVIN – 26:52

• Paul ROBERTSON – 27:13

• Anne GARDINER – 27:23

• Sharon SMITH – 28:17

• Jessica JAMES – 28:40

• Sara JUGGINS – 29:12

• Samantha WARD – 29:13

• Rachel SMITH – 29:32

• Phil SCOBLE – 29:51

• Elaine CHAPMAN – 29:51

• Maria YATES – 30:37

Chipping Norton School parkrun (#215)

• Anne-Marie DAVIES – 29:46

Victoria Park parkrun, Newbury (#4)

• Taryn HANCOCK – 33:38

Kilkenny Lane Country parkrun (#1)

• Vicki MASON – 29:23

Witney Parkrun

• Liz Hulcup – 28:35

Diary Dates

November 1st  – Glos Cross Country  at Cirencester Park. Dave Witnall is organising marshals.

A busy week of record-breaking races and Park Run celebrities!

Races

Grittleton 10k

Grittleton 10k is a predominantly flat 1 lap circuit ideal for those aiming for a fast time.

Nia Glover 41:43

Elliot Gardiner 47:29

Nia: This is a great race, the route is mostly flat and fast along quiet lanes which made for perfect racing. We also had perfect weather conditions today. The I-Compete team always do a great job with good medals, Haribo snakes on the finish line and great supportive marshalls and pacers. I wanted to run it as a controlled tempo effort given also had the XC later in the day so a nice bonus to come in as second lady.

Elliot: I’ve been waiting to do this race for a while since they stopped organising it after the pandemic. So when they announced its return, I provisionally booked it for a PB attempt. Unfortunately as the full fitness isn’t quite back yet, I decided to just aim to beat my last 10K race time, and stuck with the 48 min pacer until the last mile, before testing the sprint finish 😅 Official chip time was 47.29, which was a minute faster than my last 10K, so I’m pleased with the progression, even if I’m still 4 mins off a PB! The attractive medal and the roast at the local pub afterwards were definitely worth the struggle up the hill at 8K!

Gloucestershire AAA Cross Country Race 1

This was the first race in the Gloucestershire AAA Cross Country league for the season. It was held at Tinkley Gate near Nympsfield.

(awaiting results)

Nia: For women our course was about 4 miles with one shorter lap and two larger laps incorporating the steep uphills and downhills. It was a fun course and we had brilliant turnout from RSE which made for a great afternoon

Paul: Thought it was a really good cross country course – twists and turns, ups and downs, good views – and the whole thing is getting even better by the hour! (I might have thought a bit differently about this if it had been raining and muddy). Great stuff by Jon – getting us out and doing it

Sharpness 4

The Sharpness 4 is a four- mile road race scheduled for October 12, 2025, in Sharpness, Gloucestershire. The race features a single undulating lap, mostly on quiet country lanes, with a climb of about 260 feet

Sue Navin 34:03

Sharon Smith 31.01

Liz Hulcup 33.47

Sue: The weather was good and the distance wasn’t too scary although I did fade a bit at the end.

Sharon: First 4 mile race ever and liked the distance. A pretty and varied undulating course with some rough gravelly tracks but mostly road. Broke the UK RECORD which was 31.36 set in 2023.

Liz: A new race from Dursley RC.  Undulating/hilly in places but I enjoyed it. Pleased with my time and the added bonus of LV70/1 and a bottle of wine 🍷

London Royal Parks Half Marathon

The stunning 13.1-mile route takes in many of the capital’s world-famous landmarks on closed roads, and four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.

Katherine and Sylvia headed to London to race the Royal Parks Half Marathon.

Katherine “I have the RSE coaches , the 2024 new beginners gang , and the wider RSE club to thank!”

Oxford Half Marathon

A popular local half through the beautiful city of Oxford. The route begins in the city centre and passes through the stunning sites of Old Marston village, the River Cherwell, Oxford University’s impressive Lady Margaret Hall, before finally finishing on Parks Road.

Rebecca Southerington raced the Oxford Half with her sister.

Chicago Marathon

Jennie has finished the Chicago Marathon in 3.40. What a superstar!

ParkRuns

Cirencester Parkrun was the place to be this weekend with a stellar turnout from RSE. There were some key attractions:

• Paul Sinton-Hewitt (CBE), founder of the pakrun movement, undertook his first Cirencester parkrun. Fellow parkrunners were suitably starstruck!
• Sarah Burton sold her beautiful crafts, raising funds for the Royal British Legion 🎉

Further afield, Darren celebrated his 250th parkrun at Bolberry Down parkrun. Congratulations Darren!

🏃‍♂️ Hillsborough parkrun

Total participants: 683

🏃‍♂️ Cirencester parkrun

Total participants: 300

🏃‍♂️ Bolberry Down parkrun

Total participants: 87

🏃‍♂️ Fulwell Quarry parkrun

Total participants: 74

Fire Service College Parkrun

Liz Hulcup –  54.35 (Tailwalker)

Early Bird Tickets – North Cerney Scamper 16th May 2026

Thankyou to all the wonderful RSE folk who have supported my Village ‘Fun’ Run in previous years.

Tickets have just gone live for 2026 (16th May), with a limited time offer early bird discount. Please do spread the word.

North Cerney Scamper 2026 – RaceNation

Thanks! Jess

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

Volunteer Awards evening 2025: South West

It was amazing to celebrate the efforts of all the volunteers in the South West at our Regional Volunteer Awards! On Saturday evening, we welcomed all the winners and runners up from across the region to the Devon Hotel, Exeter to say thank you and recognise their contribution. Congratulations to all the award winners and runners up! 

Runner up: David Witnall (Running Somewhere Else)

David Witnall is the driving force behind Running Somewhere Else’s coaching success. As Head Coach, he leads with creativity, empathy, and a genuine passion for making running accessible to all. From beginners’ programmes to technique workshops and time trials, Dave’s sessions are fun, inclusive, and expertly planned. His famous “Dave’s Dice” sessions blend challenge with laughter, while his support for fellow coaches and athletes builds confidence and community. Whether writing personalised plans or cheering from the sidelines, Dave’s dedication shines through. He inspires runners of all levels to believe in themselves—and that’s what makes him an exceptional coach.

(https://www.englandathletics.org/news/volunteer-awards-evening-2025-south-west/)

Great stuff, Dave

Vitality London 10k

The Vitality London 10,000 celebrates both mental and physical wellbeing. It’s the only 10K in the capital to finish outside Buckingham Palace and takes you past some of London’s most famous landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben.

Congratulations to Lee Jones who ran it in a time of 01:00:44.

I’ve always wanted to run through the centre of London & take in all the sites that the London marathon does & this was the perfect event! Very well organised & a great route. Didn’t quite get under the 60min mark, but was very close

Lee Jones

Swindon Half Marathon

The road closed route takes runners through Swindon and the surrounding countryside, past the villages of Wanborough, Badbury and Medbourne. This route is mostly flat for the first 5 miles, miles 5-10 are undulating, before a downhill finish!

It went very well today, because of the hills, and getting over a cold, I set myself a more reserved target of 1:45 today. Ended up running 1:43 exactly – only 26 seconds off my PB which was really pleasing.
A brilliant downhill/flat finish in the last 5k.
Some brilliant RSE results today, another great race day event.

Alan Powdwerhill

Great atmosphere in the event village and lots of enthusiastic spectators on the route. Forgot about the hills! but it was 2018 when I last ran it so possibly a new course. FIRST lv75 and a new UK record time. Rewarded myself with an icecream afterwards Lovely!

Sharon Smith

Haven’t run a HM for a while so wasn’t sure what to expect. Enjoyed the course (even with the hills in the middle). There was great support all around the course including the villages and the Ridgeway!

Felicity Crotty

NEW PB!! Pleasantly surprised to have achieved a second HM PB for the year, improving my best by a further 39 seconds. Especially considering the undulating course (and walking up most of the second hill!).

Darren Jenner

Really pleased to have achieved a PB on a pretty undulating course! There’s a couple of brutal hills thrown in between miles 5-9 as well! Nice medal and great to see so many other RSE runners getting PBs on the course too!

Jade Beaumont

Forgot to take my watch for the Cotswold run last week.  This time I remembered it – but forgot to put it on!  Think I quite like running without it.  Some nice views of the Marlborough Downs and a really nice walk  from the car park to the race village

Paul Beaumont

Swindon half was undulating, but some lovely downhills. I was surprised at the lovely views near Swindon! A very unexpected PB for me.

Zoe Markham-Lee

Sun was shining on Swindon today with a big turnout from RSE, and a load of PB’s.
Described as undulating should be challenged as the two long climbs felt tough and long, but then rewarded with a fast downhill close.
I ran a personal PB today and finished 137th. A great day out and congratulations to all the RSE finishers.

Phil Hudson

Philip Hudson       01:34:03 PB

Wayne Hewitt       01:34:45

Mark Garrett        01:37:37

Jennifer Glass       01:41:09

Alan Powderhill    01:43:00

Thomas Barnes    01:43:20

Sharon Smith       01.45.35 (a new UK record time for LV 75)

Paul Robertson    01:48:35

Liam Pettit             01:49:39

Darren Jenner      01:48:17 (PB)

Paul Beaumont    01:52:37

Jo Beames             01:55:05

Zoe Markham-Lee 01:58:07 (PB)

Jade Beaumont    02:05:53 (PB)

Felicity Crotty       02:17:13

Bourton Hilly Half

The Bourton Half Marathon follows an accurately measured 13.1 mile route through the amazing Cotswolds countryside around Bourton-on-the-Water. It is a single lap route on undulating, sometimes hilly, rural roads with some spectacular views en route.

Michael Bagot   01:50:27.59

Gemma Wright 02:15:17.13

Linda Edwards  02:20:53.03

Liz Hilcup           02.57.58

Tail runner, but with lots of walking involved.

Liz Hilcup

Parkruns

Gloucester North parkrun

Vicki MASON                   00:29:43

Cirencester parkrun

Daniel DRAYTON            00:23:20

Steve SANDERCOCK      00:24:22

Claire SHARP                    00:25:29

Alison BOOTH                  00:25:29

Sue NAVIN                        00:26:50  PB!

Phil SCOBLE                     00:29:05

Phil NEWMAN                 00:29:06

Nadine BROWN               00:29:47

Cheri EDWARDS             00:32:15

Rachel WEAVER              00:35:13