A friendly running club based in Cirencester!

Hills, Hail, and Half Marathons

Race Report – 12/04/2026

A fantastic weekend of racing saw RSE runners take on everything from 5Ks to marathons. Battling tough headwinds, hail, and challenging courses, runners still delivered PBs, podium finishes, and debut distances. Races ranged from the hills of Dartmoor and the Quantocks to the streets of London and even Washington DC!

Steam to the Coast Marathon

  • Anna Field: 05:27:00
  • Katy Miller

“Novel start with a steam train ride to the start line with train  whistle as the ‘starting bell’!
Anna did the very challenging marathon trail run across the Quantock hills and battled punishing hail and headwinds but also some enjoyable sunshine.
Katy opted for just the hail and headwinds on the shorter 11.5 mile coastal route. Big thanks to Lesley for supporting Anna for the last third of the marathon. A first for Anna at this distance.”


Tewkesbury Half Marathon

  • Philip Hudson: 1:32:55
  • Alan Powderhill: 1:43:11
  • Rebecca Southerington: 1:43:11 – PB!
  • Jade Beaumont: 01:56:47

“Today was supposed to be a marathon paced run, but got dragged along with Becca and Wayne and ended up doing my 4th fastest half. Some serious wind at points today, but in general a good course for a PB.
Great to stay together with Becca and Wayne throughout the whole run.” – Alan

“A disorganised start spoilt an overall great day, the race was delayed as buses took way too long to ferry people to the start.
Despite the slow start it was a tough course and gradually inclined to about 8 miles, then the downhill was into the wind.
I ran this event in a very similar time to Gloucester on a much tougher route, so very pleased with that. Great running from all the RSE team.” – Phil

“The aim for today was to run at around marathon pace but ended up going a little quicker (no official time as of yet). The course felt a bit tricky with a few small hills and a brutal headwind in places! Nice medal and really good support from crowds out on the course and at the finish. Some really good running from other RSE runners as well today” – Jade

“This was meant to be an easier race to see if I could do it with minimal half marathon training and coming off injuries last year.
Alan kindly said he would set the pace and me and Wayne all ran together.
We maybe got carried away and ran faster than planned, there were a few hills and the headwind in places felt strong  but I felt mostly good and actually got a pb, feeling like I could go faster!
Massive thanks to Alan and Wayne who made running a half much more fun and was so lovely to finish on the line together!
I’m still not a half marathon fan but I’m considering another one already 😬😂” – Rebecca


Tewkesbury 10K

  • Elliot Gardiner: 00:45:57

“I decided to drop down from the half to the 10K a couple of weeks beforehand, as I wanted to keep the 10K race improvement momentum going, plus I hadn’t done enough distance training in time for the half.
First race trying the new carbon plated shoes out and what a difference they make! Aim was to improve on my last 10K race last month and I managed it by about 30 secs to go sub 46, despite the headwinds in the last couple of miles!
Nice medal, packet of gummies, a cap, and even a free coffee from Pret for race finishers! ☕️”


London Landmarks Half Marathon

  • Paul Robertson: 1:46:20
  • Paul Beaumont: 1:54:54

London Landmarks number 5 for me and still my most favourite half marathon of the season. I wouldn’t say it’s an easy course but definitely one to enjoy as there is cheers stations and crowds everywhere! Gutted I didn’t see Mr Beaumont out there on the course but hopefully we can see more RSE members down there next year for the 10th edition! It’s a full Robbo family day out for us supporting my Charity.” – Paul R.

“Biggest running event that I’ve been in. It’s a great route and there was a huge amount of support and good music -particularly the drummers. Also liked the bit from Chariots of Fire. Did it to help the foodbank – there were loads of people running for charities and two guys running as Tower Bridge! Very happy to have done it” – Paul B.


BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K

  • Felicity Crotty: 01:02:15

“Ran this with my cousin Jo, who lives nearby. The start is next to the Mersey tunnel which you descend into from the on ramp. About a km underground before emerging on the other side up the ramp – surprisingly hilly underground tho. Running along new Brighton prom to the finish. The rain stayed away, but it was wind against for the last km to the finish. We finished 30 seconds apart too!”


Book Bounce 5K

  • Sarah Kaminski: 24:55

“I had a 24 hour trip to Washington DC and found this local race and only entered last night.  My cousin lives near there so we arranged to do the 5k together.  It was an out and back route along an old railway line.  We took it steady at the start, but actually ended up achieving negative splits.  2nd female and 1st in my age group.  We saw some deer along the route too which was really cool.”


Dartmoor Marathon

  • Sarah Page: 4:57:22

“The race starts and finishes in Tavistock and climbs up to the moor taking in Princeton, past Dartmoor prison, round Burrator reservoir before heading back into Tavistock. The scenery was spectacular, fab views mainly because we had climbed up so high! About 600 participants, friendly, supportive marshals and lots of mountain rescue staff on hand .
I was pleased with my time considering the elevation, 2643feet and that I have struggled to throw off a virus this week.
My son also ran it and for his first marathon did 4.05 which was great result!”


Parkruns

Witney parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup: 49:18 (tail runner)

Simmons Park parkrun

  • Rachel Weaver: 31:56

Park in the Past parkrun

  • Felicity Crotty: 1:01:34

Cirencester parkrun

  • James Ball: 18:25
  • Andy Cullen: 21:31
  • Jon Campbell: 23:18
  • Claire Sharp: 23:59
  • Daniel Drayton: 24:07
  • Richard Sharp: 25:00
  • Phil Hudson: 26:54
  • Jade Beaumont: 27:11
  • Sue Navin: 27:13
  • Maria Yates: 30:02
  • Anne-Marie Davies: 30:07
  • Rachel Smith: 31:53
  • Peter Goddard: 31:54
  • Linda Edwards: 33:05
  • Sylvia Warman: 38:14

Exeter Riverside parkrun

  • David Witnall: 20:48
  • Eleanor Taylor: 35:34

Lydiard parkrun

  • Sally Jamieson: 31:24

Bicester parkrun

  • Cheri Edwards: 29:12

Reminders

RSE Membership Subscription 2026

Payments are now (over)due  – please see information on the RSE INFO ONLY group for how to make payment if you haven’t yet done so… Thank you!

Save the date!

Thursday 16th April 7-8pm:  RSE yoga session, South Cerney

Sunday 9th June:  Fairford 10k – organised by RSE; marshals and volunteers will be required. The committee has respectfully asked members to not enter until we have confirmation of enough volunteers for the event – thanks!

Upcoming Club Championship races

Sunday May 10th: Chedworth 5

Saturday May 16th: North Cerney Scamper 10k

An Hour Lost, Miles Gained

Race Report – 29/03/2026

One less hour in bed was no problem for RSE runners this week who took on a variety of local races and parkruns!

Run Upcote

Claimed to be “the most beautiful race in Gloucestershire”, this 5 mile trail run features a mix of bridleway and permissive paths, with stunning views, challenging climbs, flowing forest tracks and exciting descents showcasing the best of the Cotswolds. It takes place locally at Upcote Farm near Withington. A number of RSE runners were out today both competing and supporting. A special shout-out to Sharon who, despite starting the race late at the back of the pack (thinking it started at 10.30 not 10!), still came home first in her age category.

  • Tracey Pitts: 1:05:07
  • Kate Potter: 1:05:07
  • Sylvia Warman: 1:07:32

“I haven’t run a race for years.. it was good to get the yellow vest on again. Kate and I ran together. It was hard and hilly (which we walked up)  but we kept each other going. Great scenery and fab Marshalls and very well organised. Thanks to Sal and Dave (with Louis) for their support and standing out in the cold x” – Tracey

Really challenging hills but true cross country terrain! Love that .
Very well marshalled and welcoming atmosphere  .
Very chuffed with time and  race position as haven’t pinned a number on me for many a day and forgotten the buzz of competing .(once the nerves at the start have gone !!!) no matter your time just being out there with your running buddies is the best feeling 👏👏” – Kate

It was a beautiful course. Walking up the hills gave me time to notice things like cowslips and a skylark. And running downhill through wild garlic was also memorable. Very well organised event. Great marshalls and a much needed coffee van at the finish.” – Sylvia

Calne Clock Change Challenge 10k

As the name suggests, this race takes place twice a year when the clocks change. It hosts a 5k and 10k as well as a 1.5k fun run. The out-and-back course is predominantly flat, making for a great race as Elliot found out…

  • Elliot Gardiner: 46:35

“My first time at this race in Calne, which I booked last minute as a replacement for missing the Jenner 10K at the start of the month, due to a calf niggle. It’s a bonus that they don’t start it until 11am to give you back the extra hour in bed! 😂 Well organised event and a predominantly flat out & back course, albeit a few sharp inclines. A very strong headwind for the first 5K out ruined my pacing plan, which meant I had to make up a bit more time than expected on the 5K back in 😅 I still managed to knock a minute off my time from my previous race last month, which meant I was able to hit my goal today while still returning to full fitness 👍🏻 a good marker of slowly but surely improving! A roast at the local pub afterwards was definitely incentive to finish quicker! 😋” 

Parkruns

Chipping Norton School parkrun

  • Darren Jenner: 24:40
  • Felicity Crotty: 33:25

Cirencester parkrun

  • Andy Cullen: 21:13
  • David Barker: 21:37
  • Jon Campbell: 21:49
  • Wayne Hewitt: 22:05
  • Rebecca Southerington: 24:42
  • William Cobbett: 25:26
  • Steve Sandercock: 26:00
  • Alan Powderhill: 28:58
  • Samantha Ward: 30:11
  • Peter Goddard: 30:51
  • Vicki Mason: 33:03

Seven Fields parkrun

  • Taryn Hancock: 35:11

Marine Parade parkrun

  • Jade Beaumont: 24:44 – PB!

Kilkenny Lane Country parkrun

  • Cheri Edwards: 28:41

 

Save the date!

Upcoming Club Championship races – 

Sunday May 10th, Chedworth 5

Saturday May 16th, North Cerney Scamper 10k

 

A weekend of running in the sun!

Gloucester half marathon and 10 K

This year the Gloucester half marathon was a club championship race – so, not surprisingly,  RSE was well represented. The route blends city-centre atmosphere, historic landmarks, and scenic waterside running. Starting and finishing at Gloucester Park, this event gives runners the chance to race through pedestrianised city centre streets, pass around the iconic Gloucester Cathedral, and head out on a closed road circuit through Gloucester and Quedgeley before joining the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal Path.

Alan did the course in a fantastic 1:39:41

Cannot believe I’ve gone sub 1:40 in a half marathon. Was worried my legs would struggle after last weekend’s 20 mile race.  I started on pace and managed to hold on for dear life at the end. Such a massive milestone for me. A brilliant sunny day with RSE and some other great PBs too!

Alan Powderhill

Jade    01:53:04

I have to start by thanking Robbo for dragging me round the course to get a massive 9 minute half marathon PB! The course is predominantly flat and has some really nice parts along the canal. It was also lovely and sunny! Well done to all the RSE runners out there today, everyone did amazing and got some brilliant results!

Jade Beaumont

Sarah      1.55.56

Very pleased to get a PB today which was unexpected but the course is pretty flat and is a mix of urban and countryside. Always nice to run on closed roads and plenty of good support on the course. Great medal too!

Sarah Page

Richard     01:52:52

Was aiming to improve on my time from Cirencester half but ended up a minute slower. Still, happy enough after some patchy training! A good day out and some fantastic times from the RSE runners.

Richard Sharp

Zoe  1.58.58

Lots of people and quite a bit of support. I had a massive panic at the start line as I realised I had a 10k bib. Luckily, they let me run the half. Great results from lots of RSE, but a massive well done to Jade for a huge PB.

Zoe Markham-Lee

Sharon  1.41.27

Just one second off a PB ! A PB for this course by 4 minutes though. A late start and no pacers was a bit of a spoiler but fab weather and a flat course made it enjoyable. Also a lot of people were out supporting the majority of non club runners. We all met up afterwards and Louie made a guest appearance looking gorgeous even when asleep .

Sharon Smith

Charlene  01:49:10

Had such a wonderful day from start to finish, first time racing with RSE including getting the yellow vest on and managed a massive PB for the half marathon! Definitely will be doing more races with the club, starting off all together and coming together at the end really made the experience so much more enjoyable and less stressful

Charlene Loft

Linda  2:14:37

This is the first time I have ran this particular route of the half marathon. It was really well organised and the route varied. Unfortunately I didn’t manage my pacing well and suffered for this during the race.
The race was very busy in the first few miles as the 10k runners ran alongside the HM.
Would definitely like to have another go at this race.

Linda Edwards

Dan    01:52:14

A nice route through the historic city of Gloucester in ideal running conditions.

Dan Drayton

Phil H    1:33:25

A beautiful sunny day running round Gloucester Docks and surrounding country lanes on a flat fast course.
I was nervous about today’s half returning from injury and not having run an event since November, really pleased with my pacing, consistent splits and 3rd fastest half.
Another fabulous day out and well supported by some great RSE performances, we even had to share the tow path with an angling competition, so several thousand runners would have kept the fish well away for sure. Classic event planning.

Phil Hudson

Claire  and Alison   crossed the line together  in a time of 1.57.49

It was my first half marathon for over 20 years. I think all of Carol’s efforts on Wednesday mornings helped to make it a lot easier than the 2 I did in my 30s. I ran with Alison, it was her first half marathon and we got round in under 2 hours!!!! Alison was 1st lady home in her age group by 13 minutes!!!It was a nice flat course with lots of nice scenery and lots of support round the course. I can’t believe how warm it was for March. Well done to all the RSE runners today.

Claire Sharp

This was my first half marathon. I found the last 10k very hard but am absolutely thrilled with my time, all due to the efforts of my pacer, Claire. She definitely kept me going! It was lovely to see so many RSE vests – well done to everyone who ran.

Alison Booth

Some bloke from Stratton 01.52.52

00.47 seconds slower than last year.  Disgraceful! Great weather, though

Paul Beaumont

I am guessing that Dave W is  busy with a baby at the moment but I thought it should be recorded he was there and did a time of 1.46.06 – which, hopefully fits in with his preparation for the  race that he’s got coming up.

Forest Of Dean Spring Half Marathon

The Spring Trails Half Marathon is run in the Forest of Dean. Starting on the road adjacent to the Speech House Hotel in the heart of the forest, the course then leaves the road to follow a loop of well maintained forest trails (with gentle inclines) before eventually leading back to the Speech House Hotel for the finish.

This annual event is organised by The Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean and supported by the Forestry Commission. Proceeds are used to support charities, both locally and nationally.

Elaine  2:07:45

For my March half, decided to run one that has been on my list to do for a while – Forest of Dean half. Very well organised event, easy to get to and park up.
Race started well with a lovely downhill for the first 2 miles. Then it was pretty much uphill till about mile 8! Bit of a reprieve for a few miles, then we were back up again at 11. It was a very tough slog! I did enjoy it, lovely scenery and a great atmosphere. But it was quite relentless at times, legs feeling it! Well done to Lesley and Sarah who also ran, was lovely to see them there and thanks Ben for supporting me.

Elaine Chapman

Sarah   02:40:55

It was very tough and hilly. The scenery was lovely. It was very well organised and the Marshall’s were fantastic.

Sarah Juggins

Great stuff, Elaine and Sarah.  Sounds memorable

Parkruns

Cirencester Parkrun

Andy CULLEN                                  21.51

Jon CAMPBELL                               21.52

Wayne HEWITT                              22.08

Rebecca SOUTHERINGTON        22.58

Ben CHAPMAN                               23.54

Daniel DRAYTON                            24.36

William COBBETT                          25.04

Phil HUDSON                                  26.03

Paul BILLINGHURST                    26.04

Anne GARDINER                            26.53

Phil NEWMAN                                28.24

Samantha WARD                            29.44

Jade BEAUMONT                           29.51

Maria YATES                                    31.00

Paul ROBERTSON                          31.30

Elaine CHAPMAN                           41.54

Abingdon Parkrun

Andy SWORN                                  26:21
Linda EDWARDS                            34:19
Carol SWORN                                  44:27

Tamar Trails Parkrun

Darren JENNER                              25:17
Felicity CROTTY                              33:23

Gunpowder Parkrun

Julie TAYLOR                                   37:15

Berkeley Green parkrun

David BARKER                                20:16

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

Anne-Marie DAVIES                        31:05

Bushy parkrun

Peter GODDARD                               29:18

Horsham parkrun

Amanda Ball                                       33:09

Diary Dates

Cotswold Way Relay July 4th – contact Elaine if you are interested in being part of the team see https://cotswoldwayrelay.co.uk/

Upcoming Club Championship races – 

Sunday May 10th, Chedworth 5

Saturday May 16th North Cerney Scamper 10k

Fairford 10k on Sunday June 7th – organised by RSE; marshals and volunteers will be required. The committee has respectfully asked members to not enter until we have confirmation of enough volunteers for the event – thanks

Royal Running at Hampton Court and braving headwinds at The Fission 20

Hampton Court 10k

This race is held at the famous Hampton Court Palace, originally owned by Henry VIII. Well done to Ali, Sarah B and Julie. Clearly Henry VIII also put in an appearance!

Julie Taylor – “Fantastic to run in sunshine at Hampton Court. The route took us along the river to Kingston Bridge and then back through the park to finish in Hampton Court palace gardens. Ali and my hubby raced ahead for fab times in 1:04/3. Sarah and I kept to our pace plan, very happy to finish the challenge and cross the line together.”

Fission 20

The 20 mile option is a two-lap flat course in lovely countryside close to the river Severn. The Half Marathon takes in one lap of pretty much the same course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Nia Glover 2.25.57 -PB!!
  • Al Powderhill 2.44.42 PB!!
  • Zoe Markham-Lee  3.22.27
  • Jade Beaumont 3.22.27

 

Al Powderhill  “The goal was to try for sub 2:50 today, so so happy to dig in for a  sub 2:45 and a 9 minute PB. Gave me huge confidence for my upcoming marathon now. Great to run with Robbo today too, well done to the other RSE runners 👏🙌”

Jade Beaumont – “The race started with some really nice weather conditions and was lovely and sunny. This was pretty short lived and for most of the second lap we had to battle drizzle and a headwind! Great marathon training run though and lovely to run with Zoe and Sarah!”

 

Fission Half

  • Vicki Mason 2.19.17

Vicki Mason ” Working back up from injury meant the sensible option was to drop down to the half from the 20 miles today. The plan was to complete the distance and not worry about the time and hope the knee held out, which thankfully it did. A pretty course around country lanes, friendly marshalls but a very lonely course, which always seems to have horrible headwinds, so I was very grateful not to have to battle around another loop, well done to all the 20 mile runners who did!”

Parkrun Report

Event Date: 14 March 2026

Lydiard parkrun

Total Runners: 415

Felicity Crotty | 00:32:25

Lymington Woodside parkrun

Total Runners: 151

Andy Sworn | 00:27:39
Carol Sworn | 00:50:12 (olunteer)

Cirencester parkrun

Total Runners: 203

Daniel Drayton | 00:25:32
Paul Beaumont | 00:26:29
Sharon Smith | 00:27:00
Paul Billinghurst | 00:27:02
William Cobbett | 00:27:06
Elaine Chapman | 00:27:32
Phil Newman | 00:28:33
Rachel Smith | 00:28:47
Peter Goddard | 00:30:33
Vicki Mason | 01:09:52 (volunteer)

Fire Service College parkrun

Total Runners: 95

Elliot Gardiner | 00:23:11

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

Total Runners: 218

David Barker | 00:20:44
Samantha Ward | 00:27:27

Berkeley Green parkrun

Total Runners: 182

Rachel Weaver | 00:28:58

Central parkrun, Plymouth

Total Runners: 586

Darren Jenner | 00:24:23

Sandy Water parkrun

Total Runners: 199

Sylvia Warman | 00:34:51

University Parks parkrun

Total Runners: 696

Cheri Edwards | 01:03:29 (volunteer)

🏅 Highlights

  • David Barker was the fastest Running Somewhere Else finisher this week with 20:44 at Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun.
  • Elliot Gardiner finished 1st in his age category at Fire Service College parkrun.
  • Cirencester parkrun saw the biggest club turnout with 10 members taking part.

Great to see members representing the club across multiple locations in beautiful weather this weekend. Well done parkrunners! 🏃

 

Diary Dates

Cotswold Way Relay July 4th – contact Elaine if you are interested in being part of the team see https://cotswoldwayrelay.co.uk/

Upcoming Club Championship races – 

Sunday March 22nd, Gloucester Half Marathon.

Sunday May 10th, Chedworth 5

Saturday May 16th North Cerney Scamper 10k

Fairford 10k on Sunday June 7th – organised by RSE; marshals and volunteers will be required. The committee has respectfully asked members to not enter until we have confirmation of enough volunteers for the event – thanks