A friendly running club based in Cirencester!

Hops, Sweat and Cheers

Race Report – 01/06/2025

Stroud Beer Race

This week a total of 20 club members raced the Stroud Beer Race, a Club Championship and Gloucestershire AAA race starting and ending at the Old Lodge pub on Minchinhampton Common. The route is 3 laps, taking runners down into Amberley and up back again. The race is known for its challenging undulations, with runners rewarded for their efforts with a free beer from Stroud Brewery upon completion. In true RSE spirit the runners were well supported with many members also coming along to cheer them on.

  • Nia Glover: 50:42
  • Alan Powderhill: 56:19
  • Sharon Smith: 57:33 – 1st V70+!
  • Steve Sandercock: 59:30
  • Gemma Wright: 59:57
  • Liz Hulcup: 1:07:01
  • Jade Beaumont: 1:07:42

Very pleased to sneak another PB for what I think is one of the toughest races we do. Wasn’t overly confident going into it, but managed to hold a reasonable pace throughout. A great day with lots of RSE runners, making for a good racing environment. – Alan

The first time I ran this race the strong wind hit us on the last mile and the hills felt tough. This year it felt easier as it was a lovely evening with a cooling breeze. Great marshalling and support. – Sharon

The Stroud Beer Race is about 7.2 miles around Minchinhampton Common. It doesn’t get any easier! 3 times up those hills is brutal. But we had great conditions for it. And I achieved my objective of running all the way, with the added bonus of taking 4 minutes off my PB for the route! – Steve

The race went better than I thought it would thanks to the amazing support. Sorry for swearing near the end but that hurt! – Gemma

Parkruns

Fire Service College Parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup: 28:30

Newbury

  • Cheri Edwards: 25:17

Gloucester North

  • Vicki Mason: 29:31

Cirencester

  • Wayne Hewitt: 21:15
  • Paul Billinghurst: 22:25
  • Phil Newman: 23:18
  • Daniel Drayton: 23:42
  • William Cobbett: 25:44
  • Jon Collins: 26:41
  • Elaine Chapman: 29:26
  • Samantha Ward: 30:07
  • Alan Powderhill: 30:43
  • Kathryn Cowdall: 33:25
  • Paul Robertson: 35:22

Stratford Park, Stroud

  • Phil Hudson: 22:15

Mallards Pike

  • Charlie Austin: 35:36

Cranbrook Country Park

  • Darren Jenner: 24:24
  • Felicity Crotty: 29:55

Durlston Country Park

  • Sarah Page: 38:03
  • Cathy Steer: 40:45

RSE wins a Cirencester Community Award!

The RSE Committee is delighted to have won the Team category award at the Cirencester Community Awards 2025 after being nominated by member Paul Beaumont.

The award is described as follows:

This award recognises collaboration and teamwork. Entries are invited from teams of two or more from Groups, Clubs or Organisations. The strength of the team, not necessarily its size, will have played an integral role in the overall successes and achievements. Entrants might have been involved in the day to day running of a project, on a specific campaign or event. Team effort and ethos, brainstorming capabilities, constructive division of responsibilities, working to the highest standards, going above and beyond the norm, adopting a creative and organised approach and adapting to an ever-changing delivery environment, are just a few of your team’s attributes.

Please click on the link below to view the full award submission from Paul:

Cirencester Community Awards 2025 – Team Award nomination

 

Our club chair Pauline was also featured on Cirencester Radio – please click on the link below to hear her interview, which starts around the 5:25 mark:

RSE on Cirencester Radio

 

Congratulations to the club committee on achieving this award.

Running in a city; running through the trees; and running in a special park

Edinburgh half marathon

Fast & flat, the Edinburgh Half Marathon follows the marathon course which was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World, ideal if it’s your first half marathon or you are looking for a PB. The Edinburgh Half Marathon has sold out every year since 2012 and is one of the largest half marathons in the UK.

Wayne Hewitt ran the course and did a fantastic time. Wayne has definitely got the priorities right  – a beer today and maybe an update  on the run next week

Wayne Hewitt 01:36:43

Before and after

Westonbirt 10 K

At the National Arboretum runners are able to take in the world-renowned tree collection at one of its most beautiful times of year, with spring blooms and flowering trees providing the backdrop to this unique 10K.  The course takes participants through the picturesque avenues of the Old Arboretum and into the peaceful tranquillity of the ancient Silk Wood, on largely flat terrain and hard paths. All those taking part in the run are able to make a big difference to their fitness and wellbeing, as well as to the nation’s heritage and environment. Money raised from the 10K goes back into supporting the nation’s woods and forests, and protecting these beautiful places for future generations.

RSE was very well represented

A beautiful, wiggly run around the Arboretum. The support on the course was very welcome as I found the middle miles a challenge, but a lovely evening running with a work friend.

Vicky Mason

An enjoyable route through the Arboretum with several twists and turns and one deer siting running across the course!

Dan Drayton

Really nice, scenic race but the hill at the end is vile!

Jade Beaumont

That was the first time I’d worn my RSE vest and it was so nice to be part of a team. It’s a lovely course through the trees and the weather was perfect.

Alison Booth

Previously did this race in May so was pleased to run it 2 minutes faster tonight. The Arboretum is lovely in the evening. I was surprised by the numbers – nearly a thousand runners! There is a significant incline at 9k – although I did hear Sharon describe it as – a pretty flat course 🤔

Anne Gardiner

Westonbirt 10k is a great evening event running on the forest trails of the arboretum, a couple of testing climbs for the 929 finishers. Great turnout from RSE and lots of support at the finish. I was pleased to finish 35th/929 runners with a Westonbirt PB and my 4th time running this event.

Phil Hudson

 

Scott Williams                  00:40:18

Philip Hudson                  00:43:59

Rebecca Southerington  00:48:17

Sharon Smith                   00:48:34

Daniel Drayton                 00:49:02

Anne Gardiner                 00:51:13

Tom Mabon                      00:53:02

Vicki Mason                      00:56:15

Jade Beaumont                00:57:34

Amanda Ball                     01:02:17

Rachel Weaver                 01:12:03

Sylvia Warman                01:13:06

Katie Cooper                    01:14:08

Lots of pictures to choose from – went for these because Sharon likes hills; I think that’s Scott – who ran a fantastic time (sorry haven’t met you Scott) and I think that Anne’s smiling going up the hill!

Woodchester 10K Trail run

The route takes you through some of the most stunning elements of Woodchester Park. From easier flat sections to challenging hilly terrain, there’s something for all runners of every ability –  novice and experienced runners alike are welcomed to enjoy the Woodchester Park surroundings

Cheri Edwards  ran the course in a time of 01:03:00. Well done Cheri and thanks for the info below – Woodchester Park is a great place and wasn’t aware that they did regular runs  there

It’s not technically a race as it’s not timed but I wanted to let people know about the Trust10 series. They’re a free event on the last Sunday of each month at various National Trust properties around the country. I did Avebury last year and today went to Woodchester. It was a lovely route (despite the hills!) with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Obviously no medal but the cafe was open afterwards and there’s various children’s games/activities so could be a nice family day out!

Cheri Edwards

Parkruns

Cirencester

Jon CAMPBELL                 00:21:30

Phil HUDSON                    00:22:34

Paul BILLINGHURST       00:22:53

Richard SHARP                 00:23:29

Phil NEWMAN                  00:24:08

Paul BEAUMONT             00:24:59

Paul ROBERTSON            00:26:59

Jade BEAUMONT             00:27:46

Sue NAVIN                         00:28:36

Elaine CHAPMAN             00:30:05

Cheri EDWARDS               00:30:05

Anne-Marie DAVIES        00:31:12

Rachel WEAVER                00:31:42

Kathryn COWDALL          00:35:16

Weymouth

Alan POWDERHILL                        00:32:18

Save the date

Fairford 10k race Sunday 8th June hosted by RSE

Scampering for cake at North Cerney and the Suckley Quarter Marathon

North Cerney Scamper

Jess,Race Director

 

 

the scenery!

Amanda Ball

Rebecca Southerington

Scott Williams

Sharon Smith

This is a fundraising event to raise money for the maintenance of the Village Hall, and to support the local community (including North Cerney PTA). 

The course consists of two 5k loops, taking in the Monarchs Way . The route is predominantly on local trails and farm tracks, with a short road section and a good hill! This is a fun 5k or 10k trail race, open to all abilities aged 15 and over. Race Director is Jess James, member of RSE. 

5k Race

  • Rebecca Southerington 25.16  First lady!
  • Amanda Ball 37.38   First FV50!

10k race

  • Scott Williams 44.23 First overall!
  • Ollie Hazel 49.12
  • Dan Drayton 55.48
  • Sharon Smith 59.28  First LV60!
  • Paul Beaumont 59.56
  • Anna Field 1.00.43
  • Gemma Wright 1.02.31
  • Anne Gardiner 1.03.59
  • Sue Navin 1.06.32
  • Jade Beaumont 1.09.11
  • Mary Shepherd 1.11.14
  • Anne-Marie Davies 1.12.17
  • Becca Wilson 1.12.17
  • Cathy Steer 1.17.54
  • Rachel Weaver 1.24.14

“This is easily my favorite race of the year. It went so much better than I thought too. I love the scenery and the whole atmosphere. Well done to Jess and team. If you get the chance, please do to next year. Jess’s daughter gave me shells for racing which made my day” Gemma

Luckily for me N Cerney Scamper accepted last minute entries. Decided on the 5k having been poorly all week. A relaxed village atmosphere, lovely route, lots of familiar faces AND gluten free homemade cake with a proper cup of tea. Couldn’t have wished for anything more. Even went home with a bonus posy of flowers. Huge thanks to Jess and the team of volunteers.” Amanda

Ist LV60.  A well organised and enjoyable morning.  The Village hall is so welcoming , it was a party atmosphere straight from the ARCHERS !    Beautiful route and views  and well marshalled. Except for the hilly road section the route was surprisingly flat. Would have been tough if muddy but fortunately dry. It would have been good to have water at the finish as I was unable to wait to see fellow runners come in as needed a drink urgently .” Sharon

Suckley Quarter Marathon

  • Cheri Edwards 59.16

“A fantastic event, with a strong sense of community and fun! Race HQ was at the Hop Shed brewery who provided refreshments and prizes. They also held a kids race and fun run beforehand which added to the family friendly atmosphere.

I didn’t know the route but had heard it was a mix of road and trail, with a “significant” climb in the first few miles. It was undulating from the start but they hadn’t been joking about that hill! Thankfully what goes up must come down (albeit steeply and over too quickly!). The race brief had mentioned a water station which I was grateful for as it was a really hot day, but amazingly there were 2 extra unofficial water tables set up as we passed through small villages, with locals coming out to support and rehydrate the runners. The second half was more trail, with some gorgeous views across fields and through farmland.

Considering it was a small fundraising event (250 runners) the support and organisation was brilliant. They’d also taken on board some of the SheRACES suggestions who aim to make events more accessible and inclusive to females, with sanitary products in the (very clean!) portaloos and smaller bibs for smaller torsos. See https://www.sheraces.com/ for more info.

As well as a finishing medal there was a great selection of free cake at the end, which was part of my motivation! “Cheri