A friendly running club based in Cirencester!

RSE Championship 2023 update

Hello everybody!

Following the Angels 10K race on 17th September there have been a few changes in the championship tables, so time for a little update.

Current championship standings are here:

RSE Championship 2023 – Results so far (opens in a new tab)

A reminder that a blue highlight on your name means you have qualified for that championship category. If you don’t have a blue highlight, you have not qualified yet.

Qualification requirements

  • Short Stuff category – 5 races
  • Endurance Expert category – 5 races
  • Overall Championship – 4 races from each category

Endurance Expert category

No races have been run since the last update, so in theory there is no change, but after having reviewed the results of the Chedworth Roman Trail race held on 10th September in more detail, we’ve realised that Nadine and Fran achieved exactly the same chip time, so they have both been awarded 9 points – previous results showed Fran with 9 points and Nadine with 8. Apologies for the oversight – the Endurance Expert and overall championship tables have now been updated.

This means Nadine is now leading the Endurance Expert competition, with Kirsty now in second.

In the men’s competition it is close between Elliot and Mark with one point in it, but Mark has not yet completed 5 races so cannot be considered for any prizes (yet!?).

Ladies Results

  1. Nadine Brown (29 points)
  2. Kirsty Pitts (28 points)
  3. Zoe Markham-Lee (23 points)

Men’s Results

  1. Elliot Gardiner (40 points)
  2. Alan Powderhill (27 points)

Short Stuff Specialist category

In the men’s competition, a new competitor has raced onto the scene in the form of Mr. Michael Bagot, who is now in third place. Additionally, having collected his 5 races, Mick has now qualified to be eligible for a prize. Elliot is hot on his tail in fourth place though, but Elliot is yet to qualify – so how will things end up?

In the ladies competition, Anne, Kirsty and Felicity are the only three who have qualified so far, in the same positions as last time. For the remaining runners yet to qualify, Nia and Sharon have swapped places. Anne is still racing ahead at the top of the table with a 7 point lead. Can she hold onto it? There are a lot of you who have completed four races so get that 5K time to us in order to qualify for this category! (See below for more details)

With one race left and the “Any 5K” category up for grabs, standings are nowhere near confirmed yet!

Ladies Results

  1. Anne Gardiner (39 points)
  2. Kirsty Pitts (22 points)
  3. Felicity Crotty (10 points)

Men’s Results

  1. Mark Garrett (50 points)
  2. Ben Chapman (39 points)
  3. Mick Bagot (35 points)

Overall Championship

No change in the top three for the men’s championship – the top three are the only three who have qualified.

However in the ladies championship it is so close! Currently we have a tie for the top of the table between Kirsty and Zoe, and Nadine in third place is only one point behind them! But with Sharon and Nia only one race away from qualifying it is still very much undecided.

Ladies Championship

  1. Kirsty Pitts (47 points)
  2. Zoe Markham-Lee (47 points)
  3. Nadine Brown (46 points)

Men’s Championship

  1. Mark Garrett (79 points)
  2. Elliot Gardiner (62 points)
  3. Alan Powderhill (39 points)

Marathons and 5Ks

Please remember there is a section in the championships for “Any marathon” and “Any 5K”. The marathon must be an official race, and the 5K can be an official race or a parkrun.

To qualify for these parts of the championships, please send an email, screenshot or link of the results that you would like to use to Ben or Elaine – this can be via WhatsApp, or email Ben or Elaine.

You can use any time from 1st January – 31st October 2023, but you must send the evidence by midnight on 5th November. You can send as many races as you like, so for example if you send us a parkrun result and then beat it next week, great! Just send us the new evidence and we will update your stats.

Please note that if you run a qualifying event but you don’t send us your evidence by midnight on 5th November, you will have missed the deadline and you will not receive points for that section. So please don’t forget!

Upcoming races

The final two races in the club championships this year are:
Short Stuff Specialist: Run Upcote – 1st October at 10am – Entries now closed
Endurance Expert: Stroud Half Marathon – 29th October at 9am – Entries open

Great racing so far this year everybody! Enjoy the rest of the championships and we look forward to seeing the results from the above races come in very soon.

Happy running

Elaine and Ben Chapman – Club Captains

RSE Club Report – Angels and Dragons!

Angels 10k

The next race in the RSE Club Championship is another favourite amongst RSE runners, the Angels 10k. Starting and finishing at the Woodpeckers Cricket Club in Ashleworth village, the course boasts great views of the Cotswolds, the Malvern Hills and the River Severn. It’s therefore unsurprising that the route is a tad undulating! The race also features in the Gloucestershire AAA Road race series, making it a perfect choice for racers.

  • Mark Garrett – 41:10 – 3rd MV50!
  • Ben Chapman – 46:11
  • Sharon Smith – 46:57 – 1st LV70!
  • Mick Bagot – 48:14 – 2nd MV65!
  • Steve Sandercock – 48:33 – 3rd MV65!
  • Anne Gardiner – 51:47
  • Sarah Page – 53:46
  • Zoe Markham-Lee – 55:16
  • Liz Hulcup – 56.42 – 3rd LV70!
  • Libby Butler – 56:43 – 1st LV35!
  • Sylvia Warman – 1:10:18 – 3rd LV50!
It was very hilly. Lovely area to run. Had to walk the hills though!
Libby Butler
The hill at about 2.5 miles never gets any easier 😤
Liz Hulcup
Very pleased to complete this having had some time not running after COVID. Happy with the time especially considering I walked up several of the hills! Great support from marshalls fellow runners and especially the local children.
Sylvia Warman
Friendly race but had forgotten about the big hill which seemed to go on forever! Worth it for the good cake though
Sarah Page

Is there something about these shoes?

By Steve Sandercock
My focus, this year has been on completing as many Gloucestershire AAA road races, since I found myself in 3rd place in my age group. I have been putting in some training to try and make sure I finish 3rd overall. First and second places are beyond me, but I have been having a scrap with the person for 3rd. My efforts have seen a good improvement in performance during the season and I have recently had a string of good 5k results, equalling my pb of 23.56 set in 2019, at the Kemble time trial. My 10k times haven't been anything special, though and I haven't got below 50 minutes since 2019, let alone my pb of 49.01.
But in the last few weeks I have had some extraordinary results. I bought a new pair of running shoes 4 weeks ago and first time out I smashed my 5k and park run pb by 30 seconds, running Osterley Park run in 23.24 (picture). The following week I got my best ever Ciren Park run result at 23.58. Then at the Angels 10k AAA race I beat my 10k pb by 30 seconds getting 48.33, even though the course was fairly undulating. That's 2 minutes faster than my best 10k this year, at Berkeley. I beat the 2nd placed person for the first time and the (now) 4th placed person by 4 minutes. I think I have to attribute these gains to the new shoes. I had a look into the cheaper end of the shoes with a carbon insole and bought some Puma Nitro Deviate ones based on a good write up, and a price that was cheaper than my last pair of Brooks. Carbon shoes are reckoned to give runners a bit of a edge, that's why they high end ones cost so much. But I never expected the boost that these seem to have given me.
Time will tell, but I believe that these shoe provide a physical as well as psychological boost to my speed. Here's hoping...

Chippenham Half Marathon

This eco-friendly race has won numerous fan-favourite awards across the years, despite only being in its 14th year. Starting and finishing at our club base Chippenham Sports Club, the route follows scenic country lanes through Tytherton Lucas, East Tytherton, Avon and Langley Burrell. The course is predominantly flat and fast course, perfect for PB-seekers.

Congratulations to Tim Wainwright who completed the course in 2:08:47!

I ran chippenham half marathon absolutely loved it I felt good and strong throughout the race a lovely mostly flat course even had enough in me for a race finish against a few others. Lovely medal too I must add one of my fav medals 😀
Tim Wainwright

Worcester Half Marathon

With a picturesque startline on the River Severn, the Worcester half marathon takes runners on a tour along the river, as well as through the historic city. With nearly 4,000 runners taking on the half marathon and 10k options, there’s a great atmosphere in the city.

A huge well done to Alan Powderhill and Jo Wood who took on the course!

  • Alan Powderhill – 1:53:44
  • Jo Wood – 1:56:32
A half I’ve wanted to do for a while. Quite a flat half, showing some good local sites and some twists and turns around Worcester city centre. I’d planned to push for a PB but more than happy to come away with my second fastest half!!
Alan Powderhill
Perfect weather for this half on Sunday 17th September. Points of interest at every turn - Worcester Cathedral, Uni, Diglis Marina, riverside run and up and around the city roads. Not pan flat but much of the route is by the river. Excellent supporters. Would recommend!
Jo Wood

Trail de la Rennaisance

Held in Fontenay-le-Comte in the heart of the Vendée, this 8km course takes runners through the picturesque neighbourhoods of France. Four events are offered on the day, including 24 km , 15 km , 8 km and a 2 x 8 km relay options.

Running for RSE was Linda Edwards, who finished in a great time of 1:03:21!

Trail de la Rennaisance is held in Fontenay le Compte in the South West region of France starting at 5pm. I decided to opt for the 7.5 k route as I was unsure of the hill profile, the heat and 3 weeks away from a marathon. The race cost me 9 euros and the race pack included a refillable bottle, cup, cap and and an apple.
As it happens it was around 28 degrees in full sunshine. I had asked what the hill profile was on the Facebook page as the race information was fairly scanty and was advised that it was flat ( upon commencing the race I realise this was the French sense of humour).
The race consisted of ups and downs with some cobbled streets until we hit the outskirts of the local chateaux. At this point the path was almost non existent and we came to a standstill as the runners queued up to take a rope to heave themselves up a hill. Once at the top I weaved my way through what I can only describe as a mini jungle to a gravel path. Leaving the chateau grounds to regain ground on the cobbled streets it felt very much like tarmac compared to the prior terrain and the route finished in the town to many cheers of 'Allez Allez' and the finishing fruit table. Despite my preference for road I thoroughly enjoyed this race but not as much as the Kia Cassis in the nearby cafe.
Linda Edwards

Forest of Dean Trail Half Marathon

The Forest of Dean Trail runs include both Spring and Autumn editions. The Autumn course has some interesting hill challenges and offers a chance to experience the Forest with its late-summer leaf canopy. The multi-terrain route follows way-marked trails, some well-maintained tracks and a number of new trails.

Well done to our RSE runners who ran the course!

  • Lesley Hinsley – 2:15:18
  • Anna Field – 2:15:18
  • Anne Gardiner – 2:15:19
Lesley, Anna and I ran this together (so this is their time too - please add them as we crossed the chip mat together). This is a large race very well organised by the Rotary Club with plenty of marshals and supporters and coffee and homemade cakes provided by the Inner Wheel. The route is all on broad forestry tracks. Although it is hilly (just under 1,000ft of ascent) the gradients are reasonable. In dry conditions road shoes would have been fine but we needed trail shoes today as it was slippery in places. A very good first trail half to do - we enjoyed it.
Anne Gardiner

Apperley Quarter Marathon

This year saw the 40th anniversary of the Apperley Quarter Marathon. Running from Apperley Cricket Club, the 6.5 mile course is multi-terrain with beautiful scenery to keep runners going.

A huge well done to RSE’s Cheri Edwards who completed the course in 56:58!

It was the 40th anniversary race of the AQM and I can understand why it’s been going for so long! A brilliantly organised, friendly, community-led event based at Apperley cricket club.
The race itself was approximately 6 and a half miles on a mixture of roads and fields. It was quite picturesque, we ran alongside the river Severn and then past Deerhurst Church (where the Treaty of Deerhurst was signed in 1012 for all you history fans!). After trampling through some long grass and attempting to avoid the many cowpats, we rejoined the road. The relief was short lived however, as the final mile was all uphill! At the finish line there was a choice of handmade medals (I picked a clay dragon) and a very generous selection of cakes. We also received a packet of seeds along with the standard banana and water.
Quite a lot of runners and volunteers were wearing fancy dress, including one with a dragon wrapped around his neck. At the awards presentation, the dragon handed out the trophies. I ran with my colleague James who suggested we get a photo with the dragon - who tried to eat my face! The event was raising money for charity (the RDs mother had suffered a stroke earlier in the year) so this years donations were for the Stroke Association and hospital League of Friends. There was a stall selling homemade jams and chutneys, as well as a BBQ and bar. As I was feeling charitable (read: hungry) it would have been rude not to support!
Cheri Edwards

Lake Vyrnwy Half marathon

This extremely fast one lap race offers spectacular views of Lake Vyrnwy and is incredibly popular amongst beginners and PB seekers. Starting and finishing in the village of Llanwddyn, the route follows a flat route clockwise around the lake. The atmosphere is buzzing, with music accompanying the race village.

Congratulations to Darren Jenner and Felicity Crotty for completing the run!

  • Darren Jenner – 1:49:57 – New PB!
  • Felicity Crotty – 2:33:28
A lovely race in the Welsh countryside around lake vyrnwy, a grey chilly start, with nearly perfect conditions apart from a slightly delayed start led to Darren getting a PB!
Felicity Crotty

parkruns - 16/09/2023

Cirencester parkrun

  • Paul Robertson – 22:54
  • Paul Beaumont – 24:41
  • Robert Baker – 25:01
  • Nadine Brown – 26:50
  • Ellie Witnall – 26:54
  • Sue Navin – 29:09
  • Andy Sworn – 29:50
  • Carol Sworn – 30:33

Seven Fields parkrun

  • Cheri Edwards – 26:16

Stockley Country parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 23:41

parkruns - 23/09/2023

Kingsway parkrun, Gloucester

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 29:03

Hampstead Heath parkrun

  • Jenny Hoffman – 34:29

Cheltenham parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 23:15

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 21:37
  • Steve Sandercock – 24:08
  • Robert Baker – 25:16
  • Liz Hulcup – 28:18
  • Jo Wood – 31:41
  • Paul Robertson – 33:39

Babbs Mill parkrun

  • Ellie Witnall – 26:01 – 3rd lady!
  • Dave Witnall – 26:02

Save the Date!

  • 1st October – Run Upcote 5 mile race (RSE Championship race)
  • 29th October – Stroud Half Marathon (RSE Championship race)

The next RSE club report will be Sunday 8th October


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.

RSE Club Report – Competing with nature!

Woodchester Park

Hosted by Stroud & District AC, this challenging and hilly course follows along the woodland tracks through Woodchester Park for approximately 8 miles. The Woodchester Park run makes up one of three races in the Roger Briers Race Series, the other 2 including the Stroud Beer race and Standish Woodland Chase – the prize medals for each course interlock!

Well done to Anne Gardiner, Anna Field and Jessica James for completing the course in fantastic times!

  • Jessica James – 1:28:28
  • Anne Gardiner – 1:30:46
  • Anna Field – 1:30:46
It was a very hilly race on a hot day, but the scenery was superb and there was plenty of shade. The Roger Briers Series comprises Stroud Beer Race, Standish Woodland Chase and Woodchester Park. Next year I'd like to do Standish to complete the series.
Anne Gardiner

Bedford Running Festival 20

The Bedford Running festival is more than one running event, with options for mile, 5k, 10k, half marathon and 20 mile races. The race village brings out the festival vibe, with music, food and drink, wellbeing areas, fun fair and even an outdoor cinema.

Running for RSE was Sharon Smith, who completed the 20 mile course in a brilliant time of 2:46:22!

Starting in beautiful riverside Russel Park in Bedford and out into leafy avenues and woods. This was training run for me so aiming for 3 hours steady but felt so fresh halfway that I picked it up. [I was] interviewed by the Local Radio Station which was fun. Only downside was a lack of suitable food available, just burgers and spicy pasta. I thoroughly recommend this race to members.
Sharon Smith

Great North Run

The famous Great North run attracted over 60,000 runners this year, following Sir Mo Farah as he completed his last run on the course. The half marathon run is famous for its unbeatable atmosphere, on route entertainment and fly bys from the Red Arrows, making it an event on many people’s bucket lists.

A huge well done to Linda Edwards who finished the race in an (unofficial) time of 2:29 and Paul Robertson who finished in 1:56:27!

This was my 8th GNR and due to an increase in numbers the busiest and definitely the warmest. We stood on our pens for almost an hour in bright sunlight waiting to start. The race starts in Newcastle and ends in South Shields with a beautiful view of the sea. It was Mo Farah's last race and there was superb support throughout with bands on route. The red arrows put in a fine display as the start and on my finishing mile. Unfortunately my race timing was incorrect and not long after I finished my race I was caught up in flash floods in South Shields which resulted in walking though calf deep water along with the other runners. All transport was affected making it a VERY long and memorable day.
Linda Edwards

Chedworth Roman trail

The Chedworth Roman Trail was the next race in the RSE club championship, and although previous runners joked about its hilly course, the hills were the last thing on everyone’s minds after the unexpected events that unfolded! The course follows a 10 mile undulating lap of scenic Cotswold countryside through Stowell Park, the Coln Valley, and close to the famous Chedworth Roman Villa. The already challenging race became even harder as runners navigated around a hornets nest (many getting stung in the process!) and torrential rain caught runners by surprise!

Well done to our club runners for persevering!

  • Mark Garrett – 1:24:11
  • Ollie Hazel – 1:24:56
  • Elliot Gardiner – 1:37:01
  • Daniel Drayton – 1:38:06
  • Paul Beaumont – 1:38:59
  • Alan Powderhill – 1:41:03
  • Robert Baker – 1:55:19
  • Fran Penny – 1:57:20
  • Kirsty Pitts – 1:57:19
  • Nadine Brown – 1:57:20
  • Zoe Markham-Lee – 2:14:44
  • Sharon Smith – 2:17:49
  • Elaine Chapman – 2:17:50
What an eventful race! Hot, hilly, attacked by a swarm of hornets, river crossings & torrential rain! I can easily confirm that’s the 2nd hardest race I’ve done so far! 😅 very scenic but very hard with so many steep hill climbs! The dip in the river near the end was actually quite welcome in the muggy heat! Nice selection of cake at the finish as a reward 😋 🍰
Elliot Gardiner

parkruns - 02/09/2023

Tamar Trails parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 26:03
  • Felicity Crotty – 35:10

Lydiard parkrun

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 29:48

Cheltenham parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 23:31

Osterley parkrun

  • Steve Sandercock – 23:24

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 21:34
  • Daniel Drayton – 22:32
  • Paul Billinghurst – 23:28
  • Phil Newman – 24:43
  • Liz Hulcup – 26:04
  • Sue Navin – 27:09
  • Ellie Witnall – 27:47
  • Nadine Brown – 27:59
  • Vicki Mason – 28:56
  • Maria Yates – 30:52

Seven Fields parkrun

  • Annie Burbridge – 29:37

University Parks parkrun

  • Taryn Hancock – 29:57

parkruns - 09/09/2023

Gateshead parkrun

  • Paul Robertson – 25:20

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 21:51
  • Daniel Drayton – 23:41
  • Steve Sandercock – 23:58
  • Phil Newman – 24:19
  • Robert Baker – 26:09
  • William Cobbett – 26:48
  • Maria Yates – 34:52

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 23:45
  • Felicity Crotty – 31:08

Wolford parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup – 29:12

Save the Date!

  • 16th September – Social at Porters Bar, Cirencester – 8:30pm
    • RSE’s Martin Page will be playing with his band Loaded Dice!
  • 17th September – Angels 10k (RSE Championship race)
  • 1st October – Run Upcote 5 mile race (RSE Championship race)
  • 29th October – Stroud Half Marathon (RSE Championship race)

The next RSE club report will be Mon 25th/Tues 26th September


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.

RSE Club Report – 🎵 Cause I got that sunshine in my pocket, got that good song in my feet. 🎵

Haresfield 5k

For those looking for a fast 5k time, the Haresfield 5k is the must-do race. Although the race profile is described as ‘undulating’, the course feels primarily downhill in the first 2 miles, leaving the last mile to push for the finish. 

There was a great turnout for RSE, with some brilliant times achieved!

  • Mark Garrett – 19:11
  • Nia Glover – 20:49
  • Mick Bagot – 22:54
  • Sharon Smith – 23:13
  • Alan Powderhill – 23:44
  • Steve Sandercock – 24:05
  • Zoe Markham-Lee – 25:28
  • Libby Butler – 25:53
  • Liz Hulcup – 26:05 
  • Felicity Crotty – 32:27

Isle of Wight Half Marathon

The best type of holidays include a half marathon…

This two-lapped course starts at Appley Park, which is conveniently located just above the finish. The route is multi-terrain and undulating, but boasts some fantastic views of the Island (just check out the blue sea in Katy’s photos!)

A huge congratulations to Katy Miller who ran the course in a great time of 2:11!

The Isle of Wight is not known to be flat and this course certainly has a few of those hills! I had decided to do this with my sister back in Jan and we took the small foot passenger boat across the day before and stayed until Monday to have a little holiday! But it is a late start at 11am which does allow for travel across from mainland on the day! A relatively small half marathon organised by Ryde Harriers. Lovely course that was partially on gravel tracks and partly on road. We had beautiful weather and finished up with a dip in the sea! Showers and changing facilities at race HQ and super friendly event. No medal but a branded buff was given to all finishers!
Katy Miller

Severn Bridge 10k and Half Marathon

Every year the iconic Severn Bridge is closed for one specific purpose – to host 100s of runners for a unique 10k and half marathon! Starting and finishing in Chepstow, Wales, the courses of both events are deceptively undulating, as runners make the lengthy climb up and over the bridge.

Congratulations to Darren Jenner, who completed the 10k course in a brilliant time of 50:56, and to Liz Hulcup, who finished the half marathon in a great time of 2:14:38!

parkrun - 19/08/2023

Richmond parkrun

  • Steve Sandercock – 24:41

Black Park parkrun

  • Phil Newman – 25:07

Lydiard parkrun

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 30:04

Plymvalley parkrun

  • Felicity Crotty – 34:23

Abingdon parkrun

  • Taryn Hancock – 30:47

Weymouth parkrun

  • Sarah Reynolds – 27:11

Stratford upon Avon Parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup – 26:00

Cirencester parkrun

  • Mark Garrett – 20:13
  • Daniel Drayton – 23:26
  • Jon Campbell – 24:00
  • William Cobbett – 24:18
  • Phil Southworth – 24:44
  • Paul Beaumont – 25:38
  • Sharon Smith – 25:59
  • Andy Sworn – 27:47
  • Ellie Witnall – 32:05
  • Maria Yates – 33:50

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Helen Cue – 35:25

parkrun - 26/08/2023

Hampstead Heath parkrun

  • Jenny Hoffman – 34:17

Cheltenham parkrun

  • Paul Beaumont – 24:21

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 23:24
  • Phil Newman – 23:29
  • Phil Southworth – 23:36
  • Steve Sandercock – 24:09
  • Paul Billinghurst – 24:10
  • Anne-Marie Davies – 29:19
  • Andy Sworn – 29:20
  • Carol Sworn – 29:45
  • Vicki Mason – 33:44
  • Maria Yates – 37:17

Seven Fields parkrun

  • Annie Burbridge – 27:39

Save the Date!

  • 10th September – Chedworth 10 mile (RSE Championship race)
  • 17th September – Angels 10k (RSE Championship race)

The next RSE club report will be Weds 13th September


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.