What a weekend for RSE runners! Great efforts by the Cross Country team at their home event on a wet Saturday, organised by Dave Witnall, with lots of RSE members acting as marshalls. Sunday brought the sunshine and Cirencester market place made a beautiful setting for the first ever Cirencester Half Marathon

Gloucestershire AAA Cross Country Race in Cirencester Park

Women (~6k)

• Jennie Glass 27.27
• Jade Beaumont  33.55

Men (~ 9k)

• Jon Last 40.10
• Phil Hudson 44.03

Jennie -“I really enjoyed today – it was classic cross country – some long hills, a bit of mud and some rain.  The race was  well organised and there was great support from the RSE marshals – it’s always great to be cheered on! It was also fun to be part of the RSE women’s team.”

Jade – “Really well organised and the great support and turnout from RSE made it feel a bit easier!”

Phil H – “My first run in the AAA cross country series. Found this race tough with a high class field of runners, mixed in with our RSE superstars. Pace was super quick to start and ground got more slippery and my lack of grip made laps 3&4 a grind. Great fun and well done to the team, fantastic supporters and Jon C for twisting my arm to embrace the dark side of XC running. I will be back for more I’m sure.”

Jon Last – “A hard slog that one. But a good vibe, great organisation and encouraging Marshalls.”

Cirencester Half Marathon

• Dan Drayton 1.45.30
• Elliot Gardiner 1.48.20
• Anna Field 1.51.05
• Rich Sharp 1.51.52 (First ever HM!)
• Stella Pavitt 1.53.14 (PB!)
• Sara Juggins 2.05.42( PB!)
• Linda Edwards 2.14
• Tim Wainwright 2.21
• Lee Jones 2.23.08
• Vicki Mason 2.27 approx. (as pacer)

Dan – “A good turnout of runners from the club. It was a tough incline out of Daglingworth to Park Corner. But there was great support on the way as a lot of people where supporting RSE. Huge thanks to club members who came out to support!”

Sara J – ” I got a PB! The course was really nice. Had a lovely down hill run to the finish”

Anna – “Fab day and such great support from team RSE and our community. Made up for those hills!”

Linda – “The inaugural half marathon exceeded my expectations. The town lends itself well to supporters to being able to cheer on at several points and this made the race even more enjoyable. I really hope that the race is held again next year.”

Tim – “After almost a year out of running it felt brilliant wearing the famous yellow vest again.Seeing you lovely people out there with me today cheering or running I absolutely loved every single mile, I ran with a smile the whole way to just be out there again Thankyou all supporters and special thanks to Jeremy whom stuck by me most of way around.”

Elliot – “Great atmosphere, lots of friendly faces, fantastic turn out of support, plus glorious weather for the inaugural Ciren half! So pleased we now have a successful half marathon event in our town! 💪🏼 I planned to run with the 1.50 pacer, but it turns out there wasn’t one 😅 so tried to stick to 8.20 min miles instead, which successfully resulted in a sub 1.50, despite the Daglingworth hills! Official chip time 1:48:20. It seems the fitness is steadily returning! PB attempt will have to be next year!”

Tewkesbury Guy Fawkes 5 mile race

• Rebecca Southerington  35.40 (3rd FV40)
• Jennie Glass 35.54 (3rd LV55)
• Al Powderhill 36.21 (PB!)
• Ben Chapman 37.08.04
• Sharon Smith 38.21, (1st LV75)
• Liz Hulcup 42.22 (1st LV70)
• Sue Navin  43.07, (2nd LV70 and a PB!)
• Zoe Markham-Lee 43.38
• Jade Beaumont 45.25
• Helen Cue 54.03(PB!)
• Sylvia  Warman 54.24(PB!)

Al – “Really pleased to grab another PB and complete this years set of running a PB in every distance for the 3rd year in a row. The Achilles issue this week was a worry, but luckily didn’t hamper the race. Great to run with all the other RSE racers as always. Need to rest up now.”

Jade”This felt really tough after the cross country race yesterday so didn’t quite get the time I was aiming for. It was nice to run on a predominantly flat road though rather than through muddy fields! Was great to see everyone from RSE running so well and there’s cake at the end!”

Helen – “First time running the Guy Fawkes race. But what a lovely race.  Lots of RSE entries, lovely views of hikes during the race and a very unexpected PB.

Sylvia – “I always enjoy this race. Lovely sunny day for it and course PB for me. Great to cross the line surrounded by yellow vests.”

Apocalypse Run

• Sarah Kaminski

Alice Holt Spooky 10k

• Mary Shepherd 1.08

Mary – “Spooky 10k run, two loops around Alice Holt Farnham Surrey.  Ran with my daughter in law in the dark.  Loved the lights trail.  Lots of kids and family’s running different distances.  A great family event.”

Running Somewhere Else – Parkrun Report

Event Date: 1 November 2025

Chippenham parkrun (#526)

• Cheri EDWARDS – 29:29

• Vicki MASON – 29:55

Cirencester parkrun (#316)

• Paul BILLINGHURST – 23:31

• Daniel DRAYTON – 24:21

• Phil HUDSON – 24:54

• Jon CAMPBELL – 24:54

• Ben CHAPMAN – 26:01

• Andy SWORN – 26:35

• Elaine CHAPMAN – 30:03

• Sarah REYNOLDS – 30:17

• Anne-Marie DAVIES – 30:44

• Paul ROBERTSON – 30:51

• Samantha WARD – 30:59

• Linda EDWARDS – 34:59

Cranbrook Country Park parkrun (#208)

• Darren JENNER – 25:00

• Felicity CROTTY – 33:41

Kilkenny Lane Country parkrun (#3)

Rachel WEAVER – 58:58

Well done everybody. Enjoy your running.

It’s been a great week for RSE racing, with Zoe running 31 miles, Linda smashing yet another marathon,  Nia going sub-20 for the first time (and picking up another trophy), Katy running in the sunshine for wine, and Phil (aging like a fine wine) getting a half marathon PB. Congratulations all.

Mark

Calne Clock Change 5K

Nia Glover                19:45

“It’s no secret I’ve been aiming for a sub 20 5k for a while and it has continually eluded (and frustrated!) me. I targeted this race a couple of months ago and have been working towards it for a while, although still didn’t really believe I could do it. Today somehow the pace just happened and coming toward the finish seeing I was well under the 20 I was in a bit of disbelief. I am totally thrilled and still can’t quite believe it. I finished first lady which was a nice cherry on top.”

Nia Glover

Scare Bear

Zoe Markham-Lee     6:13:21

“An interesting event as you could do 3km to 50km and more if you could! I chose the timed event where you had 7 hours to do the course as many times as you wanted. Lovely and flat along the Thames. The medal attracted me to this one, being an 80’s born girl. I managed 31 miles.”

Zoe

Stroud Half Marathon

Phil Hudson          1:31:57

“About the race: Stroud is my local race and a great event, well organised on an undulating route today we had perfect 4oC temp and bright sunshine for the start.
I felt strong today so pushed ahead of planned pacing, knowing second half is harder. Hanging on a bit at 10 miles but then got my second wind to finish with a two minute PB.
This run is a reflection of the fantastic motivational support we get from the club, the flood of kudos on the WhatsApp chat for every runner celebrating their achievements and the dedicated and professional training and support from our committee and coaches. RSE is a special club and thank you.”

Phil

Valle dei Segni Wine Trail

Katy Miller             1:14

“While away on a sabbatical in Northern Italy I joined in a local run event opting for the non-competitive 8km trail run… It was more like 9.5km with over 400m of climbing, but it was absolutely worth it for the views and the glass of Prosecco at the finish! I even managed to rope in a friend for his first ever run event!!!”

Katy

Dublin Marathon

Linda Edwards           4:50

“Fabulous Dublin marathon. Brilliant support despite the terrible weather wind and rain. “

Linda

Park Runs

Durlston Country Park

Sandy Water

Tetbury

Prospect

Cirencester

Bushy, Dublin

Fire Service College

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