Westonbirt 10k
The popular Westonbirt 10K returned to the National Arboretum on Thursday 9 May 2019 as part of the Forestry Commission Active Forests programme.
One of the most beautiful running routes in the UK, the national arboretum is the perfect location for sporting events, and runners taking part in this race were 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 popular 10K which was largely on flat terrain and hard paths.
Representing RSE was Jo Wood who completed the race in 49:10 which was 4 minutes faster than last year and 7th vet woman. She was followed by;
Sandie Wood – 57:37
Amanda Haines – 59:59 which was a new PB
George Rackley – 1:12:43
Kay Thompson – 1:20:29
Great running from you all.
The Marlborough Downs Challenge
The Marlborough Downs Challenge was a beautiful yet challenging event that took place on Saturday 11th May. The route was mostly off-road along tracks and footpaths with plenty of climbing – over 3000 feet for the 33 mile race as well as a shorter 20 mile route. The route took in some of the finest Wiltshire countryside including Mid Wilts Way with superb views across the Vale of Pewsey West Woods, Gopher Wood, with its amazing wild garlic and two of the highest points in Wiltshire at Knapp Hill and Tan Hill, where the long and short courses diverge.
Representing RSE in the 33 mile race was Tim Hodgetts who completed the race in 5:31:10 and 26th place overall. He was followed by;
Henry Church – 5:32:24 and 29th place
Nadine Brown – 6:02:31 47th overall and 8th female
Representing RSE in the 20 mile race was Rebecca Hodgetts who completed the race in 3:40:02.
Fantastic effort from you all.
Two Tunnels Half Marathon
There are 3 different half marathon routes, known as Return Ticket, Hilly Ticket and City Ticket, being run through the Two Tunnels in Bath this year.
All the Half Marathon distance events are also part of the Challenge Series events; The Two Tunnels Challenge and Mini Challenge as well as the Beast of Bath Challenge.tails.
On Sunday 12th July RSE had a lot of runners taking part in one of the Bath Two Tunnels Races. This was a multi distance event using the Two Tunnels Greenway path shared along Linear Park. It included the Devonshire Tunnel which measures 408m long and the Coombe Down Tunnel measuring 1672m long. The half marathon route was a 2 lap out and back course which meant that the runners pass through the tunnels 4 times during the race which made it the race with the longest underground section in Britain. It was described as being perfect for setting a PB.
Sandie Wood completed the 5k race in 27:56 and in first place in the female 50-59 category. She was followed by;
Tracy Webster – 29:25
In the 10k Ted Pitts completed the race in 51:30. He was followed by;
Sandie Wood – 57:43
Tracy Webster – 1:01:19
First in for RSE in the half marathon was Tom Cooper in a time of 1:27:135 and in 9th place. He was followed by;
Dave Witnall – 1:28:59 in 10th place
Mark Garrett – 1:36:53 and 2nd in the male 50-59 category
Ben Chapman – 1:41:05
Dave Whitlow – 1:43:23
Rochelle Ravenscroft – 1:44:55 which was a PB
Ellie Taylor – 1:47:24
Kirsty Pitts – 1:50:30 which was a PB and 2nd in the female 50-59 category
Susannah Futter – 1:52:44
Amanda Tyler – 1:56:11
Linda Edwards – 1:59:22
Ryo Taylor – 2:06:46
Istvan Vegh – 2:16:26
Great turnout from RSE and good running.
Hullavington Half Marathon
The inaugural Hullavington Half Marathon was a road race over a gently undulating and picturesque course, which started and finished in the village of Hullavington, Wiltshire. Not only did all finishers receive a medal they were alse presented with a free cake. There will also be a supporting 5k run.
Representing RSE was Andy Masser who completed the race in 1:34:15, 11th place overall and 2nd in the MV50 category. He was followed by;
Vanessa Poole – 2:28:11
Caroline Joynes-Creed – 2:37:10
Kevin Joynes-Creed – 2:38:23
Fab running from you all.
Stroud Trail Quarter Marathon
Although 7 miles and not exactly the quarter marathon, this was a great introduction to trail running and took in some of the great Cotswold views at the same time. Starting from the Stroud town centre, the Stroud Trail Quarter marathon joins the Cotswold Canal towpath to Capels Mill, then a steep ascent of 450ft onto Rodborough Common. The route continues to Amberley and then Minchinhampton Common before heading back to the town centre to the finish.
Representing RSE was Cheri Edwards who completed the race in 1:11:29
Great effort Cheri.
Mentioned in Dispatches
Great great results from a lot of runners this weekend. Definitely keeping me busy.
With PBs from Amanda Haines in the Westonbirt 10k, Rochelle Ravenscroft and Kirsty Pitts in the Two Tunnels half.
There were also some great placings in the races including Tom Cooper 9th and Dave Witnall 10th in the Two Tunnels half. We also had Mark Garrett in 2nd male and Kirsty Pitts as 2nd female both in their age categories. Of course not forgetting Andy Masser who came in 11th overall and 2nd in the male 50 category in the Hullavington half.
I would also like to mention Sarah Reynolds who has finished day 3 of a 4 day Cotswold Way 100 mile challenge. Only 33 miles to go!
Particular mention however needs to go to Sandie Wood took part in 3 races this week and even managed 1st in her category for the Two Tunnels 5k. Great running.
Cirencester Park Run
Kevin Joynes-Creed – 24:41 and a new PB
Anne Gardiner – 28:25
Sally Jamieson – 29:12
Amanda Haines – 30:50
Swindon Park Run
Steve Sandercock – 24:24
Caroline Sandercock – 34:04
Rutland Water Park Run
Felicity Crotty – 28~:38