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RSE Race Report – Sunday 27th October 2019

Snowdonia Marathon

On Saturday 26th October the Snowdonia Marathon took place. The inaugural Snowdonia Marathon was held in 1982, and was conceived as a dramatic alternative to the numerous city and town races becoming so popular. The demanding and spectacular route, encircling Snowdon, Wales’ and England’s highest peak, has given the event a unique place in the annual marathon calendar ever since.

Representing RSE on a wet and very slippery course that, resulted in him losing a trainer in the mud at one point, was Andy Masser who finished in and impressive time of 4:20:34.

Well done Andy.

Stroud Half Marathon

On Sunday 27th the 38th Stroud Half Marathon took place. Although not flat, the course was a great place for a fast time.

Representing RSE was Linda Edwards who completed the race in 1:53:07 which was a PB by an incredible 4 minutes and 4th in the F60-69 category. She was followed by Jon Collins who finished in 2:02:00.

Great running from you both.

Rugby Half Marathon

Through the disused Great Central railway and the closed town and country roads of Britain’s railway centre, the Rugby Half Marathon on Sunday 27th October was a race not to be missed.

Starting at Hart field, runners quickly found themselves out on to clear country roads and flying round to return to the town centre on ‘a linear nature reserve’ – the old railway line that is now a recognised wildlife hotspot.

Representing RSE was Liz Farooq who completed the race in 2:06:37. She was followed by Amanda Ball who was taking part in her first half marathon and finishing in 2:18:44.

Great effort from you both well done.

Calne Clock Change Challenge

On Sunday 27th October the Calne Clock Change Challenge took place. This event involved both a 10km and 5km road race over a fast and flat course capable of producing personal bests. 

Representing RSE was Mark Manley who finished in a time of 20:03. Not only was this 9th place overall but it was also 1st place in the M50 category. Had he been a bit younger he would also have achieved 1st place in the M40 category.

Fantastic effort Mark.

Swindon Park Run

Mark Manley – 20:49

Brueton Park Run

Felicity Crotty – 28:32

Cirencester Park Run

Tom Razazan – 21:16

William Gardiner – 28:03

Tetbury Goods Shed Park Run

Ted Pitts – 27:32

Linda Edwards – 30:31

RSE Race Report – Sunday 20th October 2019

Amsterdam Marathon

The Amsterdam Marathon took place on Sunday 20th October and is ranked as the world’s 6th fastest marathon city. Highlights of the course are the start and finish in the Olympic Stadium, the passage through the Rijksmuseum, the stretch along the Amstel River and running through the Vondelpark.

Representing RSE was Dave Witnall who completed the race in 3:15:31. He was followed by Ellie Taylor who finished in 3:49:52

Outstanding effort from you both.

York Marathon

The Asda Foundation Yorkshire Marathon took place on Sunday 20th October. Since it’s inaugural event in 2013 this marathon has quickly established itself as a highlight of the White Rose County’s sporting year. The route took in historic sites such as the York Minster and the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.

Representing RSE was Laura Lucking who finished in a time of 4:03:57 which was a PB.

She was followed by Ryo Taylor who was taking part in his first marathon and completed it in an unofficial time of 4:49:30.

Very well done to you both.

Great South Run

The Great South 10 mile run on Sunday 20th October gave runners the chance to experience one of the south coast’s best 10 mile events and celebrate everything that’s great about Portsmouth. The flat fast course was perfect for runners looking for a PB.

Representing RSE was Sandie Wood who completed the run in 1:38:21. She was followed by Tracey Webster who finished in a time of 1:48:36

Great running well done.

Swindon Park Run

Steve Sandercock – 24:25

Caroline Sandercock – 35:52

Cirencester Park Run

William Gardiner – 27:08

Jo Wood – 27:27

Anne Gardiner – 28:07

Charley Trykush – 38:09

Northwich Park Run

Felicity Crotty – 29:03

Tetbury Goods Shed Park Run

Kirsty Pitts – 26:09

Ted Pitts – 27:52

Becca Wilson – 32:52

Stratford Park Park Run

Jon Collins – 29:36

RSE Race Report – Sunday 13th October 2019

Gloucestershire Cross Country League Race – Wotton under Edge

Cross-country is traditionally the backbone of winter training with Gloucestershire having an annual championship for individuals and teams. It consists of a series of four races to determine the individual and team rankings, and a one-off championship race which is also used as selection for the county squad which will compete at the inter-county championships.

An individual needs to compete in three of the four league races to obtain a county rank for the season. RSE needs to register a team finish (three runners for ladies; six runners for men) in each of the four races to obtain a county rank for the season.

The first race of the series took place on Sunday 13th October at Wotton under Edge over a slightly wet course.

The senior ladies course was over 2 laps totalling 6.4 km.

First in for RSE was Rosie Oates in a time of 27:33. She was followed by;

Sharon Smith – 30:53 and 1st LV65

Ellie Taylor – 30:54

Nadine Brown – 31:01

Kirsty Pitts – 31:34

Carol Sworn – 31:45

Jenny Hoffman – 36:54

Kate Potter – 39:52 and 1st LV 70

The senior men’s course consisted of 2 small laps followed by 2 large laps totalling 9.5 km.

First in for RSE was Dave Witnall in a time of 40:58. He was followed by;

Ben Chapman – 46:17

Gareth Roberts – 49:45

Martin Pitts – 52:38

Istvan Vegh – 54:03

Great effort from you all.

Sofia Half Marathon

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and one of the oldest capitals in Eastern Europe. Founded thousands of years ago, today it continues to develop as the country’s cultural and economic centre.

On Sunday 13th October the Sofia Half Marathon took place. Starting at Battenberg Square in front of the National Art Gallery the course ran through the heart of Sofia, through most of the city’s historical sights.

Representing RSE was Linda Edwards who completed the race in 2:00:30. Great effort Linda well done.

Cirencester Park Run

Carol Taylor – 36:10

Bath Skyline Park Run

Sarah Reynolds – 28:25

Swindon Park Run

Steve Sandercock – 23:56 and a new PB

Felicity Crotty – 28:24

Caroline Sandercock – 34:57

Championship Update 2019- Endurance Expert -Race 7, Cricklade Half Marathon

The Cricklade Half Marathon on Sunday 6th October was the 7th and final race in the endurance expert championship. It also doubled up as our annual Handicap time race. Conditions on the day were bright over head but cool enough for quick times. Once again our runners did not disappoint in the PB stakes and chased down the set handicap times.

For Cricklade HM points were rewarded for improvement on a handicap time instead of position. 

Ladies Competition

In the Ladies contest there were 11 participants with Ellie Taylor taking the 10 points. Not only coming home first for the Ladies she also beat her handicap time by 36 seconds. Seven Ladies were awarded the 9 points – they were Jo Wood, Jo Beames, Sarah Reynolds, Sarah Page (5 min PB), Vicki Mason (PB), Cathy Steer (2 min PB), and Vanessa Poole. Taking 8 points and narrowly missing out on the Handicap time by 14 seconds was Kirtsy Pitts. Linda Edwards (7) and Rochelle Ravenscroft (6) took the remaining points.

This leaves the standings as

  1. Ellie Taylor – 48 points
  2. Rochelle Ravenscroft – 42 points
  3. Kirtsy Pitts – 37 points

Men’s Competition

Ten men took on the Half Marathon – taking the 10 points was Kevin Joynes-Creed improving on his handicap time by 5 min 30 seconds and also setting a new PB. Ben Chapman (9 points) also grabbed a new PB beating his handicap time by 2 mins 32 seconds. Just 2 seconds pushed Istvan Vegh into third and the 8 points. Andy Masser (7) and Ryo Taylor (6) also beat their set times. The other points were shared between Tom Razazan (5) and PB, Gareth Roberts (5) Vic Trykush (5), Mark Garrett (4) and David Witnall (3)

This leaves the standings as

  1. David Witnall – 41 points
  2. Andy Masser – 37 points
  3. Kevin Joynes-Creed – 35 points

Brilliant efforts by everyone. Remember, you have until the end of October to submit a Marathon time if you have completed one. Just message Elaine or me the time and the details of the event. You need to complete 5 races to qualify for the Endurance Expert Championship.

Dave Witnall – Vice Captain