Arctic Sweden – Ice Ultra Marathon
This extreme challenge crosses 230km of Swedish Lapland, in temperatures reaching as low as -40 degrees. Surrounded by forests, frozen lakes and mountains, runners are expected to wear head torches due to the short daylight hours, meaning entrants spend much of their time running in the dark.
It takes an incredible ultra runner to enter the challenge, let alone finish all 230kms, but RSE’s Andy Sampson did just that!
Arctic Circle Ice Ultra – Done. 5 days and 230km of suffering relentless powder snow, ruthless Arctic blizzards in the -30s, multiple punishing mountain climbs, endless frozen lakes and vast undulating pine forests, to then sleep in secluded log cabins with log burners for heat, head torches for light, crystal clear lake water for drinking and, if lucky, a hole in a wooden box, with a seat. But in return, the reward was scenery as epic as it was brutal; complete silence in the utter wilderness; profound solitude under an aurora filled night sky, entirely cut off from humanity. It was, truly epic.
[It] was the hardest but best race I’ve ever done
Andy Sampson
To put how tough this race was into context, Andy has previously completed the Marathon Des Sable and Comrades!
The Terminator
This challenging, multi-terrain race is held in Pewsey, Wiltshire, following approx. 12 miles of muddy, hilly fields. Notoriously tough, the course starts gentle across the canal towpath, before hitting the hilly climbs across the Wiltshire hills. The race boasts some stunning views and great marshalls.
Four RSE members took to the course, finishing in brilliant times!
- Kirsty Pitts – 2:14:40
- Janet Daniels – 2:14:41
- Kevin Joynes-Creed – 2:47:13
- Caroline Joynes-Creed – 2:47:13
I loved it! It was certainly tough but the route was fantastic and the views were stunning… thank goodness for the sunshine 🌞 This year the route was shorter than previous years which cut out the river crossing, which weirdly I was looking forward to 🤣 Janet and I kept each other going all the way and went over the finish line together.
Kirsty Pitts
Well done to everyone running, and to Kev and Caroline who stopped to help with a medical emergency at the start before continuing the race.
Wokingham Half Marathon
Starting and finishing in Cantley Park, Wokingham, this race is tipped as fast and flat, attracting over 2,000 runners to the course. The route takes runners through the town centre of Wokingham before following rural roads to the villages of Shurlock Row and Hurst.
Running for RSE was David Witnall, Nadine Brown and Ellie Taylor.
- David Witnall – 1:30:37
- Nadine Brown – 1:49:16
- Ellie Taylor – 1:51:16
A quick Half Marathon course, but it is a case of knowing the route to chase that quick time! The first half of the race is fast, owing to the decline in elevation but the last 3 miles, the elevation has to be regained and rhythm can be interrupted. I enjoyed the challenge though – I’ll have to return to get it right next time!
David Witnall
A lot more undulating than the description makes out! It was a lovely course though, and great to see so many crowds cheering the runners on.
Ellie Taylor
Bourton 10k
The Bourton 10k is a popular race amongst RSE members for its flat, fast and picturesque route. Held in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, the course consists of 2 laps of the village plus 1 smaller lap.
Well done to Anne Gardiner and Paul Coates for taking on the challenge, as well as Liz Hulcup who volunteered as tail runner!
- Paul Coates – 49:12
- Anne Gardiner – 52:07 – A New PB!
It’s a beautiful location and great atmosphere. 700 runners today and, from this year is also part of the England Age Masters – so lots of very good runners there. There were queues for the car park so I should have left home a bit earlier- gave me a good warmup run to catch registration!
Anne Gardiner
Excellent running!
parkruns
19/02/2022
Hampstead Heath parkrun
- Jenny Hoffmann – 32:21
Chippenham parkrun
- Darren Jenner – 24:49
- Felicity Crotty – 32:15
Melksham parkrun
- Phil Southworth – 22:22
Stratford Park parkrun, Stroud
- Jon Collins – 44:32
26/02/2022
Tamar Trails parkrun
- Darren Jenner – 24:56
- Felicity Crotty – 31:42
Weymouth parkrun
- Kathryn Cowdall – 29:50 – A New PB!
Cirencester parkrun
- Michael Bagot – 24:41
- Steve Sandercock – 25:29 – 1st in age category!
- Andy Sworn – 27:17
- Anne Gardiner – 27:39 – 3rd lady overall and 1st in age category!
- Carol Sworn – 27:43
- Wayne Edgington – 27:53
- William Gardiner – 28:18
- Louise Hayes – 31:17
Tetbury Goods Shed
- Elliot Gardiner – 22:05 – A New PB!
- Cheri Edwards – 24:11
- Vicki Mason – 26:34 – A New PB!
Stratford Park parkrun, Stroud
- Jon Collins – 30:09
Marine Parade parkrun
- Phil Southworth – 22:07
Parkrun result not mentioned? It may be that you’re not listed as Running Somewhere Else in the parkrun results online. For information on how to change/add RSE as your listed club, click here.