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!
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!
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
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!
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.
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
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!
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!
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
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.