A friendly running club based in Cirencester!

RSE Club Report – Autumn Running Season Starts Now!

Cotswold Water Park 10K

This 10k in the beautiful Cotswold Water Park takes runners around the stunning Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve which is not normally open to the public. The course is fast and flat, so unsurprisingly is a sell out. The event raises money for Cotswold Lakes Trust, a charity dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the Cotswold Water Park.

Aiming to get his name the most times in this race report, a huge well done to Elliot Gardiner, who completed the course in 46:07!

The race was the first of two races in the same weekend & this one on a slight hangover too! 😅 Based at the South Cerney lakes, the course was 2 & 3⁄4 laps following the trail clockwise around the Cleveland Lakes permissive path and through the nature reserve. Due to a fair amount of rain recently, the trail was very muddy & slippery under foot, although very flat. Not too far off a PB, so with drier weather and harder ground it could definitely be a PB course. Came 17th out of 174 runners so I’m very pleased with that! 😊 Another “eco friendly” wooden medal & picked up some Cotswold Lakes Brewery ale as a reward from their stand at the end 🍺
Elliot Gardiner

Run Upcote 5 Mile

The next race in the RSE Club Championship was a hilly one (thanks Captains!) but with hills comes some amazing scenery. Held at the Upcote Farm (where the 2000 Trees Festival is held), the route crosses farm road, bridleway and permissive path for some challenging uphill segments (and a few downhills!). Although RSE runners thought it was tough going, they were still smiling en route!

 
  • Mark Garrett – 37:48 – 3rd MV50!
  • Ollie Hazel – 39:13
  • Elliot Gardiner – 42:45
  • Mick Bagot – 44:04 – 2nd MV60!
  • Sharon Smith – 44:45 – 1st LV70!
  • Alan Powderhill – 45:50
  • Jo Beames – 46:36
  • Nadine Brown – 49:05
  • Anne Gardiner – 3rd LV60!
  • Sarah Reynolds – 49:31
  • Gemma Wright – 49:51
  • Anna Field – 49:56
  • Sue Navin – 51:48
  • Teresa Hazelwood – 53:43
  • Zoe Markham-Lee – 56:01
  • Jenn Evans – 59:45
  • Anne Marie-Davies – 1:00:36
  • Vicki Mason – 1:01:01
Third time running this race. In 2021, the race was extended to 5.7 miles in error! Today we had perfect conditions. The hills still hurt though and I was on the lookout for Hornets in the woods. Spectacular views.
Sharon Smith
The second race of the weekend and at the other end of the spectrum! A hot & hilly trail! 🥵 This was also the last race in the club championship short stuff specialist series so I needed to put a shift in! The route starts with a very long, steep climb up “Bastard Hill” (very appropriately named!) which eventually levels out for some stunning scenic views from the top. Some slippery mud tracks through the woods and over the top of the hills before descending back down, then a sting in the tail hill back up towards the finish line and a final downhill sprint! On tired legs from the race the day before, I can say it was very hard work, which meant I was even more pleased with my overall pacing and time 💪🏼 possibly one I might not be doing again in future! 😅
Elliot Gardiner
I found it very hard but weirdly, I want to run it again next year 😂
Gemma Wright

Cardiff Half Marathon

This fast, flat and scenic half marathon is held in the heart of the capital city, taking in iconic landmarks including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, Civic Centre and stunning Cardiff Bay. It is now one of Europe’s largest half marathons and is Wales’ largest mass participation and multi-charity fundraising event, with over 27,500 registered runners. With thousands of spectators cheering on the runners, it’s safe to say this is a great race for atmosphere!

Congratulations to Tim Wainwright who completed the course in 2:10:18!

Cardiff is an amazing race, well supported and well organised, massive event. The national anthem was sung by thousands of people which gave me goosebumps. I'd love to run this again and highly recommend.
Tim Wainwright

Loch Ness Marathon

Described as one of the most beautiful marathons in the world, Baxters Loch Ness Marathon runs point to point along atmospheric moorland, Highland scenery and the infamous Loch Ness, finishing in Inverness, capital city of the Highlands. With this in mind, this years events saw returning RSE runners as well as one club member who decided to run the course on their birthday!!

A huge well done to Team RSE for some brilliant times, and Happy Birthday, Libby!

  • Phil Southworth – 4:03:46
  • Libby Butler – 4:42:11
  • Cathy Steer – 4:58:09
  • Linda Edwards – 5:05:43
  • Becca Wilson – 5:39:14
A Birthday Marathon. Was a different way to spend a birthday that's for sure but it was lovely to spend it in Scotland with my RSE chums, plus I beat my previous (official) PB by 19 minutes!! A very tough race, undulating and the downhills were just as painful as the uphill. Gorgeous scenery did help a little however.
Libby Butler
First official marathon (not sure running around my garden really counts!). Absolutely loved it! Lines of coaches dropped 3500 crazy people in lycra in the middle of nowhere. The rain stopped, the sun came out, and a rainbow and bagpipes led the way to the start line! The race started downhill with stunning views and a growing sense of optimism. Running a marathon wasn't going to be so bad after all! Three hours later, at mile 18, reality hit as the long hill began. Jeffing, fruit pastals, pretzels and cheers of support got me through the rest! Really grateful to have the other RSE members and friends at the event with me! Great support! Would definitely recommend it for the beautiful scenery, Baxters soup and Tartan medal!
Cathy Steer
Brilliantly organised , fantastic route and stunning scenery where we benefited from unseasonably glorious weather . Love this marathon and made more special by running with fellow RSE members. As I say what’s not to love ❤️! ? This is a local, friendly marathon and the closest road marathon to a trail marathon . If you get a chance and fancy a few undulations this could be for you !
Becca WIlson
A very beautiful marathon which is worth running just for the scenery. It is undulating (hilly) but definitely worth the post marathon muscle ache. Great to see Cathy run her first official marathon and good representation from the Cotswolds!
Linda Edwards
Well organised race with coaches driving us out to start line then running back to Inverness alongside Loch Ness then river Ness into finish in Bught Park. Very scenic route and we were very lucky with the weather. The piping band gave us a resounding start and running on closed roads is always a treat. Quite undulating and tricky to pace ! Great to share the experience with other RSE running friends
Sarah Page

Swindon Trail Ultra

Only in its 3rd year as a race, the Swindon Trail Ultra is 70% trail, taking in some beautiful views around Swindon including the Ridgeway, Bincknoll Castle and Barbury castle. As well as the beautiful scenery, the course also challenges runners to 2000ft, the majority in the first half. But don’t take that figure as a deterrent, as this ultra is tipped as beginner friendly.

No stranger to an ultra or two, congratulations to Kevin Joynes-Creed who completed the course in 7hr 29min 20sec!

Starting at Lydiard Park the first half of the Swindon Ultra contains pretty much all of the elevation. The route begins winding it’s way across green fields towards Wotton Bassett then climbing up onto the Ridgeway past the Hackpen White Horse and over Barbury Castle before dropping back into Swindon at Coate Water. From here you pick up a network of cycle paths which wind their way through numerous green spaces across Swindon eventually landing back at Lydiard for the finish. Well signposted route, well stocked checkpoints and a pint of Arkells Ale at the finish. What more could you want 😎 Huge thanks as ever to Caroline for your support and it was lovely to see Cheri at Coate Water. All in all an awesome day out… This would be a great first Ultra for anyone considering stepping up in 2024…
Kevin Joynes-Creed

Bedford Marathon

This is a marathon with a difference, rather than take in the sites the Bedford Autodrome marathon takes runners around the flat race track, making it a uniquely fast course. Each mile is accurately marked out on the smooth, traffic free tarmac motor racing circuit, and is ideal for PB-seekers.

Well done to Sharon Smith who finished in a brilliant time of 3:44:56!

I ran this race to qualify for London and also as preparation for the Ultra. Unlike the Bedford Trail 20 miler I did a few weeks ago this was actually quite unpleasant. Very very strong wind on half the circuit which brought me to a standstill at one point and in danger of being blown over . The downhill was great but 8 laps of tarmac is no fun. However it had to be done but I wouldn't recommend it !
Sharon Smith

Chester Metric marathon

The MBNA Chester Metric Marathon is a popular race and one of a kind in the UK. For those who are unsure (like me who had to ask Coach Dave), a metric marathon is a 26.2km run, a unique and tough distance to cover. The course follows closed roads and runs past all Chester’s iconic landmarks including the Roman Walls, Cathedral, Medieval Rows, Eastgate Clock and Amphitheatre. Participants also explore the stunning Cheshire countryside before an unforgettable finish on Castle Drive.

A huge well done to Felicity Crotty who completed the run in 3:30:11!

Today was the third race in the Chester triple series that my cousin and I undertook as part of our zero birthday year. The metric marathon is an out n back route that was the furthest run I've undertaken this year. It was a very hot and struggled a bit post covid. It was a very well organised race with great support and a lovely route in the countryside.
Felicity Crotty

Burnham-on-sea Half marathon

This seaside half marathon boasts a flat course starting and finishing at the BASC Sports Ground. With a maximum of 300 runners taking part maintains a local feel to the race and allows for some quieter moments on course.

Congratulations to Zoe Markham-Lee who completed her 2nd race in a week in 2:00:22!

Very hot. Had to stop in places to let cars pass. I had the most water on a race ever! Saw some of my friends and they cheered me on at the end, whilst getting me more water!
Zoe Markham-Lee

Cricklade Half Marathon

Formerly an RSE Championship, the Cricklade Half and 10k is a popular one amongst RSE runners. The course is interestingly described as a flat/undulating course, which strangely fits the country lanes surrounding Cricklade. The race is over 30 years and will remain a favourite of the local area. A special shout out to the mini-Garretts who ran the Fun Run for the first time in RSE shirts!

  • Daniel Drayton – 1:51:52
  • Jo Wood – 1:56:12
  • Phil Newman – 1:58:39
  • Leah Brown – 1:58:40
  • Paul Beaumont – 1:58:40
  • Cheri Edwards – 2:01:54
  • Paul Robertson – 2:01:55
  • Sara Juggins – 2:25:02
  • Sylvia Warman – 2:40:14
My first half. Chosen as it was close to home and relatively flat. It went pretty well. The shaded parts through the lakes were lovely but the last 5 miles were in warmer temperatures with less shade. Brilliant RSE support excellent Marshalls plenty of drinks stations and friendly locals.
Sylvia Warman

parkruns - 30/09/2023

Stonehouse parkrun

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 29:27

Worthing parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 23:46
  • Felicity Crotty – 32:02

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 21:37
  • Ben Chapman – 21:40
  • Daniel Drayton – 22:37
  • Phil Newman – 25:18
  • Jessica James – 27:09

Torvean parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 23:12
  • Linda Edwards – 37:58
  • Cathy Steer – 37:59

Quakers Walk parkrun

  • Cheri Edwards – 26:39

parkruns - 7/10/2023

Bressay parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 23:40

Wotton parkrun

  • Sarah Reynolds – 26:21
  • Katy Miller – 27:30

Delamere parkrun

  • Felicity Crotty – 54:54

Cirencester parkrun

  • William Cobbett – 24:48
  • Phil Newman – 25:05
  • Maria Yates – 32:53

Somerdale Pavilion parkrun

  • Caroline Joynes-Creed – 31:58
  • Kevin Joynes-Creed – 32:00

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Elliot Gardiner – 21:34 – New PB and 1st in age category!
  • Paul Robertson – 23:18
  • Alan Powderhill – 23:18

Wolford Wood parkrun

  • Linda Edwards – 36:32

Save the Date!

  • 29th October – Stroud Half Marathon (RSE Championship race)

The next RSE club report will be Sunday 22nd 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.