Henley Culden Faw Estate Races – 6th November
Taking in woodland, farmland and conservation areas, the Culdan Faw Estate races boast picturesque routes, perfect for trail runners. Runners had a choice of half marathon, 10k and 5k, and all paces and levels were encouraged to enter.
RSE’s Kevin Joynes-Creed, Sarah Reynolds, Sharon Smith and Becca Wilson challenged themselves to the half marathon, while Caroline Joynes-Creed took on the 10k.
There was a bit too much tarmac really, but also some leg sapping hills and very friendly marshals. Plus it was sunny in Henley!
Sarah Reynolds
Bloomin cold! Really well organised but rather a lot of tarmac I thought for a trail. But lovely to feel slightly normal entering a race!
Becca Wilson
Dry and sunny, a 2-lap course of track and field. Hilly, with some long downhills for recovery.
Sharon Smith
Half Marathon:
- Kevin Joynes-Creed – 01:57:21
- Sharon Smith – 02:02:00 (1st Fv70)
- Sarah Reynolds – 02:07:41 (3rd Fv40)
- Becca Wilson – 02:36:35
10k
- Caroline Joynes-Creed – 01:09:02
Chilly 10k – 6th November
Based at the Castle Coombe race circuit, the Chilly 10k has become a favourite amongst RSE members seeking fast times. Runners have to complete 3.4 laps of the flat, smooth course, but are often left exposed to the elements, particularly the wind, hence its “chilly” name. Taking on the challenge (and running head to head) were club members Ollie Hazel and Dave Witnall, who finished only 3 seconds apart!
It’s not the most picturesque course but you can chase some fast times. It’s tough to get going as you’re counting down the laps – Ollie and I both agreed at the finish line that we were glad it was over! DB Max do make good medals though.
Dave Witnall
- David Witnall – 40:27
- Ollie Hazel – 40:30
Virtual Salisbury Plain Marathon – 6th November
Instead of it usual mud, trails and hills, Salisbury Plain Marathon encouraged runners to get involved virtually. As he was previously booked into the marathon and automatically entered into the virtual version, RSE’s Mark Manley “tagged on the extra” to a training run to fulfil the challenge. Although Mark described the virtual marathon as “less fun” and “hard for motivation”, he still finished in an excellent time of 3:46!