Author Archives: Dave Daniels

Jerusalem Marathon

The Jerusalem Winner Marathon held in Israel’s capital on Friday 15th March was one of the most unique marathons in the world, combining history with a challenging racing experience including a total ascent of 2300 feet.

The various tracks traced 3,000 years of history in this fascinating city that is holy to the world’s three monotheistic religions.

Tens of thousands of runners, representing different religions and countries from all over the world participated in the marathon and experienced Jerusalem’s cultural and historical landmarks, the city’s unique routes and landscapes and an inspiring and unforgettable athletic experience. 

Surprisingly the only person representing RSE was Mark Manley who completed the event in 3:53:18. Great effort Mark.

Fission 20 2

On Saturday 16th March the Fission 20 20 race took part near the village of Berkeley. As well as giving runners the opportunity to go for a PB on a fast flat 20 mile course, the race was useful to many who are planning on competing in a spring marathon. The 20 km option gave runners the opportunity to try a new race length or use it for Half Marathon or Marathon training.

The 20 mile option was a two-lap flat course in lovely countryside close to the river Severn. The 20 km option took in one lap of pretty much the same course.

Representing RSE in the 20 mile event was Dave Whitlow who completed the race in 2:44:24. He was followed by;

Nadine Brown – 2:49:29

Linda Edwards – 3:09:57 and a new PB

Representing RSE in the 20k event was Vicki Mason who completed the race in 2:01:34.

Fantastic running fro m you all and a nice warm up run for Dave before the Gloucester 20 the following day.

Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon

The Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon on Sunday 17th March was the only Half Marathon to be held at this famous and historic royal home. Hampton Court Palace is one of only two surviving palaces that King Henry VIII owned. The race started inside the gates of Hampton Court Palace with the course including pavements, tow paths and grass. The race also involved running inside Home Park for the final section of the course, which was a unique experience for many, with the finish inside the Hampton Court Palace gardens.

Representing RSE was Sandie Wood who completed the race in 2:06:57. She was followed by;

Tracy Webster – 2:16:45 which was a PB

Pauline Tilbury – 2:28:35

Well done to you all.

Gloucester 20 Mile

The ideal London, or other spring, Marathon preparation race the Gloucester 20 mile race took place on Sunday 17th March. This popular 20 mile road race was run on quiet, flat/undulating country roads over a 3 lap circuit in Quedgeley and the surrounding areas.

Representing RSE was Dave Witnall who completed the race in 2:19:43 which was a PB by 9 minutes. He was followed by;

Timothy Hodgetts – 2:28:26

Andy Masser – 2:33:05

Ellie Taylor – 2:46:36 which was a PB by an incredible 20 minutes

Dave Whitlow – 2:51:46

Kevin Joynes-Creed – 2:58:18

Rochelle Ravenscroft – 2:59:32 and a PB

Emma Hine – 3:05:26 which was a PB by an outstanding 23 minutes

Sarah Reynolds – 3:08:21

Rosie Oates – 3:11:48 and a PB by 16 minutes

Istvan Vegh – 3:37:09

Becca Wilson – 3:41:35 and a PB 

Great turnout and running from the club.

Bath Half Marathon

The award-winning Bath Half Marathon returned to the streets of Bath on Sunday 17th March, with over 12,000 runners crossing the finish line and an estimated 40,000 spectators celebrating the 38th edition of this much-loved race.
The race started and finished in Great Pulteney Street, with runners enjoying a return to the old race route which had changed in previous years to a minor diversion around the North Quays development.

Representing RSE was Gareth Roberts who completed the race in 1:54:09. Great effort.

Mentioned in Dispatches

A lot of club runners took part in many events this weekend with quite a few achieving PBs in those races including Becca Wilson, Rochelle Ravenscroft and Tracy Webster. However particular mention needs to go to Emma Hine with a fantastic 23 minutes off her previous PB, Ellie Taylor with an incredible 20 minutes off her previous PB, Rosie Oates who took 16 minutes of her previous PB and Dave Whitnall with 9 minutes off his previous PB. Finally a quick mention to Dave Whitlow who completed a 20 mile race on Saturday in 2:44:24 and then a “recovery” 20 mile race on Sunday in 2:51:46. Outstanding example of stamina and pacing. Well done.

Cirencester Park Run

Elliot Gardiner – 24:02

Jon Collins – 27:07

Anne Gardiner – 27:18

William Gardiner – 28:12

Suzanne Steel – 29:43

Minchinhampton 10k

Now in its 10th year the Minchinhampton was held on Sunday 10th March 2019. The race takes place on quiet country lanes in and around the beautiful Cotswold town of Minchinhampton.   Described as containing one hill and a few undulations it is still a reasonably quick course.

Representing and first in for RSE was Sharon Smith who completed the race in 50:15 and was also 1st LV65. She was followed by;

Elliot Gardiner – 50:51 and a PB

Anne Gardiner – 59:36 also a PB

Manda Bloomer – 1:03:21

Amanda Haines – 1:04:54

Great effort in very windy conditions well done.

Grizzly 2019 Trails of the Unexpected

The Grizzly which took place on Sunday 10th March started at Seaton seafront and had more than 3,000′ ascent in its 20 miles. There were two sections of beach, totalling well over a mile; two energy-sapping bogs, where runners were often up to their waists in water and mud; and the infamous “Stairway to Heaven”, a steep path up the side of a cliff.

With such a description it is not surprising that there was only 1 member of RSE taking part in the race. That was Elaine Chapman who completed the race in an impressive 4:03:33. Rumour has it that this was a recce of the race as Elaine is considering adding it to the Endurance Championships for 2020!!!!

Chester 10K

On Sunday 10th March the second outing for the Chester 10K took place.

The fast course started near the iconic Northgate Arena and headed north-west out of the City. Wide roads allowed runners to rapidly settle into race pace, as they passed through the picturesque village of Mollington before returning to the heart of Chester City centre and finishing outside the historic Victorian town hall and Medieval Cathedral.

Representing RSE was Felicity Crotty who completed the race in 57:38. Well done.

Mentioned in Dispatches

As some of you are aware Sharon Smith came 1st in the Glos AAA road race championships last year in the LV65 age category. Winners of each category receive a medal for their achievement with some categories also being presented with an engraved shield. These are donated by local businesses and other running clubs. There wasn’t a sponsor for Sharon’s category so the RSE committee didn’t want Sharon’s effort to go unnoticed so arranged to sponsor the category for 2018 and future years. Sharon received her shield on Saturday in front of RSE members taking part in a charity yoga class. Congratulations and well done Sharon.

It is not only good running that will get you added into this part of the race report. I would also like to mention Emma Hine who organised the yoga session on Saturday 9th March and raised a further £300 for a Leukaemia charity.

Also a mention goes to Elliot Gardiner who completed his first 10k race on Sunday 10th March and managed to raise £300 for Kidney Research.

Newcastle Park Run

Linda Edwards – 26:40

Swindon Park Run

Martyn Joyce – 22:00

Steve Sandercock – 26:17

Caroline Sandercock – 35:59

Chester Park Run

Felicity Crotty – 30:10

Cirencester Park Run

Dave Witnall – 20:51

William Gardiner – 27:53

On Sunday 3rd March the Cambridge Half Marathon took place. The route took runners on a truly unforgettable journey through the beautiful city of Cambridge, passing countless historic landmarks along the way. With a flat course this was a great opportunity to achieve a goal whether that was a PB or not.

Representing RSE was Ben Chapman who completed the race in 1:42:19 which was a PB. He was followed by Emma Hine who also achieved a PB in a time of 1:58:47.

Great effort from you both.

Cirencester Park Run

Andrew Masser – 23:03

Elliot Gardiner – 23:58

Anne Gardiner – 27:23

Vanessa Poole – 31:13

George Rackley – 31:53

Gloucester City Park Run

Felicity Crotty – 28:57

Stonehouse Park Run

Sharon Smith – 24:07

Carsington Water 10k

The Carsington Water 10k took place on Saturday 23rd February. The race involved running the undulating, traffic-free trails surrounding Carsington Water Reservoir, Ashbourne, Derbyshire. The route offered stunning views of the Lake and surrounding Peak District countryside and is considered ideal as part of a Spring marathon training schedule.

Representing RSE was Tom Cooper who completed the race in 40:22 coming in 4th place. He was followed by;

Martin Sheriff – 49:13

Great effort from you both well done.

The Terminator

The Terminator was a 12 mile challenging, muti-terrain course that took place in Pewsey, Wiltshire on Sunday 24th February. The race started with a gentle run across fields and a canal towpath but then got serious with several climbs, a sting in the tail and a free shoe wash. I think the t shirt is probably better used to understand the route.

Representing RSE was Elaine Chapman who completed the race in 2:08:30.

Well done Elaine.

Bourton 10k

The Bourton 10k took place on Sunday 24th February. The course consisted of 2 laps of the picturesque village of Bourton on the Water, followed by a run out and back, finishing with 1 more small lap of the village. The course was flat, fast and traffic free.

Representing RSE was Dave Witnall who completed the race in an impressive 38:00. He was followed by;

Paul Coates – 47:02

Nadine Brown – 47:38

Wayne Edginton – 48:03

Linda Edwards – 50:38

Istvan Vegh – 54:07

Sandie Wood – 55:30

Kevin Joynes-Creed – 1:06:15

Caroline Joynes-Creed – 1:06:15 and a PB by 1:36

Kay Thompson – 1:13:56

Nice running from you all.

Swindon Park Run

Steve Sandercock – 25:35

Mark Manley – 25:57

Caroline Sandercock – 35:06

Cirencester Park Run

Elliot Gardiner – 23:36

George Rackley – 30:41

Nadine Brown – 45:31

Brooklands Park Run

Claire Collett – 46:00