It is not normal to mention virtual races on race reports but there are sometimes exceptions to the rules.
Cotswold Way Relay
The Cotswold Way Relay would have been in it’s 28th year this year and would have taken place on Saturday 4th July. Due to the Coronavirus the event this year was cancelled. For those not aware of this event, the Cotswold Way is split into 10 legs. Each leg is run by a member of a team of 10 with the total running time of the team being the final team result.
Hope 24
Hope 24 is a special event located on a private estate in Plympton. The event would have taken place over Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July however this was also cancelled this year. This event provides a friendly atmosphere for runners to get together and challenge themselves to achieve their own targets. Based on a 5-mile trail course in this stunning estate, the event was open to solo runners or teams of 2-8, over a 24 hour period.
As you will see these events would have taken place on the same day this year. This would have caused a few issues as both events are well supported by RSE with some runners taking part in both events as they are normally held on different days.
One of our members was planning to take place in both events. This would have meant completing their leg of the Cotswold Way, driving down to Plympton and then taking part in Hope 24 at the same time as celebrating their birthday. To get over the disappointment of missing out on that Nadine Brown decided she would run 100k starting at 6am on Saturday 4th. She completed this distance at 10,45 pm. A great effort Nadine, well done.
Two other runners who were planning on taking part in Hope 24 decided they would run as far as they could between 12pm on Saturday and 12pm on Sunday which is the time Hope 24 takes place.
Gareth Roberts chose a 6 mile route from his home address and managed to complete 83 miles.
Elaine Chapman chose a variety of routes around Cirencester and although her aim was to complete 40 miles (a number which had nothing to do with age at all!!!!) managed to complete 65 miles.
A fantastic effort from both of you.
Dave Witnall also decided to do a virtual Hope 24 running mainly as support for Elaine and Gareth and completed 55 miles. Great effort Dave.
One of the great things about this weekend was the amount of support that was provided by members of the club to Elaine, Gareth and Nadine. I know they were all thankful and it made what is a very difficult challenge a little bit easier. Gareth will need to run another 83 miles just to run off the calories he will consume when he tries to finish the cakes that were donated to him.
The Gloucester 20 mile race took place on Sunday 15th March. This was the 3rd race in the RSE Endurance Race Schedule. Starting in Waterwells, Gloucester the race consisted of a 3 lap route around country lanes on what is a flat course with the exception of 2 small hills on each lap.
Now you may wonder why I have mentioned this race having already written about it on a previous race report.
As you may recall that representing RSE was Sharon Smith who finished the race in a time of 2:45:46 and came 1st in the LV65 category with a PB by 7 minutes.
Well that wasn’t all that she achieved!!!
Sharon has now set the all time fastest time in the V70 female category for 20 miles in the UK Rankings.
An absolutely outstanding achievement Sharon.
We even get to see Running Somewhere Else on the top of the rankings as well.
As a result of unforeseen circumstances, the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 5th April was changed to a new location. This was a back garden somewhere just outside of Stroud and renamed the Manchester Back Garden Marathon. Due to the size of the garden, entry to Manchester Garden Marathon was restricted to 1, which was fortunate as there was only 1 application.
The route was a flat lawned 15 metre circuit that was well marked with flag poles in each corner. The panoramic views of the garden fence provided a vista that the runner will never forget.
Having started the RSE beginners course 2 years ago Cathy Steer was taking part in her first marathon and raising money for Hope for Tomorrow. Congratulations to Cathy who was probably the first RSE member to come first in a marathon (happy to be corrected if I am wrong) in a time of just under 9 hours.
This was a fantastic effort that has put a smile on a lot of peoples faces. Well done Cathy.
On Saturday 12th January 2019 the 11th Anniversary of this 45 mile ultra race, which is now established as the opener to the Ultra race calendar and one of the premier single day Ultra events in the UK, took place.
The route took in some pretty stunning countryside which, even in the depths of winter looks good. The countryside route continued well inside the M25 where runners picked up the Grand Union Canal tow path for the final run into London where they finished at the beautiful and enchanting Little Venice.
Representing RSE was Rochelle Ravenscroft who completed the race in 9:05:00.
Gloucester Half Marathon
The Gloucester Half Marathon took place on Sunday 20th January 2019 starting at Quedgeley.
This was a road race event consisting of a 1.1 mile run to the start of a 5.5 mile 2 lap circuit and then 1 mile to the finish.
Well done Rochelle Ravenscroft who completed the race in a time of 1:53:56
Brecon to Cardiff Ultra Marathon
The Brecon to Cardiff Ultra on Sunday 10th February 2019 was a 70k one way race that started in the Brecon Beacons National Park with its dramatic mountain landscapes. Racers then joined the Taff Trail which made much use of an abandoned branch of the Taff Vale Railway and the Glamorganshire Canal. From Brecon the route headed east following the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal to Talybont-on-usk. There the route climbed for quite a long way to Torpantu, from this point it was downhill all the way to the finish Nantgarw.
The incredible Rochelle Ravenscroft finished in a time of 9:55:50.
Gloucester 20 Mile
The ideal London, or other spring, Marathon preparation race the Gloucester 20 mile race took place on Sunday 17th March 2019. 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 Rochelle Ravenscroft who completed the race in 2:59:32 which was a PB.
Chedworth Roman Trail
Team RSE at a chilly Chedworth Roman Trail
Sunday saw the next instalment in the RSE Championship: a beautiful, but challenging, 10(ish!) mile multi-terrain race in the heart of the Cotswolds. Starting from Chedworth Village Hall and running over tracks and woodland paths through the Stowell Park Estate and close to Chedworth Roman Villa. Luckily there was lots of cake at the end to reward runners after completing the hills and river crossing!
Well done to Rochelle Ravenscroft who finished in a time of 1:36:44.
Two Tunnels Half Marathon
There are 3 different half marathon routes, known as Return Ticket, Hilly Ticket and City Ticket, being run through the Two Tunnels in Bath this year. All the Half Marathon distance events are also part of the Challenge Series events; The Two Tunnels Challenge and Mini Challenge as well as the Beast of Bath Challenge.tails.
On Sunday 12th July 2019, RSE had a lot of runners taking part in one of the Bath Two Tunnels Races. This was a multi distance event using the Two Tunnels Greenway path shared along Linear Park. It included the Devonshire Tunnel which measures 408m long and the Coombe Down Tunnel measuring 1672m long. The half marathon route was a 2 lap out and back course which meant that the runners pass through the tunnels 4 times during the race which made it the race with the longest underground section in Britain. It was described as being perfect for setting a PB.
Representing RSE was Rochelle Ravenscoft who finished in a time of 1:44:55 which was a PB
Rock n Roll Liverpool Marathon
The inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon took place in 2014. It is now set to be an annual event with an option to run a half marathon.
On Sunday 26th May 2019 the event took place. The start line was at Albert Dock, on the Liverpool Waterfront. From there runners were directed through Liverpool city centre, passing many of the city’s iconic sites such as The Cavern Club, where the Beatles once played, and Goodison Park, home of Everton FC. Other interesting locations were Stanley Park, Anfield (home of Liverpool FC), The Liver Buildings and Chinatown. The race ended as runners ran down the Waterfront promenade towards the finish line at the Liverpool Echo Arena. Along the route runners were treated to live music from local bands.
Representing RSE was Rochelle Ravenscroft who was taking part in her first marathon. She completed the race in an unofficial time of 3:54:14 which is obviously a PB. She also completed the Rock n Roll Liverpool 5k race on Saturday 25th May in 24:06 which was again a PB.
Fantastic effort over a busy weekend of running from Rochelle.
Cleeve Cloud Cuckoo
The Cleeve Cloud Cuckoo 5.5miles multi-terrain race on Wednesday 29th May 2019 was held over an undulating course on Cleeve Common. The start and finish of the race was at Cleeve Hill golf club with the course being a figure of eight route run entirely on Cleeve Common, mostly on grass footpaths but with stretches of gravel and stones with the occasional incline.
This was the 2nd race in the short stuff specialist category for the club championships.
Representing RSE was Rochelle Ravenscroft who completed the race in 53:43
Run Fest Run
Run Fest Run 2019 took place at one of the South West’s largest and best preserved private estates, Bowood House and Gardens, over the weekend on 31st May to 2nd June. Draped in history and still home to Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, Bowood House and its 100 acre ‘Capability’ Brown parkland was the perfect setting for the event.
The weekend was hosted by Vassos Alexander and Chris Evans with some top bands and live DJs. There were fascinating talks & discussions on running, fitness and wellbeing to inspire every member of the family by world class athletes including Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe and Colin Jackson.
Feel Good Friday – The event started off with a sunset shuffle before settling down to listen to some inspiring talks, a grand opening ceremony & live music to prepare for a super Saturday full of fun and running.
Serious Saturday – Whether runners went for the 2.5k, 5k, 10k or half marathon route (or all of them!), the gorgeous grounds of Bowood treated runners and festival goers to some of the most picturesque vistas in the land..
Sunday Funday – Whether runners were feeling hazy, lazy or perhaps a little achy from the day before, it was time to put on their fancy dress costumes and get ready for the funniest fun run they would ever take part in!
Completing the Glow Run 5k was Rochelle Ravenscroft who also competed in the half marathon and then the 2.5k race with her boys Josh and Harry.
Summer Sizzler
The Cirencester Park Summer Sizzler 10k race took place exclusively within the estate of Cirencester Park on a wet and cold Wednesday 12th June 2019. The course which is surprisingly described as flat went through scenic parkland by kind permission of the Bathurst Estate. This was the third race in the club short stuff specialist category which resulted in a great turnout of RSE runners and spectators.
Representing RSE was Rochelle Ravenscroft who finished in a time of 49:37
Dave McNamee 10k
On Sunday 23rd June 2019 the Dave McNamee 10K race took part in Boddington, Cheltenham. Incorporated within this event was the Gloucestershire AAA 10K Road Championship. The race was also the 4th event in the RSE short stuff specialist championship. The course consisted of 2 laps of 3.537K + 2926 metres on a very flat, quiet and almost traffic free roads. Representing RSE was Rochelle Ravenscroft who completed the race in 50:13 and third in the FV40 category for the race and a bronze in the AAA 10k championships.
Mentioned in Dispatches
Some great running from the RSE runners this week but of particular note were all the AAA 10K championship medals that were awarded to RSE runners in the Dave McNamee 10K. They included a bronze medal for Rochelle Ravenscroft.
Cotswold Way Relay
Stage 8
The Cotswold Way Relay 2019 which was in its 27th year, operated as 10 back-to-back races, starting each stage with a mass start with an hour between the start of each stage..
Stage 1 started at 7 am on a very hot Saturday 29th June from Chipping Campden with stage 10 concluding at Bath Abbey in the early evening. The race used the waymarked route of the Cotswold Way with over 90% off-road, taking in many hills, woodlands, fields and tracks, all offering spectacular views of the countryside around (if ever a runner looked up from the path to take it in!). Each stage consisted of various distances and ascents which offered a differing flavour for each runner in the team.
This year RSE entered ladies, veterans and mixed teams.
The Veterans team consisting of Cathy Steer, Gareth Roberts, Dave Daniels, Kirsty Pitts, John Buck, Dave Whitlow, Richard Marshall, Rochelle Ravenscroft, Paul Coates and Sharon Smith completed the race in 19:46:19
Bourton One Mile Challenge
The Bourton 1 mile challenge took place on Saturday 13th July 2019 and was the 5th race in the RSE Short Stuff Specialist Races for 2019. It also formed part of the Gloucester AAA Road Race Series. The race itself was a one mile fast flat point to point race, finishing in centre of picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water.
Representing RSE was Rochelle Ravenscroft who finished in a time of 6:54.
RSE also had a number of medal winners including Rochelle Ravenscroft – LV40 Bronze
The 24hrs Conti Thunder Run
The 24h Conti Thunder Run was held on the weekend of 19th to 21st July 2019 at its regular venue Catton Park, Walton on Trent. Conti Thunder Run was an off-road relay race against the clock designed to be both physically and mentally challenging. Although a relay race there was also the option to complete the race as an individual runner.
The course was made up of a 10km cross-country circuit set in the picturesque Staffordshire countryside. The track twisted and turned across varied terrain running from woodlands and trails to steep hills and open fields.
Rochelle Ravenscroft completed 13 laps of the 10k circuit making a total distance covered of 130km or 80.778 miles. Fantastic achievement Rochelle.
Mentioned in Dispatches
This wasn’t that difficult to figure out this week.
Rochelle Ravenscroft completing a staggering 80.778 miles in 24 hours. An event like this is a real test of not just physical fitness but mental strength all of which Rochelle clearly has plenty of. A fantastic achievement Rochelle well done.
Ridgeway Challenge 86
The Ridgeway Challenge 86 Miles (138km) was a continuous running event that started at Ivinghoe Beacon near Tring and ended at Avebury Stone Circle. The route was 86 miles along The Ridgeway National Trail, a 5000 year old trackway through the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs (along Grim’s Ditch for several miles), Barbury Castle and Liddington Castle (hill forts) en route, way marked throughout with 1929m (6328 feet) ascent 1991m (6532 feet) descent. The event hosted the UK Trail Running Championships Ultra Distance.
On a very hot Saturday 24th August 2019 RSE’s Rochelle Ravenscroft commenced her attempt on this extreme test of endurance. She completed the race in an unofficial time of 24:43:00.
An outstanding effort well done Rochelle.
Mentioned In Dispatches
Not only should everyone who competed in a race be mentioned this week but everyone who went out running in what was very hot and difficult conditions.
However particular mention needs to Rochelle Ravenscroft. I can keep this very brief;
86 miles
Almost 2000m ascent
Just over 24 hours
Heat
Need I say any more?
Cricklade 10k and Half Marathon
The Cricklade 1.5 Mile Fun Run, 10k and Half Marathon took place on Sunday 6th October 2019 and is considered a flat undulating course. For the second year it was also the handicap race for the club championships which resulted in a great turnout of RSE members.
Cricklade Half Marathon Result
340 runners completed the half marathon distance. Well done Rochelle Ravenscroft who finished in a time of 1:59:03
Winter Cross Ultra
The Winter Cross Ultra on Saturday 28th December 2019 took place at Meonstoke near Southampton. This gave runners the chance to blow away the Christmas cobwebs with four out and back legs of different terrains and challenges. The challenge was to start and finish within the time from dawn till dusk on one of the shortest days of the year.
The course involved 4 legs which were run in the order of N-E-W-S.
North was an out and back route on an old railway line that was 9k long with 8k being off-road and mostly flat on gravel/chippings.
East was a 21k leg with 16k being off-road and was probably the toughest with two significant hill climbs and a smaller one on the outbound leg.
West was a 21k leg with 12k being off-road and passing through the picturesque villages of Meonstoke and Exton to join the South Downs Way heading through farms towards Winchester before returning back to HQ. This was the end point for those runners completing the 50 k option. For those with an unexplained urge to complete the 45 mile option theybthen continued to the final leg.
South was also a 21k leg with 20k off-road and mostly flat and straight on gravel/chippings.
Representing RSE in the 50k option was Rochelle Ravenscroft who finished in a time of 6:39:52.
2019 Championship Results
Endurance Experts 2019
This category covered races with distances above 10km and up to marathon. It was a very close competition in both categories.
Ladies Results:
Ellie Taylor – 49 points
Rochelle Ravenscroft – 45 points
Kirsty Pitts – 37 points.
Overall Championship 2019
This year saw the introduction of the Master’s prize to the overall championship, as well as top 3, a prize was awarded to the highest ranked non-placed Veteran.
Ellie Taylor – 77 points
Rosie Oates – 68 points
Rochelle Ravenscroft – 67 points
Runner’s Runner
Inspirational, having enviable levels of endurance, incredible running achievements and having trained so hard, were only some of the comments written about Rochelle when she was nominated for the Runner’s Runner Award 2019. For her running achievements with all her races including a lot of ultra events and for her inspiring coaching sessions Rochelle thoroughly deserved this award.
Having never run before Rochelle aka “Tosh” joined Running Somewhere Else and in only a few years she completed her first 10k, 10 mile, half marathon, marathon, ultra-marathon, oh and a little Ridgeway Challenge! Underneath that delicate dancer frame and beautiful smile belied a steely determined and focused first class athlete who relished a challenge. Given her gentle and kind nature it was no surprise that Rochelle gave her time to train as a club coach and help others achieve their goals. To say Rochelle was popular member of the RSE is an understatement her zest for life, love of running and all round beautiful soul endeared her to all. She was a kind, loyal and close friend to many members of the club and inspirational to many more. She holds a special place in our hearts and will be surely missed but never forgotten. To our dear friend Rochelle rest in peace xxx
