Author Archives: Ellie Taylor

Virgin Money London Marathon

The most famous marathon in the UK was back on the streets of London this year, the course taking in iconic sites such as the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben, before finishing at Buckingham Palace. This is a race a lot of runners aspire to take part in, so it’s no wonder that places are hard to get, even with options for the ballot, best in age category and charity placings. Finding out if you’ve been selected is an event in itself!

This year Running Somewhere Else were excited to have 4 members take part in London – Caroline Terry, Richard ‘Ryo’ Taylor, Sarah Hancock and Sharon Smith.

And two runners taking part in the virtual option – Paul Robertson and Alan Powderhill! Paul and Alan ran a figure of 8, 1-lap course taking in Ewen, Somerford Keynes, Cerney Wick and Down Ampney – a proper Cotswold tour!

Virtual Times:

• Paul Robertson – 4:22:10
• Alan Powderhill – 4:25:18

London Times:

• Sharon Smith – 3:32:24 – 2nd LV70!! And a new PB by 6 minutes!
• Sarah Hancock – 3:53:09
• Caroline Terry – 5:50:48
• Ryo Taylor – 5:51:06

Brilliant times from everyone!

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

While the buzz of London paraded our screens with full TV coverage, another marathon was taking place around the remote but breath-taking shores of Loch Ness. This stunning marathon follows the River Ness and moorlands, starting in Fort Augustus and Foyers, and finishing in Bught Park in the centre of Inverness. Runners who are delirious with excitement (and possibly dehydration) can catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster, racing them to the finish.

Entering for RSE were club members Becca Wilson and Gareth Roberts.

• Gareth Roberts – 5:01:00
• Becca Wilson – 5:41:37

Loch Ness marathon was a gorgeous race, a pretty undulating course with awesome views across the loch. Definitely a race to recommend. I finished in 5:01 not my best time but certainly my best marathon.

Gareth Roberts

Fantastic running both of you!

Berkeley 10k

Hosted by Dursley running club, this is a fast, flat 10k around the historic town and countryside of Berkeley. The day was stormy and rainy, a stark contrast to the sunshine in London, but it was all worth it for the can of Pimms the runners earnt at the end!

Running for RSE was Linda Edwards, her second 10k in 2 weeks!

Linda Edwards – 56:26

Well done on a brilliant time and enjoy the Pimms, Linda!

Parkrun

Edinburgh Parkrun

• Paul Beaumont – 23:45

Tamar Trails Parkrun

• Darren Jenner – 26:29
• Felicity Crotty – 32:32

Cirencester Parkrun

• William Gardiner – 29:52

Dinton Pastures Parkrun

• Taryn Hancock – 29:33

Hawkesbury Upton 5k

Starting and finishing in Hawkesbury Upton, this race follows an undulating course over the Cotswold way. Half road and half trails, the route boasts impressive views of the countryside.

Running for RSE was Rosie Hartland, who completed the race in an exceptional time of 20:39!

It’s really pretty as you’d expect on the Cotswold way and the race had a nice community feel to it as they included a fundraising for the primary school!

Rosie Hartland

Rosie also finished 1st lady overall! 🥳  Brilliant running!

Hullavington 10k

Hosted by Stampede Sports, the next race in the RSE club championship took place in Hullavington, a location known for its undulation and hills. Stampede Sports have been popular over the last year for their Covid-safe races, and for the notorious cake at the end! Starting at the Hullavington Arms, the race followed quiet country roads along a picturesque route.

RSE club members are eagerly awaiting the official results, but here are their current watch times:

• Mark Garrett – 40:14
• David Witnall – 41:06
• Rosie Hartland – 44:11 – 2nd lady! 🥳 
• Sharon Smith – 46:09 – 1st LV60 and a new PB! 🥳 
• Ellie Taylor – 49:50
• Elaine Chapman – 50:14
• Darren Jenner – 50:19
• Paul Coates – 50:48
• Istvan Vegh – 54:53
• Zoe Markham-Lee – 56:53
• Linda Edwards – 57:44
• Felicity Crotty – 1:02:20

A nice, local event with a ‘mildly’ undulating course. Everyone ran really well – well done to everyone who took part, especially Cheri for completing the marathon!

David Witnall

A beautiful country route with plenty of manageable undulations, and worth it for the flapjack and great medal!

Linda Edwards

Yet more hills! Really enjoyed the quiet lanes and it was so nice to be back running with RSE again!

Shout out to Cathy for cheering! Really helped at the top of that big hill!

Rosie Hartland

Hullavington Marathon

Starting just before the 10k was the Hullavington Marathon, the 1st marathon held in Wiltshire for the last 30 years! [source]. The race take runners along country roads and over the undulating hills around Grittleton, Castle Coombe, Alderton and Hullavington.

Cheri Edwards took on the course, finishing in a brilliant time of 4 hours 25 minutes!

Great event, marshalls fantastic, plenty of aid stations and support. Fantastic spinning medal and free cake at the end too! Only problem was the heat which really took it out of me in the second half. Oh and the “undulating” route 😂 who puts uphills at mile 25?! The route crosses the M4 twice and goes over/under the train line 4 times (I think) – I saw a train!

Kev and Caroline were marshalling which was lovely as they gave me my medal!

Cheri Edwards

A massive well done to Cheri!

Hanley Economic Potter’s ‘Arf Marathon

Setting himself a personal challenge to complete 4 half marathons in 4 weeks, Tim Wainwright left the hardest course until last.

Starting and finishing in Hanley town centre, the race follows a tough course including the infamous ‘heartbreak hill’. The day includes 4 events: a relay, walk and junior race, as well as the half, making for a brilliant atmosphere on the day.

I ran a great last one [for the] 4 in 4 – a PB to finish, beating my previous time by 2 and a half minutes previous time 2.17.36. I’m well chuffed. I’m flying high after doing what I wanted do!

Tim Wainwright

A huge well done to Tim, who finished in 2:14:46, a personal course record! 🥳 

Coresham 10k

Postponed from April, the Coresham 10k was reorganised to the 26th September, where over 1,000 entries took part. The route follows an undulating course with one particular hill listed as tough – the race website helpfully explains it ‘just takes a bit of head down determination, [and] a good few deep breaths’ to run to the top. [source]

Let’s hope Ted Pitts followed their advice, as he took to the route in RSE colours.

It was a nice but undulating course with a mix of town and country lanes and a beast of hill at 9k!

Ted Pitts

A huge well done to Ted who finished in 53:27!

Forest of Dean Half Marathon

With the sun shining, it was a beautiful day to run in the Forest of Dean, and that’s just what Kate Potter did, taking on a half marathon challenge in the process.

Starting and finishing at Speech House, the course follows forest trail paths, up many hills and through leafy canopies. The race is organised by the Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean and supported by the local Forestry Commission, with profits going to charity.

Congratulations to Kate who completing the run in 2:38:34 and achieving the 1st LV70 placing! 🥳 

Just about recovered from Chedworth 10 to have a super run in glorious Autumn sunshine!

Kate Potter

Parkruns

Cirencester Parkrun

• Zan Futter – 27:34 – 1st in age category! 🥳 
• Wayne Edginton – 28:29
• Taryn Hancock – 30:40
• William Gardiner – 31:24
• Felicity Crotty – 32:14
• Elaine Chapman – 35:56

Chedworth Roman Trail – 10 Mile

A popular race amongst RSE club members, the Chedworth Roman Trail has everything you can ask for in terms of a trail run – undulating tracks, stunning views, lots of hills and the infamous river crossing. The course takes runners through through Stowell Park, the Coln Valley, and near to the Chedworth Roman Villa. It’s even been voted one of the best trail races in Gloucestershire! (Runnersworld.co.uk).

• Rachel Bodey – 1:29:08
• Jo Wood – 1:38:19
• Lesley Hinsley – 1:46:10
• Andy Sworn – 1:59:26
• Carol Sworn – 1:59:26
• Anne Gardiner – 2:04:50
• Caroline Joynes-Creed – 2:13:56
• Kevin Joynes-Creed – 2:13:58
• Kate Potter – 2:15:07 – 1st in age category! 🥳
• Pauline Tilbury – 2:25:49
• Jenny Hoffman – 2:26:00

It was tough but beautiful route. I actually enjoyed the stream – really cooled down my feet!

Anne Gardiner

It was my first trail 10 miler and first river crossing so I was a bit nervous about it, but it went well and I really enjoyed it.

Caroline Joynes-Creed

Thoroughly enjoyed the new look Chedworth 10 mile route. Far more scenic than I remember the old one being although I’m not 100% sure my body is happy I ran twice over the weekend, perhaps a little more recovery was needed following the 86m a fortnight ago.
Really proud of team RSE flying the yellow flag and producing great results all over the country 👏👏’

Kevin Joynes-Creed

Well done team RSE!

Brighton Marathon

Taking place in the heart of Brighton, the marathon takes runners out and back along the coast line (with a few detours along the way). The race starts in Preston park, before heading down to the seafront, and then finishes at the iconic Madeira Drive.

A massive congratulations to RSE’s Paul Robertson who took on the course – his first marathon! 🥳

A cracking marathon, excellently staged throughout. But without doubt the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced…… so far

Paul Robertson

Paul finished in a brilliant time of 3:55:59!

Since the marathon has finished, race organisers have apologised for the course being too long! [source]

Ocean Healthcare Torbay Half Marathon

A huge well done to Tim Wainwright who completed his second half marathon in 2 weeks!

The Torbay Half Marathon is another beautiful run, taking in the coastal views of Devon, including Torre Abbey and the Princess Gardens. The course incorporates 2 traffic-free laps, starting and finishing on Paignton Green.

I found it brilliant. I ran 6 minutes quicker than last week, on a tougher course. It’s approx. 10 seconds off a Torbay PB I set when I was 5 years younger! After battling Covid, doing a full sprint finish for half a mile, I’m buzzing! Honestly the best half I’ve ever ever ran.

Tim Wainwright

Congratulations Tim for completing the race in 2:04:23!

Great North Run

The Great North run is one of the largest races in the world, with 57,000 runners taking part. Known for its fantastic atmosphere, the race takes place in the heart of Newcastle where participants run past some of the city’s landmarks, including Tyne Bridge and Grey’s Monument.

Running for RSE was Linda Edwards, Jo Beames and Louise Norman!

It was a different route crossing the Tyne Bridge twice and quite hilly. Red arrows and great fun, very atmospheric.

Linda Edwards

• Jo Beames – 1:51:33
• Linda Edwards – 2:08:31
• Louise Norman – 2:25:11

A huge well done to Linda, Jo and Louise.

Parkruns

Bushy Parkrun

• Steve Sandercock – 24:52 – 2nd in age category! 🥳

Cirencester Parkrun

• Ellie Taylor – 26:08
• Paul Coates – 27:26
• Anne Gardiner – 28:15 – 1st in age category! 🥳
• Taryn Hancock – 30:49
• Vicki Mason – 31:18
• Nadine Brown – 35:00
• Cathy Steer – 35:01
• Dave Witnall – 35:05

Tetbury Goods Shed Parkrun

• Nia Glover – 20:32 – 1st lady and new PB! 🥳
• Carol Sworn – 27:02

Seven Fields Parkrun

• Caroline Joynes-Creed – 32:18 – Course PB! 🥳
• Kevin Joynes-Creed – 32:22

Parkrun result not mentioned? It may be that you’re not listed as Running Somewhere Else in the parkrun results online. For information on how to change/add RSE as your listed club, click here.

Cotswold Classic 10

This tough race, hosted by Witney Roadrunners, was the next instalment in Running Somewhere Else’s club championship. The course is described as undulating (which club members confirmed!) with one particular hill being described as the ‘hillzakilla’! There was a great turnout of club members on what was a surprisingly bright day.

• Mark Garrett – 1:07:40
• David Witnall – 1:08:00
• Sarah Reynolds – 1:24:07
• Jo Wood – 1:25:57
• Sarah Page – 1:26:29 – 1st FV60! 🥳
• Elaine Chapman – 1:32:24
• Istvan Vegh – 1:36:04
• Pauline Tilbury – 1:51:46

Stunning course through some beautiful Cotswold villages- brilliantly organised and well marshalled.

Jo Wood

Plymouth Half Marathon

Part of Britain’s Ocean Race series, the Plymouth Half Marathon starts at Hoe Park, close to the seafront. The course is a mix of road and cobblestones, taking runners through Plymouth city centre, along coastal paths, and past the National Trust grounds of Saltram Park.

A huge well done to Felicity Crotty and Darren Jenner who represented RSE along the course.

A harder route than I remembered but it remained cool and cloudy so was quite enjoyable. We all did better than we expected!

Felicity Crotty

• Darren Jenner – 1:53:53
• Felicity Crotty – 2:14:00

Cheltenham 10k

On Sunday 5th September, Cheltenham race course hosted the start and finish for 10k, half marathon and community mile events. The 10k course is a fully road race, embracing the Cotswold scenery around Cheltenham, including the iconic Pittville Park.

Well done to Mark Godsland who represented RSE in the 10k, finishing well under his goal of 1 hour with a chip time of 57:05!

Mark was also 3rd MV60! 🥳 Congratulations, Mark!

Cheltenham Half Marathon

The half marathon takes runners through some of Cheltenham’s most well known areas, including Montpellier and Landsdown, before heading back to the race course for a grandstand finish.

Tim Wainwright took on the challenge for RSE, completing the course in a brilliant time of 2:09:52!

I’m glad I ran Cheltenham half today. I managed to run most of the way and finish my farthest distance this year. Thanks for everyone’s support.

Tim Wainwright

Cotswold September Sprint Triathlon

The Cotswold Waterpark has hosted a series of triathlons throughout the year – a great way for competitors to keep track and improve on their times.

No stranger to a fast triathlon is Ted Pitts, who took on the course this weekend, completing a 750m swim, 20k cycle and 5km run.

Ted finished in a fantastic time of 1:13:48, making him 2nd in his category! 🥳 It’s also Ted’s fastest time of the year by approx. 3 minutes!

Milton Keynes 20 Mile

The Milton Keynes Half Marathon and Festival of Running took place on Sunday 5th September, with events including 5k, 10k, half marathon and a 20 mile race. Sharon Smith took on the 20 mile event, which started on the central dual-carriageways of Milton Keynes, before following roads and bicycle paths on a 3-lap course around the city.

Sharon finished the distance in a fantastic time of 2:49:48 and achieved a 1st LV65 ranking! 🥳 This also places Sharon 1st in her age category for the 20 mile in the UK Rankings!

It was undulating but traffic free and in lovely parks with water features and a mini Stonehenge!

Sharon Smith

Parkruns

Cirencester Parkrun

• Ellie Taylor – 27:20 – 3rd lady!
• Nadine Brown – 28:51
• Carol Sworn – 29:35
• Taryn Hancock – 31:15
• Vanessa Poole – 33:04
• Cathy Steer – 36:28
• Paul Robertson – 38:34

Torbay Velopark Parkrun

• Darren Jenner – 50:35 (Tailwalker)

Tetbury Goods Shed Parkrun

• Steve Sandercock – 24:22 – 1st in age category! 🥳
• Caroline Sandercock – 36:36

Parkrun result not mentioned? It may be that you’re not listed as Running Somewhere Else in the parkrun results online. For information on how to change/add RSE as your listed club, click here.