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RSE Championship 2023 Update

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Hi all,

What a championship we are having this year! So many of you fantastic runners out there in your yellow vests doing your club proud. Many names in the mix. With 2 races and the 5km/marathon element left in each category, it is far from decided who will take the prizes. Just a reminder, you have to complete the correct number of races in each category to qualify for the prizes. (5 races in endurance and short category, 4 of each for the overall championship).

Endurance Expert Category

In this category, so far no runners have completed the required 5 races, so will go with the best score for each. Some new names in the mix this year which always makes me happy! 2 races remain – Chedworth and the Stroud half, plus it is time to start sending me your brilliant marathon times. The battle between Dave and Mark continues, but for now they are battling for the silver as Elliot is in the lead!! There are also a few runners close to that ladies top 3, so it is far from over!!

Ladies Category

  1. Nia Glover (40 points)
  2. Sarah Page (25 points)
  3. Nadine Brown (20 points)

Men’s Category

  1. Elliot Gardiner (32 points)
  2. Mark Garrett and David Witnall (29 points each)

Short Stuff Specialist Category

In this category we have runners that have completed the 5 required races, so will take those runners as the top 3. This makes things very exciting! 2 races remain – Angels 10km and Run Upcote and of course any 5km, again time to think about sending me your great 5km times. Another exciting competition in both categories, lots of runners circling to take those prizes!

Ladies Category

  1. Anne Gardiner (34 points)
  2. Kirsty Pitts (22 points)
  3. Felicity Crotty (10 points)

Men’s Category

  1. Mark Garrett (49 points)
  2. Ben Chapman (35 points)
  3. Steve Sandercock (13 points)

Overall Championship

In this category, we have runners who have completed the required number of races, so again I am taking these results for the top 3. There are so many runners 1 off qualifying for overall, hopefully a good incentive to enter the last races. As well as prizes for top 3, we also have the masters trophy to fight for

Ladies Championship

  1. Nadine Brown (40 points)
  2. Kirsty Pitts (39 points)

Well done ladies, 1 point between you both! Some strong runs by you both this year.

Men’s Championship

  1. Elliot Gardiner (61 points)
  2. Alan Powderhill (36 points)

Yes that’s right, currently no Mark and Dave, well done Elliot and Alan who have both picked up a few more PB’s this year.

Well done to all who have been running in our championship this year, there really has been some excellent running.

The updated table is available, you will see that many of you are so close to qualifying in each category, this years championship is far from over! Next club race is Chedworth 10miler in the Endurance category, Angels 10km in the Short stuff category (also a Glos AAA event!). Keep up the good work.

Happy running!

You club captains,

Elaine and Ben

RSE Club Report – Slaying some Dragons!

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Bugatti 10k

This single looped race is held in Prescott, Cheltenham, a surprinsingly undulating area of the town. The course starts with a sharp descent followed by an equally sharp incline before settling into a largely rolling first third. Although the middle section of the route is flat, it isn’t long before the undulation begins again and the finish is primarily uphill. The Bugatti 10k is a popular run amongst RSE runners for its local, friendly atmosphere.

  • Mick Bagot – 49:42
  • Steve Sandercock – 53:39
  • Anne Gardiner – 55:40
  • Libby Butler – 57:24
  • Liz Hulcup – 59:18 – 1st LV70!
  • Felicity Crotty – 1:10:54
A scenic course on a warm evening. The last 2 miles is uphill!
Anne Gardiner

Dragon Slayer Ultra Run

If there’s one thing that will entice people to become an ultra runner, it’s the name ‘Dragon Slayer’! Entrants have the option of the 12 mile course, ‘Dragon Tickle’, or the full 35 miles to slay the dragon. Starting at Chepstow Castle, the course follows the Wye Valley path on the Welsh side of the River Wye to Monmouth, before heading onto Offa’s Dyke on the English side of the Wye Valley. The finish is through the 1km Tiddenham Tunnel, before crossing the Old Bridge into Wales and back to Chepstow Castle. The total elevation is 5000ft with some serious climbs, but runners are treated to spectacular views across the rolling hills.

A huge well done to Zoe Markham-Lee for completing her first ever ultra marathon in 8.27.10!

For my first ultra, I thought I'd try one that has the same elevation as the Yorkshire 3 peaks, or one and a half Snowdons. Doh! Hard, hilly, beautiful views. I really must attempt a flat one... This race went from Chepstow to Monmouth and back. One side Welsh, the other English. Exactly like me!
Zoe Markham-Lee
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Gloucester Track Ultra

The Blackbridge athletics track currently holds 4 IAU world records as well as many national best performances, making it an exciting track for any runner to get their feet on. By invite only, this weekend runners could take on a 24 or 48 hour challenge to run as many loops of the 400m course as they could within the time frame. It takes a special type of person to take on this unique challenge, and RSE’s Andy Poole did just that!

A huge well done to Andy who completed a staggering 88 miles within the 24 hour time limit!

The Gloucester 24 hr track race is held at the Blackbridge Athletics track. It's a really well organised event with a nice supportive atmosphere and camaraderie amongst the participants. I was pleased to manage 88 miles, which is the furthest I've run to date. I had great support along the way from Henry, Sarah, Ness, Lydia and Heidi, and special thanks to Dave Daniels who supported me throught the 24 hours-I definitely wouldn't have managed this distance if Dave hadn't been on hand to time me, ensure I got the right nutrition, and generally be so encouraging and keeping my spirits up through the really tough parts. Thanks Dave!
Andy Poole

Solihull Half Marathon

It is quickly becoming a yearly tradition at RSE for an ‘Away Day’ half marathon and coach trip, and this year was no different as the club headed out to Solihull. The Half Marathon undulating route, started and finished in Solihull town centre. The route started by following New Road into Malvern Park, before reaching Knowle town centre. A countryside section through Barston and Eastcote followed, which included the steeper inclines and declines of the course, before heading back to Solihull town centre. 

The Solihull Half Marathon was the next race in RSE’s club championship!

  • Mark Garrett – 1:31:17
  • Nia Glover – 1:37:02
  • Rachel Bodey – 1:40:55 – 2nd LV45!
  • Ollie Hazel – 1:41:54
  • Sharon Smith – 1:42:44 – 1st LV70!
  • Martin Sheriff – 1:45:49
  • Elliot Gardiner – 1:47:14 – New PB!
  • Ben Chapman – 1:47:36
  • Phil Southworth – 1:51:04
  • Paul Robertson – 1:52:49
  • Alan Powderhill – 1:52:49 – New PB!
  • Darren Jenner – 1:52:56
  • Zoe Markham-Lee – 1:58:27 – New PB!
  • Sarah Page – 1:59:38  – 3rd LV60
  • Kevin Joynes-Creed – 2:00:18
  • Kirsty Pitts – 2:01:30
  • Liz Hulcup – 2:08:20 – 2nd LV70
  • Linda Edwards – 2:15:31
  • Cathy Steer – 2:16:59
  • Tim Wainwright – 2:19:05
  • Becca Wilson – 2:20:01
  • Felicity Crotty – 2:26:40
  • Jenny Hoffman – 2:29:53
  • Caroline Terry – 2:42:26
Undulating course. (hilly up and down! ) Started and ended in a gorgeous park with beautiful countryside and village on route. Not my best time but did come 4th in age category! Result! (only 5 entered 🤣🤣🤣)
Caroline Terry
Over the moon to get another PB today, on a tough undulating course. I managed to take off a minute and a half from my previous half PB. Great pacing from Robbo! Great away day with RSE!
Alan Powderhill
A fun social day out with RSE - gotta love a coach trip! A surprisingly nice route - hills yes, but closed roads, pleasant lanes, and great local roadside support all made for a good race atmosphere. Thanks to Dave for organising, and to all runners/cheerers for good spirits, great results and excellent support!
Rachel Bodey
Not as hot as last year, but still warm. I had forgotten about some of the inclines, but somehow managed a course PB
Liz Hulcup
Enjoyed today. Not the best of times but for me it was a training run to get 13 miles in the legs again. Thanks Dave for organising and thank you to all who ran or cheered us. I really enjoyed the day out. Thanks 😊
Tim Wainwright
Route was certainly undulating but nice to have mix of town and countryside. Marshall’s cheerful and supportive. Well organised race and park was good setting for race village. Coach trip worked really well and we had great team day out. Thanks to Dave for organising it
Sarah Page
I think this is my first race in at least a year. I liked the course, great support and great turn out from Team RSE. Great training for the marathon plan!
Becca Wilson
Undulating, green and pleasant. Starting and finishing in Malvern Park with good crowd support.
Sharon Smith
Managed a new half marathon PB by over 2 minutes on quite a hilly course! 🤩 Started from Solihull centre, through Knowle, then looped back round on undulating country roads on an out & back route. Even though it was a killer final hill back into Solihull, I stuck to the pacing plan to get another PB in back to back races! 💪🏼 very pleased considering some overindulgence on Saturday! 😅 Celebrated with the rest of the RSE crew with an all day breakfast & beers! 😆
Elliot Gardiner
Fantastic day out with Team RSE! It was definitely an undulating route and the hills in the final couple of miles were a bit of a killer, but it was brilliant to have closed roads and some great supporters cheering us on too!
Nia Glover

Captain’s Update!

A fantastic turnout today, well done to all our runners!
Updated championship results coming soon – what I will say is Nia is one step closer to getting her name on the overall championship trophy. The men’s competition is heating up with 3 runners in the mix, a different name from Mark and Dave has taken the lead.
You all ran so brilliantly today, well done to all. A shout out to Zoe, Al, Elliot who have yet again got another PB! (apologies to anyone I have missed!).
Also Rachel, Sharon, Liz and Sarah for age group success.

– Elaine Chapman

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parkruns - 05/08/2023

Lydiard parkrun

  • Vicki Mason – 28:05

Wotton parkrun

  • Cheri Edwards – 28:11

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 22:25
  • Phil Southworth – 24:09
  • Phil Newman – 24:53
  • Nadine Brown – 28:05
  • Ellie Witnall – 28:09

Haldon Forest parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 25:56
  • Felicity Crotty – 34:12

Chipping Norton parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup – 27:22

parkruns - 12/08/2023

Lydiard parkrun

  • Steve Sandercock – 24:42

Worcester parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 44:16
  • Felicity Crotty – 1:05:46

Cirencester parkrun

  • Daniel Drayton – 22:45
  • Phil Southworth – 23:24
  • Phil Newman – 24:08
  • William Cobbett – 24:34
  • Paul Billinghurst – 24:40
  • Sarah Reynolds – 27:50

Gloucester City parkrun

  • Andy Sworn – 26:48
  • Carol Sworn – 27:32

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Helen Cue – 34:51

Berkeley Green parkrun

  • Anne-Marie Davies – 29:03

Wolford Wood Parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup – 57:19 (Tailwalker)

Save the Date!

  • 10th September – Chedworth 10 mile (RSE Championship race)
  • 17th September – Angels 10k (RSE Championship race)

The next RSE club report will be 27th/28th August


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.

Race Report Form

RSE Club Report – Ultras, Triathlons and Charities!

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Saturn Ultra

Part of a 10 day series (each day a seperate event), this challenge takes place on the River Thames, where entrants are encouraged to run as many laps as they can. All participants receive a medal for completing at least 1 lap, and distance pins are given for runners who complete a half marathon, mega half marathon, marathon, 50km or Ultra in the 7hr time limit. 

A huge well done to Ultra-pro, Mark Manley, who completed 40 miles within the time limit!

The organisers specialise in timed events on the Thames so you start as many loops as possible in the time. I completed 40 miles, the most by 9 miles of the 52 competitors. It’s a trek to drive for a 7:30 start but it’s a lovely flat stretch of the Thames, and a low key event where the battle is with yourself to keep going on repetitive loops when the lure of your car and stopping is there all the time
Mark Manley

LPS Cotswold Lake 62 Summer Series Triathlon Race 3

This series of triathlons is made up of four events across the summer, starting in May and ending in August. Lake 62 is a privately owned well-kept lake in the Cotswolds, meaning that event entrants has exclusive use of the area. The land areas of the course are flat, although due to the prolonged hot weather, the run course was extremely hard packed with some ruts. The area is great for spectators, making it the perfect event for a first time triathlete!

Congratulations to Vicki Mason who completed the event in a brilliant time of 1:24:08!

A well organised small race held in Lake 62 consisting of a 400m swim, 16k bike around local roads and 4.5k running 3 loops around the lake. As this was my first triathlon I was pleased to finish in under 1:30:00 though the swim was long at almost 550m and there was no medal, I would definitely recommend it.

- Vicki Mason

parkruns - 22/07/2023

Lydiard parkrun

  • Taryn Hancock – 30:57
  • Anne-Marie Davies – 31:38

Minehead parkrun

  • Cheri Edwards – 25:23

Wolverhampton parkrun

  • Linda Edwards – 30:15

Exmouth parkrun

  • Sarah Reynolds – 25:40

Cirencester parkrun

  • Phil Newman – 24:17
  • William Cobbett – 24:33
  • Steve Sandercock – 24:38
  • Paul Billinghurst – 25:35
  • Vicki Mason – 29:38
  • Kathryn Cowdall – 35:48

Cranbrook Country Park parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 24:48
  • Felicity Crotty – 32:30

Crichton parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup – 27:33 – “An undulating course, but in a lovely setting.
    Crichton Campus, Dumfries  🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿”

parkruns - 29/07/2023

Lydiard parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 24:56
  • Anne-Marie Davies – 30:41
  • Felicity Crotty – 31:35

Torbay Velopark parkrun

  • Alan Powderhill – 23:41

Cirencester parkrun

  • David Witnall – 21:59
  • Daniel Drayton – 23:18
  • Fran Penny – 24:37
  • Paul Billinghurst – 24:54
  • Jon Campbell – 25:43
  • Steve Sandercock – 25:43
  • Anne Gardiner – 26:05
  • Eleanor Witnall – 27:03
  • Nadine Brown – 28:01
  • Andy Sworn – 28:28
  • Taryn Hancock – 30:11
  • Paul Robertson – 31:48

Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun

  • Vicki Mason – 35:50

Seven Fields parkrun

  • Paul Beaumont – 24:22

Alderley Park parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 24:00

Agnew parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup – 26.29

Charity Fundraising

It’s been a week of celebrating the incredible charity fundraising commitments of the club!

Cirencester Opportunity Group Presentation Evening

Monday 24th saw the annual charity presentation evening, where the club handed over a donation to Cirencester Opportunity Group, who we had been raising money for over the last year. COG are a fantastic charity, based in Cirencester, that provide a Specialist Early Years Centre, supporting children with additional needs and their families.

After an ‘away day’ run around the Cotswold Waterpark and pizza at Pizzeria720, it was time for the presentation. Club Chair, Pauline Tilbury, and Fundraising Officer, Sarah Page, highlighted all the ways RSE has raised money, including quizzes, selling club kit, and raffles, as well as selling (and eating) A LOT of cake! A cheque was then presented to Steph Smyth, Fundraising Manager, and Cath Fowler, Centre Manager at Cirencester Opportunity Group.

RSE are pleased to confirm that the donation was the largest in club history, a staggering £4,000!

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COG are currently in search of volunteers, so if you would like to learn more about this fantastic charity and possibly help out, click the link below.

Click here for Volunteering Opportunities

Quiz and Chips

Before RSE begin fundraising for our 2023/24 charity, we decided to do something a little bit special for an amazing runner, Neil Russell.

Neil, who has a Parkinson’s, completed an incredible running challenge from London to Barcelona, where he ran a marathon a day to raise money and awareness for Cure Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s UK. Supported by RSE’s Katy Miller, the club were kept updated throughout Neil’s time on the road, and what a journey it was!

To support with the cause, Running Somewhere Else hosted a quiz night, with part of the proceeds and a 50/50 charity draw going towards the charities. The man himself, Neil, attended the quiz alongside family and his support team. The evening was a huge success, and although runners may be a little competitive, it was a fun evening for all!

We will leave you with the most controversial question of the evening – what meat is used in a Glamorgan sausage?

Save the Date!

  • 13th August – Solihull half marathon and RSE coach trip!
  • 10th September – Chedworth 10 mile (RSE Championship race)
  • 17th September – Angels 10k (RSE Championship race)

The next RSE club report will be Monday 14th August


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.

Race Report Form

RSE Club Report – Home and Away!

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Hope Running Festival

This Plympton-based endurance festival has many different options for participants, including 12 hour, 24 and 36 hour races. The route consists of a 5 mile, hilly trail route, which entrants try to complete as many times as possible within their time period. As well as completing the time-period solo, participants can also enter as a team of up to 8 people.

It’s safe to say the Hope Trail Festival has become a staple of Running Somewhere Else’s calendar year, due to the relaxed, festival, friendly vibe that makes the weekend so fun. You’re mostly likely to find the RSE crew under a yellow marquee with a fire pit and a few beers, cheering for every runner, walker and dog that passes!

Hope 12

  • Kirsty Pitts – 40 miles (8 laps)
  • Sarah Page – 40 miles (8 laps)
  • Caroline Joyes-Creed – 26.2 miles (5 laps + a little extra)
  • Elaine Chapman – 40 miles (8 laps)
  • Rachel Bodey – 50 miles (10 laps)
  • Emma Thomas – 40 miles (8 laps)
  • Ellie Witnall – 40 miles (8 laps)
  • [Team] Nadine Brown – 40 miles (8 laps) and Sandie Wood – 15 miles (3 laps) – 2nd team overall!
  • [Team] Cathy Steer – 20 miles (4 laps) and Linda Edwards – 20 miles (4 laps) – 3rd team overall!
Hope 24
  • Kevin Joyes-Creed – 30 miles (6 laps)
  • David Witnall – 65 miles (13 laps)
  • Andy Poole – 65 miles (13 laps)
  • Ryo Taylor – 30 miles (6 laps)
  • Vanessa Poole – 50 miles (10 laps)
  • [Team] Carol Sworn – 40 miles (8 laps) and Ben Chapman – 30 miles (6 laps)
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First year I had tried the 12 hour solo event and my first ultra- fantastic team support and so great to have been able to run with other team members from RSE which really helped me keep going especially up those hills! We were really lucky with the weather and fantastic to celebrate with everyone some epic running achievements!
Sarah Page
Great event and venue, but best of all if the RSE company! Another lovely weekend at Plympton, with perfect weather again this year. Looking forward to next year already!
Andy and Vanessa Poole

Honorary members for the weekend included husbands, children, and past club members!

Frampton 10k

This fast flat race takes place in the Picturesque village of Frampton-on-Severn. With the offer of a bottle of local Aston Manor Cider, it’s no surprise that this is a popular race. The course comprises of 1 loop of the quiet village, and is one for fans of races with a local feel.
 
Running for RSE was Jess James, who completed the course in a brilliant time of 56:12!
A really jolly evening run round beautiful Frampton. Pretty flat road race so hence a speedy time (for me). Though not at my best after a big weekend away at a wedding!
Jess James

Blaisdon 10k

The next installment of the Gloucestershire County Championship road race series was the Blaisdon 10k, an undulating road race across quiet country lanes. The course is an out and back route, starting and finishing at the Red Hart pub in Blaisdon. There’s a slight incline going out to the turning point with runners benefiting from a downhill second half.

  • Mark Garrett – 40:34 – 1st MV50!
  • Nia Glover – 43:48
  • Elliot Gardiner – 44:42
  • Mick Bagot – 47:08
  • Sharon Smith – 47.39 – Personal CR + 1st FV70!
  • Alan Powderhill – 49:24
  • Steve Sandercock – 52:07
  • Zoe Markham-Lee – 54.11
  • Felicity Crotty – 1:07:53
So pleased to achieve a new PB on a tough course, all uphill in the first 5k, then managed to hold it in the second 5k and squeezed under my target time. Lovely beer to finish 🍺
Alan Powderhill
Another hilly race. I do long for a flat one... When Sharon tells you the race is lovely - it's all lies! Great support from Libby.
Zoe Markham-Lee

parkruns - 08/07/2023

Burnham and Highbridge parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 24:14
  • Felicity Crotty – 32:13

Wyre Forest parkrun

  • Jess James – 28:35

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 21:37
  • Daniel Drayton – 22:43
  • Paul Billinghurst – 23:37
  • Steve Sandercock – 24:25
  • Anne Gardiner – 25:17
  • Taryn Hancock – 30:18
  • Paul Robertson – 33:17
  • Sarah Reynolds – 33:40

Woolacombe Dunes parkrun

  • William Cobbett – 31:33

Stratford Park parkrun, Stroud

  • Cheri Edwards – 27:37

Lordship Recreation Ground parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 24:15

parkruns - 15/07/2023

Wormwood Scrubs parkrun

  • Phil Southworth – 28:24

Cirencester parkrun

  • Jon Campbell – 22:02
  • William Cobbett – 24:29
  • Paul Billinghurst – 24:53
  • Steve Sandercock – 25:19
  • Phil Newman – 25:35
  • Paul Beaumont – 25:59
  • Sarah Reynolds – 26:05
  • Sue Navin – 28:03

Witney parkrun

  • Darren Jenner – 25:18
  • Felicity Crotty – 34:58

Wallaceneuk Parkrun

  • Liz Hulcup  – 27.45 – 2nd lady and 1st LV70!

Save the Date!

  • 13th August – Solihull half marathon and RSE coach trip!

The next RSE club report will be the 30th/31st July


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.

Race Report Form