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The nights may be getting longer, but members of Almost Athletes aren’t letting the shorter days deter them from pounding the streets of Cheltenham and beyond and putting in some sterling running performances.

This week’s report kicks off with a race that happened earlier in the week than usual, as four club members headed (just) across the border to take part in the Severn Bridge 5-mile night race. Embracing those dark winter nights and leading the club home was Mike Bryce, finishing in 38:15; and he was joined by Forrest Wheeler (54:42), Jeffrey Tibbles (54:44), and Janine Bennett (58:50).

Almost Athletes at Severn Bridge

Also in midweek, serial marathon man Allan Green ran the Dormouse Challenge Marathon in 5hrs 11mins, then followed that up by pulling double 26.2-mile duty and running the Oulton Park Marathon on Sunday in 4:41.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Shaun Carr chose an interesting way to celebrate his 50th birthday, by completing the 45km Medal Madness race in 5:34:43. Happy milestone birthday from everyone at the club Shaun!

Shaun Carr at Medal Madness

Another event on Sunday saw a small cohort of Almosts tackling a shorter distance and a whole lot of mud, at the 6.5-mile off-road Croome Capability Canter. Sue Pearce was first home for the club, finishing in 50:34 to take second in her age category. She was joined by Nichola Sanderson in 56:13, and Phil Jeyes in 1:12:48. Meanwhile, at the Eynsham 10k, Michael Johnstone put in a stellar performance to earn a new PB and set a new MV40 club record by finishing in a super-quick time of 36:13. Paul Thomas also ran at Eynsham, finishing in 45:51; while back in Wales, Mike Bryce ran the Chepstow 365 10k event in 1:04:21. Finally, Matt Polson surprised himself by running his second fastest 10k time, completing the Wilmslow Festive 10k in 37:18.

Matt Polson at Wilmslow

As always, there was excellent representation for the club at parkrun on Saturday; with this week seeing a trio of members celebrating significant milestones at Cheltenham parkrun. Kev Dendy became the first Cheltenham parkrunner to achieve 500 parkruns, having first started at Wimbledon Common parkrun. Serial parkrun tourist Dave Nelson broke from his usual routine to stay local in order to celebrate his 250th parkrun; while Andy Holmes became the latest centurion at the event, running his 100th on Saturday. Kev and Dave marked their achievements by providing plentiful cakes for all of the participants, which went down incredibly well; and their thanks go to club member Zakia Hussain who worked incredibly hard to bake the cakes and did a fantastic job of it too as they were delicious!

Almosts celebrating parkrun milestones

The trio weren’t the only ones celebrating at Cheltenham, as new member Caroline Rea took 2 minutes off her overall PB to finish in 30:55, alongside her husband Johnny who earned a course PB of 30:57. Age category wins were earned at the event by Lewis Jones and Kieran Keating.

Alice Tredgett continued her fantastic 2023 form by finishing as first lady and 9th overall at Gloucester City in 19:42; with John Johnson (21:04) and Jo Johnson (21:28) winning their respective age categories at the same event. Nick Lewis finished 3rd overall at King George V Playing Field in Cheltenham, coming home in 20:01. Flying the flag in far-flung destinations were Steven and Jayne Adams, who ran at North Sydney parkrun in Australia, with Jayne scoring an age category win; and Sarah Wallbridge, who also ran in Australia at Woy Woy parkrun, and also earned an age category win.

At Kingsway, Catherine Williams bagged a new course PB and second in age category; There were age category wins for Megan Davis at Newent; Rita Crane at Dinton Pastures; Richard Knightley at KGV; and Mike Bryce at Blaise Castle.

The club were also represented at Cardiff; Reading; Banbury; Gloucester North; Chipping Sodbury; Weymouth; Tetbury Goods Shed; The Old Showfield; Stratford Park, Stroud; Wollaton Hall; Peel; and Five Arches.

It was another very busy weekend for Almost Athletes, with over forty members taking to the undulating country lanes around Newent to compete in the Newent 9, the final event in this year’s club road race series.

Some of the forty plus Almost Athletes before Newent 9

Once again it was the club’s female runners who shone in the cool and blustery conditions with Alice Tredgett finishing second female overall (39:27). Hot on Alice’s heels was Patricia Dendy, who picked up a prize for third female overall (40:16). Completing the trio of prize winners was the ever-consistent Katie Coleman, who took first prize in her age category (41:17). Finishing top five in their respective age categories were Jo Johnson (43:22); Ross Greening (45:22); Victoria Willoughby (52:21); Jane Russell (55:10) and Julia Whittaker (55:14). Indeed, Jo’s performance was strong enough to see her crowned double champion of the club’s Open road and offroad race series.

Patricia Dendy, Katie Coleman and Alice Tredgett with their Newent 9 prizes

Also running were: John Johnson (43:20); Mike Kennedy (45:32); Duncan Mounsor (45:55); Mike Bryce (46:44); Neil Tring (47:07); Mike Daly and Mike Smith (both 47:59); Ali Shaikh (48:38); Tim Perkins (50:13); Dan Magovern (50:31); Rob Hume (51:16); Chris McMahon (51:38); Paul Jones (53:01); Dave Elliott (53:17); Vicky Kennedy (53:25); Alison Hume (53:44); Mark James (55:18); Desiree Beer (57:30); Mike Line (57:32); Adele Perkins (58:07); Debbie Elliott (58:11); Hayley Woolnough (58:12); Norm Lever (58:14); Felicity Read (59:41); Heather Smith (60:41); Sue Monaghan (64:02); Jeff Tibbles (64:10); Vicki James (64:20); Janine Bennett (64:28); Cos Pearson (65:11); Wendy Horne (65:15); Corinne Cooper (65:18); Sandra Stuart (65:48); Julie Averiss (68:59); Lynne Macedo (70:37); Jakia Hussain (71:07); Jason Hulance (71:08) and Kate Bestwick (74:17).

Ela Antosiewicz and Craig Jackson opted for sunnier climes, taking on the inaugural UltraX Madeira ultramarathon. Ela faced the stiff challenge of the 110k two-day option, tackling 60km and almost 3,700 metres of elevation gain on Saturday followed by a further 50k and around 2,500 metres on Sunday. Unfortunately, a combination of a very strictly imposed cut off and the need to navigate steep and technical terrain in the dark meant that Ela narrowly missed the Day 1 time limit, completing the mountainous inland route from Machico to São Vicente in 18:52. Ela went on to complete Day 2 from overnight camp in São Vicente around the coast to Machico as a non-competitive runner. Craig Jackson also took on the 50k coastal route, successfully overcoming the demanding terrain to finish his ultra challenge in 13:22.

Ela Antosiewicz during the Madeira 110k ultramarathon

Closer to home the club’s mud loving members were out in numbers over the weekend. Taking on the popular Broadway marathon around Snowshill, Winchcombe, Stanway and Stanton was Polly Lane, whose time of 4:46:26 in her first marathon - and first major event for thirteen years - saw her finish 7th female overall. Ingrid Harris made a welcome return to long distance events, completing in 5:16:51, closely followed by Fiona Barnes in 5:29:44. Allan Green experienced a few navigational issues en route, nevertheless completing in 6:25:34. Shaun Carr finished 24th overall in the half marathon option (2:08:31). Further east Kim Lewington completed the Windsor trail half marathon in 2:27.

Kevin Fairs, Dave McGrath and Steve Taylor represented the club at Roly’s Run, an annual multi-terrain fundraising event organised by the Walklate family in memory of Rich, a former club member who passed away unexpectedly in May 2018. Raising much-needed funds for charities with personal meaning to Rich – Help for Heroes, Papworth Hospital Charity and the UK Sepsis Trust – the 15/20/40-mile event has gained a reputation for the warmth of its welcome and the quality of its feed stations. What other event presents you with your own pork pie and personalised ‘mini Boris’ rock in lieu of a medal? Supported by Claire Gallagher, Kev successfully ate his way around the 15-mile option and, powered by caffeine, Dave and Steve conquered the 20-mile route.

Ed Brandley was the club’s sole representative at the Castle Combe Chilly 10k, crossing the finish line in 54:12.

Members were once again spread far and wide across the world for this week’s parkrun events. Jayne and Steve Adams ran at North Sydney parkrun while Ian Poole appeared at Baltimore and Annapolis Trail parkrun, USA and Hamish Adamson ran at Zuiderpark parkrun in The Hague. Closer to home Peter Mitchener ran his fastest time this year at Highbury Fields (21:43), while Mark Wreford-Bush scored parkrun bingo, finishing in 22nd position in 22:22 at Severn Bridge parkrun in what was also his 333rd parkrun. With a significant parkrun milestone coming into view, Dave Nelson clocked up his 249th effort at the hilly Gladstone parkrun in London. Jo Johnson was second female at Gloucester City; Rose Hubbard was third female at King George V Playing Field and Jeanette Gullick was fourth female at Cheltenham, while on the eve of her wedding Issy Ravenhill finished fifth female at Arrow Valley. Almost Athletes also represented at Chipping Sodbury, Clevedon Salthouse Fields, Ellesmere Port, Evesham, Peel, Riverside Walk, Seven Fields, Stratford Park Stroud and Worcester Pitchcroft.

Helen and Tristan Motteram at the Athens Authentic Marathon

To travel or not to travel. Almost Athletes raced the world wherever they went.

Tristan Motteram at the Athens Authentic Marathon

Helen and Tristan Motteram as well as Victoria and Mike Kennedy travelled to Athens to run in the Authentic Athens Marathon and 10k road race. In full costume,  Helen completed the marathon in 5:42:13 and Tristan in 5:42:00. Victoria completed the marathon distance in 6:07:12. Mike completed the 10k race in 48 minutes.

Helen Motteram at the Athens Authentic Marathon

At home in the U.K. Deb Cartlidge took part in the Hertfordshire "We Will Remember“ 10k and finished 1st female and 2nd overall!

Allan Green ran in the Remembrance Day Marathon and finished in 5:49.

Bracing the wet and very muddy Sodbury Slog Paul Jones (1:55:24) and Coralie Pearson (2:52:52) ran 10 miles in this famous and hard off road race.

The Gloucester Double was visited by 5 Almosts who had to run up the famous cheese rolling hill twice to finish the race. Neil Taylor was the first Almost with a time of 1:02:57, followed by Jamie Courtenay (1:03:41), Mike Bryce who came 2nd in his age category (1:10:40), Adrian Courtenay (1:22:13) and Janine Benett (1:39:24).

Almosts were out in force at local and far flung parkruns. With notable achievements for Donna Evans (1st in age category in Cheltenham), Sue Sturgeon (2nd in age category in Chipping Sodbury), Brian Maggs (1st in age category in Chipping Sodbury) and Mike Bryce (2nd in age category at Bryn Bach).

Other parkruns attended for running or volunteering in the UK: Town Moor, Hyndburn, Bath Skyline, Cannon Hill, Wolverhampton, Wycombe Rye, Hereford, Evesham, Exmouth, Gloucester City, King George V Playing Field, Warwick Racecourse, Clevedon Salthouse Fields, Berkeley Green, Peel, Chippenham Playing Fields, Quakers Walk.

Further afield Almosts took part at Milano Nord parkrun in Italy, Beach Strip parkrun in Canada and Donaupark parkrun in Austria.

Three things which had a natural affinity this weekend!

The mud: it was the start of the Glos AAA Cross Country season, with the first fixture being held at Cirencester Park. The weather made sure that in true XC tradition there was plenty of mud, but that didn’t deter the eighteen hardy souls who ran, slipped and slid their way round the course. In the Men’s race Josh Hand was first home for the club in 46:19, followed by Nick Lewis in 46:55. Dave McGrath was next home in 49:15, followed by John Johnson in 49:47 and Hamish Adamson in 50:38. Other finishers for the club were Jonathan Shuman 52:14; Jamie Baron 52:19; Sam Pegler 53:49; Steve Taylor 57:48; Elliot Jordan 59:10 and David Garnett in 1:06:39.

In the Women’s race Patricia Dendy was first Almost home (and third in her age group) in 31:53. Alice Tredgett crossed the line in 33:19; Isobel Atkin in 34:05 and Joanne Johnson in 34:24. Nichola Sanderson finished in 40:06, while Victoria Willoughby came home in 41:23 and completing the Almost mudfest was Sophie Groves in 46:09.

Muddy but happy Almosts after their XC races

Of course on Saturday there was plenty of parkrun action too. Cheltenham had its regular ‘First Saturday of the Month’ pacers event, and as so often Almosts volunteered to don pacers vests. This month Ela Antosiewicz, Paul Jones, Peter Mitchener, Steven Wood and Sarah Wood did the honours. It was Ela’s 25th time of volunteering at parkrun and her 50th parkrun. Johnny Rea finished in second place at Dallas Burston Polo Club parkrun, Dave Nelson almost developed webbed feet after running a river-like Cwmbran parkrun while Sue Low enjoyed Eden Project parkrun in the sunshine! Other parkruns seeing Almost action this week were Kingsway, Arrow Valley, Gloucester North, Stewart parkrun Middlesbrough, Weymouth, Fountains Abbey, Evesham, Melksham, Gloucester City, Marlborough Common, Tetbury Goods Shed, King George V Playing Field, Coed Cefn-Pwll-Du (where Mike Bryce secured third place finish), Peel, Holyrood, Burnham and Highbridge, Chester and Blaise Castle.

After the rain on Saturday flooding forced a change of route to the ever-popular Guy Fawkes 5 on Sunday. A thankfully dry and sunny morning saw 55 Almost Athletes toe the starting line for a race which produced some great results for the club and many PBs for individuals.

There were Age Category firsts for (l-r) Maddie Page (36:36), Allan Green (39:18) and Katie Coleman (32:07):

There were PBs for Matt John (34:38); Ian Mckinlay (39:45); Mark James (43:07); Deborah Elliott (44:03); Jane Russell (44:21); Wan Hartley (44:51); Vicki James (50:02); Julie Averiss (54:39); Leah Madiss (50:49) and Zakia Hussain (56:15). Dave Nelson achieved a new PB dating from his hospitalisation for Covid in 52:01.

Alice Tredgett was fifth woman home and second in her age group (32:00) while Pauline Bargus (44:53) and Sheila Chatterley (47:20) each claimed 3rd place in their respective age categories.

The mixed team of Alice Tredgett, Katie Coleman, Declan Walker (34:29), Matt John and Josh Rimell (35:37) placed 5th out of 32 mixed teams.

Other results were: Joanne Johnson (33:05); Duncan Mounsor (35:51); Dale Midwinter (36:59); Elliot Jordan (37:17); Neil Tring ( 37:27); Ali Shaikh 38:14); David Davey (38:17); Donna Evans (40:11); Nichola Sanderson (40:21); Charmaine Brunt (40:31); David Woolnough (40:32); Rob Hume (40:34); Hayley Woolnough (40:35); Paul Jones (41:15); Victoria Willoughby (41:26); Alison Hume (41:35); Barry Irvine (44:08); Bob Spawton (44:11); Clare Bone (44:20); Helena Nilsson (44:31); Christine Harker (44:56); Sally Mckinlay 45:35); Coralie Pearson (45:35); Carl Methven (45:59); Melissa Jonga (47:40); Claire Cook (48:21); Jeff Tibbles (48:58); Glenda Gill (50:49); Claire Hawes (53:28); Corinne Cooper (53:44); Iris Mayo (53:54); Melanie Methven (54:34); Sue Sturgeon (55:51); Jason Hulance (56:15); Rachael Nolan (57:07); Oliver Nolan (1:06:08.)

In the North West, Tim and Adele Perkins completed a tough trails Half at Delamere Forest while in the South West, Lesley Cottle ran the Sidmouth 10k in 58:30.

And, of course, Allan Green ran another marathon! This time it was the Rabbit Challenge Trails event finishing in 5:16.

Another excellent week of racing for the club!

What a weekend of running for Almost Athletes the length and breadth of the country - and beyond! 

On Saturday, 12 brave and determined AAs toed the start line of the infamous Eryri (Snowdonia) Marathon. Featuring stunning views of this beautiful National Park, the route covers three huge climbs as it circumnavigates Yr Wyddfa (Mt Snowdon). Dave Rogers (3:36:58) narrowly trumped Matthew Barnes for first male club member and Amy Sheer (3:58:18) just pipping Lepha McCartan as the club’s leading female. There was a course PB from Richard Knightley and further outstanding performances from Mark Willicott, Fiona Barnes, Tom Fletcher, Craig Bullingham, Matt Proome, Mark Wreford-Bush, Allan Green, Bob Spawton and Ceinwen Davies. Well done to all, especially those keen enough to make use of the ‘post-race ice bath’ in Llyn Padarn lake. 

Runners at the Eryri Marathon

On slightly flatter terrain, there were stellar performances at the Stroud Half - one of Gloucestershire’s premiere road races. First club finishers were John and Joanne Johnson in 1:32 and 1:37 respectively. Joanne, Issy Ravenhill (course PB) and Ross Greening secured impressive top 10 category finishers. The club were also superbly represented by Duncan Mounsor, David Davey, Ben Spurrier, Simon Whitford, Charmaine Brunt, Alison Hume, Daniel Magovern, Chris McMahon, Coralie Pearson, Victoria Kennedy, Debbie Elliott, Janine Bennett, Corinne Cooper, Steve & Sarah Wood (both securing PBs) and David Nelson. Well done to all; it is an event distance that keeps you on the edge from start to end. 

Runners at Stroud Half Marathon

The Lightning Bolt 10k saw electrifying performances: Matt John finished in 44.03, Jamie Courtenay 47.24, and 58.18 (age category PB) for Adrian Courtenay. Meanwhile, Ingrid Harris was third lady in the Devonshire Canal 10k in a strong time of 52:20. 
Cheltenham parkrun managed to successfully use the summer course, with 34 AAs running strong whilst enjoying the beautiful views of Pittville Park. 

The Courtenays at the Lightning Bolt 10k

Further afield, Penny and Simon Lewis ran the Amager Strandpark parkrun in Copenhagen and Patricia Dendy was third in the Dreiländergarten parkrun. 

Penny and Simon Lewis in Copenhagen

Well done to all our runners this week; those in purple are an inspiration to runners young and vintage alike! 

Stormy weather conditions led to the cancellation of a number of local parkruns, but that did not deter many Almost Athletes from pulling on their trainers for their weekly dose of parkrun home and abroad and, as usual, there were several standout performances.

Robert Foord marked his 350th parkrun by being first across the line in 21:32 at the aptly named Sunshine Beach parkrun near Kyoto.

Robert Foord speeding his way to first finisher at Sunshine Beach parkrun near Kyoto

Neil Tring was again first in his age category at Umstead Park, North Carolina, while Sue Low added another letter to her parkrun alphabet at Zuiderpark near Amsterdam.

Neil Tring at Umstead Park parkrun, North Carolina, USA

In running his 100th different parkrun location at Horspath, Olly Bell celebrated joining the Cowell Club in the company of fiancée Natalia and club members Mike Bryce and James Clay.

Olly Bell, second from left, celebrating joining the Cowell Club with fiancee Natalia, James Clay and Mike Bryce at Horspath parkrun

Several Almosts travelled to Severn Bridge, which is fast gaining a reputation as a speedy course. New member Sarah Wood scored a personal best, dipping under 22 minutes for the first time to finish first in her age category in 21:52. Not far ahead was husband Steve, who recorded a course PB of 21:37. Accompanied by Brian Maggs, Leah Maddiss, Julie Averiss, Jakia Hussain and Jason Hulance, all of whom were running the Severn Bridge event for the first time, Sue Sturgeon was also first to finish in her age category at the same event.

Sarah and Steve Wood celebrating Sarahs new parkrun PB at Severn Bridge parkrun

Brian Maggs, Kate Bestwick, Sue Sturgeon, Leah Maddiss, Julie Averiss, Jakia Hussain and Jason Hulance at Severn Bridge parkrun

Matt Polson was second male at Peel parkrun, finishing in a speedy 18:36, and Rose Hubbard was second female at Weymouth parkrun (22:57), while Issy Ravenhill earned a course personal best of 23:44, finishing third female at King George V Playing Field parkrun. Almost Athletes also represented at Berkeley Green, Bushy, Cheltenham, Chippenham Playing Fields Monmouth, Chipping Sodbury, Gloucester City, Kingsway, Newport, Queen’s Glasgow, Reading, Sandwell Valley and Seven Fields.

It was a much quieter weekend for races than of late, with many members finalising their preparations for the Snowdonia marathon and Stroud half marathon next weekend. The two marathons chosen by club members this weekend were markedly different in terrain and altitude. Shaun Carr took on the hilly Beachy Head marathon on Saturday, a challenge made all the more difficult by a combination of gusty winds, rain and poor visibility. Shaun completed his 21st marathon in a very creditable 5:13:34.

In Abingdon Josh Hand and Allan Green ran their marathon around the flatter Oxfordshire roads in conditions which were considerably better than last year’s wet and dreary ones. Josh recorded another strong sub-three performance to finish in 2:59:21 and Allan took 4:44:59 for second in his age category.

A trio of Almosts travelled to Northleach for a new event on the race calendar: the Well Run 10k. This scenic, traffic-free and well-marshalled race saw Victoria Willoughby record a gun time of 55:31 and Adrian Courtenay also finish comfortably under the hour in 59:19. Lynne Poulston marked her return to road racing after an 18-month enforced injury break, stopping the clock at 70:47.

Victoria Willoughby and Adrian Courtenay at the inaugural edition of the scenic Well Run 10k in Northleach

Ela Antosiewicz, Jason Hulance and Jakia Hussain travelled to Comer Woods in Shropshire to run a free-to-enter but challenging 10k trail event offered as part of the Trust10 scheme run by the National Trust.