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More on the Cheltenham Half and 10k
Race Report for 22 September by Nicole Hope
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Another busy week including lots of PB’s
Race Report for 14 September by Nichola Sanderson
This past weekend was a busy one for Almosts, with plenty of Half Marathons, 10k’s and parkruns.
Starting with the Chippenham Half Marathon, Johnny Rea guided Yahya Pandor to a new world record for a blind athlete (untethered) completing in 1:37:35 knocking off 7 minutes from the old world record.
At the Worcester Half Marathon Patricia Dendy, Katie Coleman and Mark Wreford-Bush all achieved PB’s with Pat finishing in 1:25:24 (1st in age category) with a new LV40 club record and her second outing in an England vest. Katie finished in 1:30:58 (new LV45 club record), and Mark in 1:35:58.
At the Angels 10k which forms part of the Gloucestershire AAA Road Race Series, Sarah Wood (46:58) and Allan Green (52:52) took age category County Championship golds, with Victoria Willoughby taking silver (48:53) and setting a new PB.
Over at the Stratford 10k, Nichola Sanderson achieved a PB finishing in 51:05 closely followed by Carl Methven achieving a PB in 51:29. Melanie Methven finished in 01:09, and Sue Sturgeon in 01:13.
In long distance achievements, Zakia Shahanaz Hussain took part in the Thames Path Ultra Challenge, a 100km route finishing in an incredible 29:45:02. Zakia ran fundraising for Endometriosis UK where she is a support group leader for the charity.
Adrian Courtenay completed the Wotton Under Edge 10k in 01:06:26.
Heading abroad to Denmark, Karla Cleverley took part in the Fælledparken parkrun on Saturday finishing in 38:46 and then took part in the Copenhagen Half Marathon on Sunday finishing in 2:58:32.
Continuing his weekly marathons, Allan Green took part in the Track Wars Marathon at Walton on Thames, completing 107 laps in 5hr 10.
The weekend also saw the Cheltenham Tri Festival triathlon at Sandford Park Lido. David Chittock completed the Olympic distance (comprising 1,500m Swim, 44.8km Cycle, 9.5km Run) in 2hr 53 setting a new PB by 9 minutes. Neil Tring also completed the same distance finishing in 3hr 10 and 2nd in his age category, and Laura Tring completed in 2hr 38, 1st lady and setting a new PB.
At parkrun, Janine Bennett completed her 500th parkrun at Cheltenham. Peter Mitchener came first in his age category finishing in 22:29, and Alison Hume completed York parkrun in 25:51 (recording her best ever age grading).
Other parkruns visited by Almost Athletes this weekend were: Kingsway, Gloucester North, Poole, Medina I.O.W., Cross Flatts, Dartford, Maidenhead, Tewkesbury, Cirencester, Mallards Pike, Seven Fields, Chipping Norton School, Trentham Gardens and Meon Valley Trail.
Zakia Hussain
Yahya Pandor and Johnny Rea
Almosts at the Angels 10k
Janine Bennett
A Weekend of Milestones and Success for Almosts
Race Report for 7 September by Claire Hawes
It’s been a busy and successful week for the Almosts!
In Saturday’s Alderton 5k Patricia Dendy claimed third female overall in a time of 19:13. Lewis Jones was first Almost home, just missing out on a top ten place in a time of 18:21.
Other results from a strong turn-out by Almosts (the race being in the club’s road series) were:
Steve Axford 18:49; Declan Walker 19:10; Nick Lewis 20:04; Joanne Johnson 20:27; John Johnson 21:02; Thomas Willett 21:08; Maddie Fletcher 21:36; Steven Wood 21:39; Mark Wreford-Bush 21:39; Ross Greening 22:30; Neil Tring 22:48; Victoria Willoughby 23:56 (a new PB!); Neil Taylor 24:30; Ingrid Harris 24:39; Andrew Jackson 25:11; Chris McMahon 25:30; Philip Brewer 25:59; Hollie Galvin 26:33; Bronte Mound-Evans 26:39; Tony Heap 27:06; Lorraine Taylor 27:52; Bob Spawton 28:26; Nichola Sanderson 28:37; Jane Russell 28:38; Charlotte Jamieson 28:55; Sue Monaghan 29:52; Brian Maggs 30:20; Mark Jones 31:01; Sandra Stuart 31:43; Jakia Hussain 32:05 (a new 5k PB!); Janine Bennett 33:01; Lynne Macedo 33:48; Sue Low 34:03; Forrest Wheeler 34:07; Claire Hawes 35:00; Leah Madiss 35:18; Kate Bestwick 36:45; Sue Sturgeon 44:30.
Also on Saturday a team of Almosts took on the Cranham Boundary Chase. Sarah Wood was first Almost home in a time of 44:51, and she was also first in her age category. Duncan Mounsor was the next Almost across the finishing line, in a time of 49:12, and Allan Green completed the trio in 55:01.
By the way, of course Allan had run a marathon earlier in the week – this time it was the Summer Sun marathon in Gravesend – an 8 lap course completed in 5hrs 15, and not content with that on Sunday Al also ran the AngelsxDevils Marathon, another 8 lapper, this time in St Neots, finishing in 5hrs 36.
Many Almosts ‘did the double’ this weekend and raced on Sunday too. At the Coln Valley 10k Joanne Johnson was 2nd lady overall in a time of 47:16:
while Victoria Willoughby and Ingrid Harris claimed first and second places respectively in their age category:
Their times were 52:23 and 52:58 respectively.
Other club results were: Jamie Baron 43:20; Thomas Willett 46:33; John Johnson 46:54 (2nd in age category); Mark Wreford-Bush 47:43 (3rd in age category); Steven Wood 49:44;Sue Pearce 50:04; Jamie Courtenay 51:20; Neil Tring 53:26; Neil Taylor 56:11; Mike Line 1:00:08; Lesley Cottle 1:01:31; Hollie Galvin 1:01:37; Thomas Wood 1:02:37; Lorraine Taylor 1:06:50; Bob Spawton 1:06:51; Richard Smith 1:07:23; Adrian Courtenay 1:08:05; Janine Bennett 1:08:19; Sue Monaghan 1:09:34.
There was a 5k option at Coln too, and Peter Mitchener ran it in 29:33 while Julie Courtenay finished in 38:26.
Another ‘lovely run in the Gloucestershire countryside’ was the Westonbirt Arboretum Half Marathon. Jeanette Gullick was 1st in her age category in 1:44:03 while Olga Goffin (1:43:46) and Louise Knowles (1:51:21) both claimed 3rd places in their age groups. Sharon Hadad finished in 2:02:06 and Beth Stranks in 2:06:14. Three Almosts ran the 10K: Kevin Richards finishing in 1:01:52, Clare Bone in 1:05:32 and Jason Bone in 1:15:44.
Nationally the big event this weekend was the Great North Run. Ben Stone was there to represent the club, finishing in 1:41:31.
Sheena Macdonald completed the Lake 62 aquathlon in 1hr 50.
Let’s not forget parkrun! Prash Sripathi joined the 500 parkruns club, running at Cheltenham wearing the special costume reserved for such an achievement – a swan hat!
Runners Rocket Down the Runway at Meteor Mile
Race Report for 31 August by Nichola Sanderson
In the third and final race the club puts on annually, the Meteor Mile at Staverton Airport was another very successful event, with a record turnout of 229 runners and overseen by Race Director Phil Jeyes. The event is only possible with the support and coordination of everyone within the club, so many thanks to our volunteers.
Johnny Rea was first home for the club, crossing the finish line in 5:02 setting a new V40 club record. Second across the finish line was Josh Phillips in 5:14 followed by Jamie Baron in 5:27.
Sarah Wood and Victoria Willoughby continuing their strong running performance this year, set a new V50 club record in 6:19, and new V55 club record in 6:58, respectively.
Also running were: Steve Axford (5:35), Declan Walker (5:35), Lewis Jones (5:36), Ian McCormack (5:44), Emma-Jane Austin (5:57), Steven Wood (5:57), Thomas Willett (5:59), Matthew Proome (6:01), Ben Stone (6:02), John Johnson (6:04), Nick Mytton (6:04), Joanne Johnson (6:16), Holly Wright (6:18), Stephen Harvison (6:34), Neil Tring (6:39), Chris McMahon (6:43), Daniel MaGovern (6:44), Ross Greening (6:45), Vivienne Ravenhill (6:50), Duncan Mounsor (6:50), Paul Seymour (6:51), Steve Youngs (6:54), Peter Mulligan (6:59), Jim Trowbridge (7:04), Neil Taylor (7:10), Philip Brewer (7:28), Kristin Lowater (7:42), Ingrid Harris (7:43), James Wilson (7:51), Nichola Sanderson (7:52) (running with junior), Lorraine Taylor (7:58), Bob Spawton (8:07), Graham Philpott (8:27), Nela Trowbridge (8:33), Sue Monaghan (8:47), Charlotte Jamieson (8:50), Norm Lever (8:51), Janine Bennett (9:09), Steve Yarnold (9:17), Mark Jones (9:17), Rita Crane (9:23), Sandra Stuart (9:32), Lou Tring (9:41), Kate Bestwick (10:14), Leah Maddiss (10:21), Clemens Orth (10:47) (running with junior), Amy Broomhall (11:35) (running with junior) and Lisa King (12:01).
Allan Green travelled to Wales to take on his 850th marathon at the Dare Valley Country Park event; a 7-hour Time Challenge event which allows you full control over the distance you want to run. Allan completed six hilly laps, with some beautiful views in 5:22:00.
Claire Hawes ran the City to the Sea half marathon in Devon. With 801m of ascent in wet and blustery conditions, Claire completed it in 4:36:10.
Ingrid Harris ran the Rock N Roll marathon at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire. In what was a flat but windy course, Ingrid finished as first lady, third place overall in 4:05:00.
Further afield and taking running across the other side of the world, Hayley Woolnough and Coralie Pearson ran in the Sydney marathon. The marathon recently became the seventh member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Hayley finished in 4:46:16 and Coralie completed her seventh World Major, and her 50th marathon in 5:09:17.
There was plenty of parkrun action going on with Sandra Stuart taking part in her 50th parkrun at KGV and came first in her age category. Prashanth Sripathi and Robert Dalton-Morris travelled to Quakers Walk with Prash finishing in 22:28 and Rob in 25:54, both taking fourth in their age categories. Julie and Adrian Courtenay went to Colby and finished in 37:46 and 37:47 respectively. At Hereford Zakia Shahanaz Hussain and Kate Bestwick finished in 33:54 and 37:33 respectively.
Heading abroad, Rich Smith travelled to Italy for the Marecchia parkrun finishing in 29:35. Patricia Dendy and family ventured to Poland for the Zielony Jar parkrun, and Mark Wreford-Bush travelled to Donauradweg parkrun finishing fourth overall in 21:04.
The club was also represented at Andover, Braunstone, Valentines, Gloucester North, Wycombe Rye, Cheltenham, Telford, Weymouth, Evesham, Tewkesbury, Bideford, Prospect, Heartlands, Stratford Park, Oaklands and Whitekirk Hill.
Almost Athletes at Meteor Mile
Prash and Rob at Quakers Walk parkrun
Victoria Willoughby V55 Club Record
28 Almosts Off Road Running at Pershore
Race Report for 24 August by Dave Nelson
Almost Athletes were busy again this past weekend, putting in the miles on roads and trails. The main event was probably the Pershore Plum 10k, which attracted 28 club members due to it forming part of the club’s off-road race series. Jamie Baron was first home for the club in 40:10, taking 44 seconds off his PB in the process. Joanne Johnson was 3rd female home in 45:00, also finishing 2nd in her age category. Neil Tring was also 2nd in his category in 49:18; while Victoria Willoughby was 3rd in hers in 50:34. Lesley Cottle took first place in her age group, crossing the line in 54:35. The event also saw Jason Bone run his first-ever 10k race, finishing in 1:20:01; while Clare Bone celebrated her birthday by finishing in 1:14:08.
Also running were John Johnson, Thomas Willett, Steven Wood, Sue Pearce, Sarah Wood, Michael Smith, Ingrid Harris, Lawrie Baber-Scovell, Carl Methven, Rob Hume, Alison Hume, Mike Line, Richard Smith, Bob Spawton, Lorraine Taylor, Neil Taylor, Janine Bennett, Cathy Booth, Sue Monaghan, Forrest Wheeler, Heather Smith, and Melanie Methven.
Sunday also saw the annual Run Winchcombe 10k, which at the time of writing results are unavailable for. However, Mariel Chretien did take part in the event, so congratulations to her! Elsewhere, Allan Green ran his obligatory weekly marathon, this week in Walton-on-Thames, finishing the 8-lap curse in 5:47.
Further afield, and taking things international, Karla Cleverley took part in the Reykjavik half marathon in Iceland. She battled through some challenging head winds, and crossed the line in 2:46:04 to earn herself a sparkly new PB – well done Karla!
As always, plenty of club members took part in parkruns near and far at the weekend. The international theme continued with Patricia and Kev Dendy taking on Jablonna parkrun in Poland; while Mark Wreford-Bush ran at Ziegelwiese parkrun in Halle, Germany. Prashanth Sripathi was also on the tourist trail, running at Victoria Dock in London to earn his ‘V’ for the alphabet challenge; and Piotr Michalski was also collecting letters, bagging his second ‘O’ at Oxford.
Carl Methven followed up last week’s PB by bagging another one, this time at Ross-on-Wye, finishing in 24:38. Zakia Hussain was another on the PB hunt, bagging a course PB at Cheltenham in 33:22, only missing out on an overall PB by a few seconds – even more impressive after having had only 3 hours’ sleep! At Cheltenham, Allan Green was first in his age category; while Claire Hawes was also first in her category at the very tough Durlston Country Park event.
The club was also represented at Woodbank, Kingsway, Southampton, Gloucester North, Barnstaple, Wotton, Aberystwyth, Tewkesbury, Gloucester City, Witney, Clapham Common, Great Dunmow, Woolacombe Dunes, Morecambe Prom, Mallards Pike, King George V Playing Field, Seven Fields, Moussette, Woodgate Valley Country Park, Peel, and Hellbrunn.
Plenty of club members also volunteered at both senior and junior parkrun over the weekend, including club chair Peter Mitchener who was Run Director at Cheltenham, and celebrated his birthday in the process! parkrun wouldn’t happen without volunteers, so the club would encourage everyone to help out when they can.
Another great week for the club, well done to everyone!
Karla Cleverley at Reykjavik
Prashanth Sripathi at Victoria Dock
Piotr Michalski at Oxford
Patricia and Kev Dendy at Jablonna
Mark Wreford-Bush at Ziegelwiese
Zakia Hussain at Cheltenham
Joanne Johnson at Pershore
Lesley Cottle at Pershore
Club Records and Personal Bests? We’re Here For(d) It!
Race Report for 17 August by Alison Hume
It was mission accomplished for club stalwarts Dave McGrath and Steve Taylor at the Jon Ward Memorial 5k at Hereford Leisure Centre, with Dave coming away with a new club age group record by almost one minute (19:16) as well as second place in his age category (MV60), and Steve bringing down his personal best for the distance by almost two minutes (21:35) for third in his category (MV55). Let’s hope they were giddy with happiness at their achievements rather than as a result of running five laps of the cycle track.
Always one for an unconventional event – particularly if there’s an eye-catching medal at the end of it – Karla Cleverley took on the 15 plus miles of The Big Pilgrimage in the heat of a Southampton summer’s day. Comprising coastal path, shingle beaches, forest and road there was also a river crossing in a pink ferry, bag of pick ‘n’ mix in hand, before the finish at Titchfield Abbey. All in all, a fun day’s work!
The club’s most prolific marathon runners were again in action over the weekend. Ingrid Harris battled the heat and relatively late start of the Two Tunnels marathon to finish in 4:12:59 for first in her age category and 14th female, while Allan Green recorded an astonishing 848th marathon finish on a hot and hilly lapped route around Shipley Country Park in Nottingham for a 5:39 clocking.
Other members recording new personal bests, this time at parkruns near and far were Victoria Willoughby in Cheltenham (24:10, first in age category) and Carl Methven at West Links, Arbroath (24:52), while Julia Whittaker was first in her age category for the second week running at Southwick Country Park. Another to finish first in her age category was Alison Hume, who also notched up her 200th parkrun in blustery conditions at Central, Plymouth.
Sarah Wood was first female at Fire Service College parkrun, Moreton-in-Marsh (22:44), while there were top ten gender finishes for Alistair Mathew, Holly Wright, Victoria Willoughby and Catherine Williams (Cheltenham), Elliot Jordan (Gloucester City), Janine Bennett (Gloucester North), Laura Tring (Kingsway), Agata Pakula (Mallards Pike), Joanne Johnson (Porthcawl) and Jeanette Gullick (Tewkesbury).
In multi-sports, long-time member Graham Philpott returned to Dorney Lake, Windsor to participate in the Superhero Series, the UK’s only series of mass participation sports events, where people with disabilities don’t have to worry about cut-off times or equipment restrictions. Graham formed part of Team Jenson alongside table tennis Paralympian Will Bayley.
Dave McGrath and Steve Taylor celebrating their achievements at the Jon Ward 5k in Hereford
Karla Cleverley at the end of The Big Pilgrimage in Southampton
Sarah Wood at Fire Service College parkrun
Graham Philpott (LHS) and other members of Team Jenson at the Superheroes Triathlon
The Bugatti Races Away with the Compliments
Race Report for 10 August by Claire Hawes
The second of the the three races the club puts on annually, the Bugatti 10k, was another very successful event overseen by Race Director Phil Jeyes. A great turn-out from the club, both as regards participants and volunteers, assembled on a warm evening at the Prescott Hill Climb ready to do battle with the ‘undulating’ course.
Josh Hand was first home for the club, crossing the finish line in 40:13. Just a few seconds separated the next couple of Almosts home: Lewis Jones in 40:24 and Patricia Dendy – 2nd in Age group – in 40:30. Steve Axford was next Almost across the line in 41:15, followed by John Rea in 41:50, Elliot Jordan in 42:08 and Dave McGrath – clinching 1st place in his Age group – in 42:12. Other results were: Declan Walker 42:22; Jamie Baron 42:26; Katie Coleman – 2nd in Age Group – 42:59; Joanne Johnson – 3rd in Age Group – 44:37; Ashley Wilson 45:13; John Johnson 45:50; Mark Wreford-Bush 46:13; Sarah Wood, 1st in her Age group, 46:38; Richard Knightley 47:06; Steven Wood 48:15; Steve Taylor 48:03; Ivana Wilson 48:48; Nick Mytton 48:46; Stephen Harvison 50:53; Duncan Mounsor 51:22; Ingrid Harris 51:40; Steve Phelps 53:07; Neil Taylor 53:28; Dave Elliott – 2nd in Age Group – 53:46; Victoria Willoughby – 2nd in Age Group – 54:26; Nichola Sanderson 54:28; Lesley Cottle – 3rd in Age Group – 56:13; Bronte Mound-Evans 56:38; Mike Line 58:11; Coralie Pearson 58:54; Philip Brewer 59:13; Catherine Harker 1:01:20; Pauline Bargus 1:02:58; Liz Garner 1:03:04; Chris Handscomb 1:03:12; Christine Harker 1:04:05; Janine Bennett 1:04:17; Sue Monaghan 1:04:25; Bob Spawton 1:05:03; Mark Jones 1:05:55; Forrest Wheeler 1:07:02; Sandra Stuart 1:09:05; Jakia Hussain 1:15:45; Kate Bestwick 1:19:29; Steve Yarnold 1:30:14. Rachael Nolan was the tail-runner for the event.
After the efforts of the mid-week Bugatti it was, not surprisingly, a quiet weekend on the racing front. However we can rely on Allan Green to notch up a marathon and this one was Allan’s fourteenth time at the Isle of Man Marathon. Finishing in 4hrs 57, Allan was first in his Age Category.
Regular parkrun tourists Neil Tring and Lorraine Taylor ran their first parkrun in Ireland, at Inis Meáin. Neil was first male finisher and both achieved a top ten finish and first in their respective age categories.
Other notable parkrun results included Sarah Wood rounding off a very good week as second female finisher at Thoulstone in a time of 22:37. In Daventry Mark Wreford-Bush was first in his age group in a time of 21:46.
Other parkruns attended by Almost Athletes included Edinburgh, Kingsway, Tamar Trails, Coventry, Riverfront, Aviemore, Worcester, Gloucester North, Worcester Pitchcroft, Newport, Eden Project, Thornbury, Wotton, Cheltenham, Newent, Skipton, Tewkesbury, Wyre Forest, Jersey, Rushmere, Milano Nord, Gloucester City, Severn Bridge, Marlborough Common, Futakotamagawa, Ross-on-Wye, KGV Playing Field, Seven Fields, Edgbaston Reservoir, Peel, Ganger Farm, Spanish Banks Beach, and Jubilee Bedford.
Sydney, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Cheltenham!
Race Report for 4 August by Josh Hand
From Cheltenham to Sydney (and with a few wonderfully named stops in between), Almost Athletes were once again out in force this weekend.
At Cheltenham parkrun, a crack team of pacers—Elliot Jordan, Steve Wood, Mark Wreford-Bush, Graeme Stopp and Pete Mitchener—kept things ticking like metronomes, helping many runners to shiny new PBs and season bests. A big milestone shout-out to Josh Rimell on his 50th parkrun, and an even bigger one to his father-in-law Dave Mayo, who hit the arbitrary yet hugely impressive 400. Rob Hume raced to first in his age category at Tewkesbury, his quickest time this year! Further afield, Prashanth Sripathi clocked a slick 23:21 at the Isabel Trail, while Chris McMahon ticked off the delightfully named Newbiggin-by-the-Sea—becoming the first Almost to make the trip to this charmingly remote northern outpost. And in Australia, Paul Jones flew the flag amidst a sea of Lions supporters at Sydney’s Pirrama parkrun, a parkrun with a view if ever there was one.
Back on home turf, Winchcombe junior parkrun celebrated its first birthday on Sunday, supported—of course—by a team of enthusiastic Almost volunteers. Here’s to many more years of little legs, big smiles, and heroic sprint finishes.
Sunday also saw the return of the scenic and quad-testing Standish Woodland Chase, part of the club’s Off-Road Race Series. The course was as beautiful as it was brutal, but that didn’t stop some superb performances. Sue Pearce stormed in as third lady in 1:20, Sarah Wood bagged first LV50 in 1:25, and Ingrid Harris showed her usual class to finish as first LV60 in 1:28. Jamie Baron led the Almosts home in a rapid 1:13, followed closely by Mark Wreford-Bush (clearly not content with just pacing duties the day before) in 1:17, and Richard Knightley in 1:21. A further wave of Almosts crossed the line in fine form: Vivienne Ravenhill, Jamie Courtenay, Steve Wood, Neil Tring, Neil Taylor, Jim Trowbridge, Sarah Wallbridge, Hollie Galvin, Lorraine Taylor, Thomas Wood, Bob Spawton, Charlotte Jamieson, Janine Bennett, Adrian Courtenay and Mariel Chretien—who may all still be recovering from the race’s infamous final descent, a lung-busting, quad-trembling challenge that many describe simply as “character building.”
Meanwhile, Karla Cleverley and Coralie Pearson completed the Birmingham Mini Canal Canter, a Long Distance Walking Association special known for its glorious aid stations and unrivalled value. Highlights included not only flapjacks and friendly marshals but a chance to pay homage at the Black Sabbath Bridge—because who says heavy metal and long-distance running don’t mix?
And finally, a huge congratulations to Brontë Mound-Evans, who ran a brilliant PB at the Rocky Horror Tribute 10K in Shrewsbury, finishing second overall and first female. Absolutely outstanding!
As always, from parkruns to PBs, tarmac to off-roaders, Almost Athletes keep proving that running is better when done together—with grit, good humour, and a few stories to tell along the way.
Almosts at Standish
Prashanth Sripathi
Jamie Baron
Winning ladies at Standish
Natalie Greening and Corinne Cooper Complete 30 Mile Race
Race Report for 28 July by Dave Nelson
The weekend just gone was another busy one for Almost Athletes, with plenty of miles covered by members.
Before we look at this week though, we start off with a couple of achievements that were a bit too late to make last week’s report! At the Wye Valley event, Rachael Nolan and Coralie Pearson completed the Tintern Station Half Marathon option, both finishing in 3:17. They were joined by Lawrie Baber-Scovell, who crossed the line in 2:20. Meanwhile, Sheena Macdonald ran the 10k option, finishing in 1:07:20.
Also last week, Natalie Greening and Corinne Cooper both took on the challenge of the Dragon 30 mile race along the Welsh coast, running from Dunraven Bay to Cardiff Bay. Natalie competed the challenge in 8:27, and Corinne in 9:43.
Moving on to this week, Karla Cleverley was to be found racing in Germany. She took part in the evening half marathon event in Fussen, defying the torrential rain to cross the line in 3:07. As always, Allan Green ran yet another marathon, this week completing 106 laps of Horspath Athletics Track in Oxford to finish the Russelbock Events 6hr Challenge in 5:12.
As always, there was plenty of parkrun action going on on Saturday morning. Club chair Peter Mitchener clocked up an impressive milestone at Cheltenham, finishing his 350th parkrun. Vivienne Ravenhill hit the tourist trail to complete the Newborough Forest event in Anglesey, while Paul Jones could be found a touch further away on the other side of the world at Albert parkrun in Melbourne!
Much closer to home, Jeanette Gullick, Alison Hume and Sandra Stuart all achieved first places in their age categories, at Evesham, Ross-on-Wye and King George V Playing Field respectively.
We’ll close this week’s report with an appeal for anyone who is able to help out at parkrun if you can. The events can’t happen without volunteers, and they can be in short supply at this time of year due to summer holidays, so if you’re able please consider volunteering at one of the local 5k events on a Saturday morning, or the junior events on a Sunday morning. The teams would be hugely appreciative!
Patricia Continues Her Blistering Year!
Race Report for 20 July 25 by Claire Hawes
Club wonder-woman Patricia notched up yet another age-group win, 6th woman home and a course PB of 39:30 at the mid-week Red Hart Blaisdon 10k. Katie Coleman was second in her age category in a time of 43:23. Peter Morris finished in 51:02, Allan Green in 54:21 (also claiming an age-group first in the process) and Coralie Pearson completed the Almost showing finishing in 1:00:31.
It was the final race in the club Handicap Series this week. Winner on the night was Victoria Willoughby who took home the prize of some Up and Running Vouchers, and the overall winner after all four races was Steve Youngs, who was presented with the shield by Club Chair Peter Mitchener.
Another very successful Almost this week was Holly Wright. At Blackbridge Athletics Track in Gloucester Holly was awarded a County Silver medal in the CACH Midsummer Open 3 5000m, finishing 3rd overall in 23:53:29. She then followed that up with a PB at Cheltenham parkrun on Saturday in a time of 22:44!
A trio of Almosts made their way to North Herefordshire for the inaugural Hillfort Hustle, a 10 mile trail race with 1800ft of elevation. Victoria Willoughby crossed the finish line in 2:05:01, followed by Mariel Chrétien in 2:29:00 and Jackie Slaughter in 2:39:49.
Allan Green ran a marathon of course, this week travelling to Wales for the Dare Valley marathon. Allan was first in his M70 age group and finished in 5:28.
In Dorset it was the Cider Weekend Challenge. Ingrid Harris did 9 laps (31.5 miles) on the Saturday, taking first lady on that day, and 7 miles on Sunday where she was 5th lady overall. Karla Cleverly also took part, doing 5k on the Friday, 17.2 miles on Saturday and topping it off with 2.2 miles on Sunday!
Two Almosts made their way to the Wye Valley for the Relish Running Tintern Station Half Marathon. Coralie Pearson completed the tough course in 3:17:22, with Rachael Nolan just seconds behind in 3:17:36. At the same venue Sheena Macdonald ran the Valley View 10k in 1:07:20.
Of course there was plenty of parkrun action too. Victoria Willoughby – busy lady! – ran her 100th parkrun at Cheltenham parkrun, where she was joined in the ‘milestone outfits’ by Piotr Michalski who was running his 250th parkrun.
Dave Nelson chalked up his fourteenth different country for his parkrun when he ran the Tampere in Finland. Closer to home Paul Jones was first (and only!) Almost home at Southbank parkrun while Sue Sturgeon and Leah Maddiss travelled to Chippenham for their parkrun. Other parkruns visited by Almost Athletes this week were Kingsway, Leamington. Oxford, Rugby, Pontefract, Gloucester North, Worcester Pitchcroft, Thornbury, Portrush, Evesham, Aldenham, Tewkesbury, Severn Bridge, Tetbury Goods Shed, Mallards Pike, King George V Playing Field, Jesmond Dene, Chipping Norton, Berkeley Green, Peel, Black Rocks, and Brickfield Park.
Finally, as members know, Almost Athletes has always prided itself on the charitable donations it makes each year from the money raised by its races. Club Chair Peter Mitchener made the first of this year’s donations, presenting a cheque for £750 to Read for Good. This charity encourages children to enjoy reading while staying in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Dendy Continues Her Successful Year with a PB at Dorney Lake
Race Report for 13 July 25 by Nichola Sanderson
As temperatures soared again across the county this week, this did not deter the running achievements of Almost Athletes members.
The standout performance of the week goes to Patricia Dendy who gained a fantastic new PB of 1:28:11 at the Dorney Lake Half Marathon, and 1st lady home. Pat is continuing her incredible running form this year and also broke the club record for the female V40 half marathon distance.
On Monday, 7th July, 9 Almosts took part in the local Frampton 10k race where John Johnson was 1st Almost home finishing in 44:10, closely followed by Mark Wreford-Bush in 44:30. Joanne Johnson finished in 46:05, followed by Dave Elliot (49:25), Charmaine Brunt (52:54), Deb Cartlidge (58:38), David Davey (1:00:37), Mark Jones (1:02:54) and Graham Philpott (1:08:31).
A large contingent ventured to north Worcester taking on the Hallow 12 Parish Challenge. This trail event of various different walk/ run routes covers 12 local parishes showcasing the beautiful Worcestershire countryside.
Three Almosts took part in the Cotswold Classic Middle Distance Triathlon at Ashton Keynes water park. The event consisted of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and a half marathon run. Neil Taylor completed in 7:23:25, Allan Green in 7:41:32 and Janine Bennett in 7:49:42.
There were 64 Almosts taking part in parkrun. Sarah Wood was 2nd lady at Heartlands parkrun in Cornwall. Felicity Read travelled further afield to Johannesburg completing the Zuufontein parkrun. Almost Athletes also represented at Dinton Pastures, Worcester Pitchcroft, King George V Playing Fields, Three Brooks, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Leamington, Worcester, Gloucester North, Burnley and Porthcawl.
Patricia Dendy
Felicity Read
Hallow 12 Parish Challenge
Purple Army at the Cotswold Way Relay
Race Report for 6 July 25 by Clemens Orth
On Sunday, 34 Almost Athletes took on the 10 stages of the Cotswold Way Relay.
Almosts entered three teams into the 100-team race, covering a total distance of 103 miles with over 10,800 feet of elevation gain.
Team 1, ‘Almosts Being More Doug’, included Richard Knightley, Bob Spawton, Charmaine Brunt, Steven Wood, Thom Stephens, Clemens Orth, Ian McKinlay, Mark Wreford-Bush, Ed Brandley and David Chittock.
Team 2, ‘Almosts Running for Rich’, was made up of Tom Coyte, Johnny Rea, Vivienne Ravenhill, Peter Mitchener, Duncan Mounsor, Dave Rogers, Amy Sheer, Ben Stone, Ali Shaikh and Victoria Kennedy.
Team 3, ‘Almosts Running for Anne-Marie’, entered in the Women-only category, featured Catherine Williams, Amy Broomhall, Becca Waugh, Michelle Balchin, Victoria Willoughby, Emily Dawson, Sue Pearce, Elzbieta Antosiewicz, Sally McKinlay and Catherine Campbell.
Team 2 completed the full distance in 17:58:04, finishing 30th out of 39 in the open category, followed by Team 1 in 18:16:40, placing 33rd, and Team 3 in 19:03:09, securing 10th in the Women-only category.
Having completed all 10 legs over previous years, Catherine Campbell is now also known as Queen of the Cotswolds. David Chittock, Ali Shaikh and Thom Stephens have likewise earned the title of King of the Cotswolds.
James Fyrne, Declan Walker, Riley Woodman and Andrew Wilkinson volunteered as tail runners, with their legs counting towards total distance achievements in future years.
A special mention goes to David Chittock as overall organiser for all Almost runners. He was supported by leg leaders and many Almosts who volunteered at vital water stations and marshalling posts on the early legs of the race to support runners across all participating clubs.
Elsewhere on the Trail & Road
Three Almosts competed in the Wild One 10-lap off-road marathon. First home for Almosts—and first female overall—was Ingrid Harris in 4:03:26, finishing second overall. She was followed by Mark Willicot in 4:25:40, placing fourth, and Allan Green who completed his weekly marathon in 5:18:35.
In Evesham, Alistair Mathew ran the 10k in 37:52, followed closely by Josh Hand in 38:08. Peter Blanchflower completed the course in 1:05:36.
Further afield, Olivia Wiles travelled to Lundy Island to take on the off-road half marathon, finishing in 2:53.
parkrun Highlights
On Saturday, 80 Almosts took part in parkruns. Among them, Clemens Orth celebrated his 100th run, while Zakia Shahanaz Hussain completed her 50th volunteering milestone. Fastest this weekend over the 5k distance was Matt Polson in 18:38. As always, the events were made possible thanks to the support of many volunteers.
35 Almosts at the Gloucester 10k!
Race Report for 3o June 25 by Dave Nelson
This past weekend was another busy one for Almost Athletes, with plenty of distance covered by club members at various events.
The main event of the week was the annual Gloucester 10k. A total of 35 members turned out for an event that forms part of the club’s annual road race series, with Elliot Jordan leading them home in a fantastic new PB time of 39:01 on what was a very humid morning. Jamie Baron also defied the conditions to earn a new PB, finishing in 40:53; while Sarah Wood (46:29), Victoria Willoughby (50:47) and Philip Brewer (56:27) all ran new course PBs. Sarah’s effort also earned her 2nd in her age category, just behind Joanne Johnson (45:15); while Steve Axford and Dave Elliott also placed in their respective categories.
Also running were Lewis Jones, Declan Walker, Ben Stone, John Johnson, Ashley Wilson, Peter Mitchener, Duncan Eeles, Steven Wood, Ross Greening, Neil Tring, Laura Tring, Charmaine Brunt, Peter Morris, Nichola Sanderson, Paul Seymour, Chris McMahon, Lorraine Taylor, Peter Mulligan, Deb Cartlidge, Janine Bennett, Bob Spawton, Kristin Lowater, Forrest Wheeler, Sandra Stuart, Claire Hawes, Neil Taylor, and Dave Nelson.
Elsewhere, Lesley Cottle took on The Loop, a 20-mile trail race in Devon covering approximately 4,000ft of ascent! Lesley finished the challenging event in 5:17:59. Devon was also the location for this week’s marathon for Allan Green, who finished the North Devon Marathon in 6:10:23, coming first in his age category in the process. Closer to home, in Badminton, a trio of Almosts took on the Badminton 10k. Jeanette Gullick was first of the three home, crossing the line in 51:29, followed by Ingrid Harris (56:11) and Adrian Courtenay (1:11:50).
There was also the usual slew of parkruns taken on by the Purple Army, both near and far. Leading the charge is Rich Smith, who achieved a significant milestone at Cheltenham parkrun, running his 500th parkrun and earning himself a shiny new blue parkrun t-shirt! In Germany, Andrea Hardy completed her parkrun alphabet at Volksgarten in Dusseldorf; while Rob and Alison Hume ran at Dreilandergarten in Weil am Rhein, close to the French and Swiss borders. Both Rob and Alison came first in their age category.
Also on the tourism trail was Kate Bestwick, who ran at Eden Project in Cornwall after a year’s wait due to a previous cancellation; and Prashanth Sripathi, who ran at Oxford. Robert Dalton-Morris ran at Seven Fields, and earned himself a new course PB.
Almosts were also found at Richmond, Cardiff, Kingsway, Forest of Dean, Bedford, Gloucester North, Worcester Pitchcroft, Thornbury, Burnley, Marple, Aylesbury, Huntingdon, Penallta, Haverfordwest, Evesham, Hove Promenade, Tewkesbury, Gloucester City, Morecambe Prom, Tetbury Goods Shed, King George V Playing Field, Sharpham Road Playing Fields, and Morden.
Another great weekend of running for the club – well done to everyone!
Almosts Triumph at Greystone 10k
Race Report for 23 June 25 by Josh Hand
Almost Athletes Produce Sizzling Performances in Cirencester
Race Report for 17 June 25 by Alison Hume
The racing week got off to another early start with a sizeable contingent of Almost Athletes making the short journey to Cirencester for the ever-popular midweek Summer Sizzler 10k. Winding through the scenic parkland of the Bathurst Estate, the race features on both the Gloucestershire AAAs road race series and the club’s own road race series, thus attracting the strongest runners in the county.
First home for the club was Alistair Mathew, whose powerful run of 37:43 saw him finish third in his age group. Next to cross the line in a new personal best time was Lewis Jones (39:16), with Team England 10k runner Patricia Dendy hot on his heels in 40:01 for first in her age category. Also recording top three finishes in their respective age categories were Sarah Wood (45:17, 2nd); Joanne Johnson (45:53, 2nd); Allan Green (50:01, 1st) and Dave Elliott (50:36, 2nd). Sarah was joined by Hollie Galvin (57:51) in recording a significant course personal best, while Philip Brewer was delighted to record his second fastest 10k (59:44). Jakia Hussain (70:59) came very close to beating her Bristol 10k PB from 2017 in her first Summer Sizzler.
Also running were: Jamie Baron (41:56); Thomas Willett (43:50); Ashley Wilson (44:21); John Johnson (44:31); Declan Walker (44:35); Mark Wreford-Bush (44:39); Nick Mytton (46:43); Richard Knightley (46:53); Steven Wood (47:30); Neil Taylor (48:18); Vivienne Ravenhill (48:25); Ross Greening (48:30); Issy Ravenhill (49:01); Neil Tring (49:10); Tim Perkins (50:39); Charmaine Brunt (51:44); Ingrid Harris (51:58); David Davey (52:03); Victoria Willoughby (52:09); Mark James (56:02); Adele Steptoe (56:23); Agata Pakula (57:23); Jan Pakula (57:24); Sally Beaumont (61:34); Charlotte Jamieson (64:13); Janine Bennett (68:03); Sandra Stuart (69:08); Vicki James (72:02) and Kate Bestwick (81:16).
A number of Almost Athletes embraced a rare opportunity to complete the Bridge Run half marathon from Tårnby, Denmark across the border into Sibbarp near Malmö in Sweden. The previous day all indulged in some relaxed parkrun tourism at the three parkruns in Copenhagen – Lorraine Taylor and Neil Tring at Amager Faelled, Claire Gallagher at Amager Strandpark and Janine Bennett, Mike Bryce, James Clay and Neil Taylor at Faelledparken.
The Bridge Run itself took place in very hot conditions – hotter still in the tunnel forming part of the route – but with a very welcome breeze on the Oresund Bridge itself. Unfortunately there was a delay of some fifteen minutes crossing the finish line, rendering finish times meaningless. Completing this unique challenge were Janine Bennett, Mike Bryce, James Clay, Claire Gallagher – in her first long distance race since 2021 London marathon – Kevin Keegan, Lorraine Taylor, Neil Taylor and Neil Tring.
Also running abroad in hot and humid conditions was Wan Hartley, who ran the Champagne 10-mile festive fun run in Épernay in memory of her late husband Richard. Wan reports that the run was indeed great fun, as most of the runners were in fancy dress and there were plenty of opportunities to enjoy champagne en route!
Much closer to home, a large contingent took on the Cheltenham Three Peaks Challenge, a 22-mile event covering the three highest peaks in Gloucestershire: Crickley, Leckhampton and Cleeve Hill. Congratulations to Des Beer, Tony Heap, Vicki and Mark James, Sally and Ian McKinlay, Tim Perkins, Adele Steptoe, Bob Spawton and Julia Whittaker, who completed the challenge as a group in hot and sunny conditions.
Running longer off-road events this weekend were Mike Daly, who completed another circuit of one of his favourite events, the iconic Man v Horse in Powys, in 4:24:30. Catherine Campbell, David Chittock and Lepha McCartan completed the distance as a relay as Team Up To Neigh Good in 4:35:57, which Dave Rogers stepped in at the last minute to assist another relay team which was a runner down. Close by, Ingrid Harris ran in a new-to-her event, The Offa’s Dyke 15, where the logistics of getting to the start in Hay-on-Wye sounded much more complicated than the actual point-to-point race. Totalling in excess of 2,200 feet of ascent over a predominantly off-road course, Ingrid crossed the line in Kington in 2:37:10 to finish fourth in her age category.
Marathon stalwart Allan Green took another step on his epic journey at the Lions & Tigers & Bears multi-lap marathon along the Taff Trail in Barry Sidings Country Park, Pontypridd, which he completed in 5:05:25.
Several members took advantage of better-than-forecast conditions to record top ten gender finishes at parkruns across the country: Matt Polson at Clarence; Sharon Hadad at King George V Playing Field; Agata Pakula at Mallards Pike; Jo and John Johnson at Newent; Sarah Wood at Severn Bridge; and Maddie Fletcher at Tewkesbury. Issy Ravenhill made a very welcome return to Cannon Hill parkrun while on a short visit to the UK.
There was also a purple presence at Barnstaple, Cheltenham, Clevedon Salthouse Fields, Eden Project, Evesham, Fire Service College, Gloucester City, Gloucester North, Harcourt Hill, Horspath, Isabel Trail, Kettering, Marlborough Common, Marple, Medina (Isle of Wight), Morecambe Prom, Ross on Wye, Seaton, Stratford Park (Stroud), Three Brooks and University Parks.
Finally, this week’s report would not be complete without an honourable mention for Jasper Dendy, older son of members Kev and Patricia Dendy, who clocked up his 100th junior parkrun in Cheltenham. This in addition to the 131 parkruns Jasper has also completed. Not to be outdone, younger brother Joshua recorded a new personal best at the same event. Well run boys!
Team Almost Athletes gather before the Cirencester Summer Sizzler 10k
Almost Athletes and friends at the start of the Cheltenham Three Peaks Challenge
David Chittock, Catherine Campbell and Lepha McCartan at the end of the iconic Man v Horse
Kevin Keegan and Claire Gallagher at the start of the Oresund Bridge Race
Kevin Keegan with Lorraine Taylor and Neil Tring at the end of the Oresund Bridge Race
Almost Athletes at Ultra Distances
Race Report for 8 June 25 by Clemens Orth
While some Almosts enjoyed a talk at the science festival about “Ultra Marathon running”, other Almosts did this in practice.
Thousands of miles away in Peru, Lizzie Renn competed in the Jungle Ultra, a multi stage & day self supporting 230km race through the Amazon.
Much closer to home Ingrid Harris, Mark Wreford-Bush and Allan Green took on the Dartmoor Discovery Ultra in horrendous rain. Ingrid Harris finished the 32 miles and 899 yards race in 5:30:44 placing her 3rd in her age category. Mark Wreford-Bush finished with a new PB in 5:28:49, slicing 46 minutes off his previous time. Allan Green finished in 6:21 hours, placing him 2nd in his age category.
Not being content with one race, Mark Wreford-Bush also ran the Two Castles 10km Run, finishing in 59:49. Matthew Proome was 1st Almost in 46:19, followed by Richard Knightley in 46:55. First female for the club was Amy Sheer in 48:27, followed by Michelle Balchin in 1:00:15.
Olga Goffin ran the Cheddar George Gold Omnium a series consisting of 4 trail races (half marathon, 100m sprint, 1km run and a hill climb). Olga was first female in all 4 races to be the female series winner.
At the Hogweed Trot 10km around Yate, David Davey completed the distance in 50:06. Followed by Rob and Alison Hume in 53:33 and 54:16.
At the Hereford Couriers Elliot Jordan raced 3rd race of the 5km spring series in 18:18, followed by John Johnson in 21:08. Jo Johnson finished in 21:23 placing her 1st across all three races in her age category.
At the Cheltenham Running Festival, Philip Brewer ran the 5km in 26:57. Catherine Harker ran the 10km race in 59:33 and Daniel Magovern completed the half marathon distance in 2:10:07.
At parkrun Hamish Adamson finished his 250th parkrun and 100th run at KGV. George Wood achieved a new PB completing Berkeley Green in 19:08. Prashanth Sripathi travelled to Zuiderpark parkrun, Hoogeveen finishing in 22:48 and 2nd in his age category. Many more Almosts were seen across the country and further afield at parkrun to run, walk or to volunteer.
Lizzie Renn during her Jungle Ultra
Hamish Adamson with other Almost runners celebrating his 25th parkrun
Almosts at Dartmoor Discovery Ultra
Cloud Cuckoo and more
Race Report for 1 June 25 by Clemens Orth
On Wednesday, 28th May, 24 Almosts took on the very hill and tough Cloud Cuckoo race taking them across the beautiful Cleeve hill with beautiful views of Cheltenham and Cleeve below.
First for the club and 17th overall was Josh Hand in 39:46. Followed by Elliot Jordan in 41:38 and Thomas Willett in 42:09. First female runner for the club was Sue Pearce in 46:23, followed by Holly Wright in 49:53 and Ingrid Harris in 52:14. Also running were Jamie Baron, John Johnson, Mark Wreford-Bush, Joe Perch, Richard Knightley, Steven Wood, Timothy Perkins, Mark Davies, Stephen Harvison, Charmaine Brunt, Victoria Willoughby, Thomas Wood, Elzbieta Antosiewicz, Hollie Galvin, Richard Smith, Bob Spawton, Cathy Booth and Adrian Courtenay.
Not having enough of Cloud Cuckoo, Ingrid Harris ran the Bath Two Tunnels half marathon in 1:50:46. Ingrid was joined by Lawrie Baber-Scovell in 1:59:23 and Ed Brandley who completed the 10km distance in 53:35.
Four Almosts took on the Stroud Beer Race across Minchinhampton Common. Patricia Dendy was 1st runner for the club in 47:27 and 7th female overall and also winning a category prize. Followed by Sarah Wood in 54:23. First male runner for the club was Dave Elliot in 59:56, followed by Allan Green in 1:00:51.
Not having enough with one race last week Allan Green took on yet another marathon in Walton on Thames finishing in 5:45 hours.
Sue Sturgeon ran the race for life in Gloucester together with her daughter and grandson.
At parkrun Ross Greening finished his 250th parkrun at KGV. Many Almosts made use of the Ascension day special and travelled like Prashanth Sripathi to Damhusengen and other European parkruns for two runs in one long weekend.
Closer to home in Evesham, Elliot Jordan completed the parkrun in 19:42.
Many more Almosts were seen across the country and further afield at parkrun to race, run and walk or to volunteer.
Below are two photos.
Bank Holiday weekend celebrations
Race Report for 25 May 25 by Claire Hawes
These reports usually start with race results but this week I’m starting with news from some of the parkruns where Almosts were in action this week.
Sue Sturgeon notched up her 300th parkrun, and 50th at Evesham, and at Cheltenham Danny Carroll also ran his 300th parkrun and Dave Rogers achieved his 50 parkruns milestone. Also at Cheltenham, Johnny Rea and Elliot Jordan ran as Guide Runners for Yayha Pandor, world record holder for a VI runner completing a marathon with just voice guidance. It was Yahya’s wedding day – how better to start such an important day than doing parkrun in the company of two Almosts!
This weekend’s prize for the longest distance covered in an event undoubtedly goes to Nela Trowbridge, who travelled to Ipswich for The Flower of Suffolk, a 100 mile circular route. Nela completed the (101!) miles in 31 hours and 35 minutes and was grateful for the support team provided by husband Jim and their two children!
Of course there was also plenty of racing action closer to home.
Earlier in the week two Almosts enjoyed the challenge of the Westonbirt 10k. Mike Bryce crossed the finish line in 51:21 and Sharon James in 1:15:50.
Dymock Half is always a popular event with the Almosts especially since it’s part of the Road Race series! Steve Axford was first home for the club in 1:26:25 – 3rd male overall, 2nd in his age group and a new PB to boot! Lewis Jones finished in 1:32:53 and Thomas Willett was next for the club in 1:33:39. Other results were: Mark Wreford-Bush 1:40:47; Richard Knightley 1:42:15; Olga Goffin 1:42:18 (3rd in age group); Sarah Wood 1:44:54; Peter Mitchener 1:45:31; Marcus Taylor 1:50:57; Ingrid Harris 1:51:23 (2nd in age group); Steven Wood 1:51:31; Dave Elliott 1:54:26; Victoria Willoughby 1:59:20; Daniel Magovern 2:06:20; Hayley Woolnough 2:06:26.
Steve Axford, Lewis Jones, Olga Goffin and Sarah Wood also formed the winning club team at the race:
L-R Steve Axford, Sarah Wood and Olga Goffin
As well as the Half Marathon Dymock hosted a 5 mile race and three Almosts took part: Beca Waugh finishing in 41:12, Ali Shaikh in 42:05 and Janine Bennett in 1:02:00.
In Scotland three Club members braved hailstones and gusty winds to tackle the Edinburgh Marathon. Riley Woodman finished in 3:36:28; Michelle Balchin in 4:11:56 and Helena Nilsson in 4:39:06.
Allan Green’s weekly marathon was a 28 mile cross-country event in Buntingford, Herts, completed in 5 hr 20 mins.
Eight Almosts took on the Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run. Matt Proome led the way home for the club in 51:49; Thomas Wood was next in 1:01:11 and Christopher Benjamin was the third Almost across the line in 1:10:49. Other results were Christine Harker 1:11:28, Pauline Bargus 1:18:34, Chaweewan Hartley 1:18:34; Claire Davey 1:23:32 and Sheila Chatterley 1:23:32.
L-R Christine Harker, Sheila Chatterley, Thomas Wood, Claire Davey, Matt Proome, Christopher Benjamin, Wan Hartley, Pauline Bargus
Worcester half not too hot to hand-le for Josh and Alistair
Race Report for 18 May 25 by Alison Hume
A healthy contingent of Almost Athletes made the short journey up the motorway to take on the hilly Worcester half marathon under sunny spring skies. Josh Hand put in another strong performance to clock 1:23:34, which earned him 7th in his age category and a top 20 finish. Hot on his heels was Alistair Mathew, whose 1:25:20 was good enough for 8th in age category and a top 20 finish. Mark Wreford-Bush ran 1:38:53 for 5th in age category, while the club’s sole female representative, Ivana Wilson, recorded 1:57:50. In the 10k race, new club member Peter Blanchflower crossed the line in 1:07:00.
Further north, Agata and Jan Pakula took on the Chester half marathon, the second in a series of three Chester races which they are running this year. They crossed the line together in 2:05:11.
An injured ankle did not hamper Wan Hartley’s efforts at the Great Manchester Run half marathon. Wan ran a very consistent race with a negative split, clocking a chip time of 2:16:56.
Moving up in distance, Allan Green was unlucky to encounter cold and wet conditions at the Riga marathon in Latvia. Last year’s 28 degrees was this year’s 11 degrees, nevertheless Allan ran 4:51:41 in the unrelenting rain to secure another top ten age category finish.
Over in Belgium a trio of Almost Athletes took full advantage of all 15 ‘aid stations’ at the Beer Lovers’ marathon in Liège. Rachael Nolan, Cos Pearson and Jackie Slaughter enjoyed a memorable and fun day out, finishing the distance safely in 6:59; 5:57 and 6:14 respectively.
Moving up to the ultramarathon distance and a year after a nasty accident scuppered her race, Lepha McCartan returned to north Wales to conquer the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 50k, actually running 56k over 11,000 feet of ascent. Lepha ran a very strong race, her time of 10:54 placing her 7th in age group and 57th female.
In multisport events, Cathy Booth took part in the Europe Triathlon Aquabike Championships, Navarra-Pamplona, finishing third in her age group in a total time of 5:00:58 (1.9km swim, 84.81km bike). Despite suffering the nightmare of a puncture on the bike leg and pulling his calf on the run, Phil Jeyes completed the 51Fiver Cotswold standard distance triathlon at Lake 32, Cirencester in a gritty 4:09:07.
There were some strong performances at parkrun again this week. Vivienne Ravenhill ran her fastest parkrun time in five years (23:11) for second in age group at Severn Bridge. At Mallards Pike parkrun a quintet of Almost Athletes enjoyed a productive morning. John Johnson was sixth overall and first in age group, while Jo Johnson was second in gender and first in her age group.
Prash Sripathi was second in his age group. Jan and Agata Pakula treated the event as a warm up for the Chester half marathon the following day, Agata also earning first in her age group. Coming back into good form, Sharon Hadad was second in gender at King George V Playing Field parkrun and Maddie Fletcher was fourth in gender at Evesham.
Dave Nelson and Zakia Hussain journeyed to East Park, Wolverhampton, where Zakia narrowly missed taking down her parkrun personal best set earlier this year in Germany.
A magnificent seven of Jeanette Gullick, Graeme Stopp, Carl Methven, Clare Bone, Cheryl Rodham, Melanie Methven and Jason Bone made the journey to Burnham and Highbridge parkrun. However, it was at Cheltenham parkrun where numbers were once again at their highest, with over thirty members taking to the undulations of Pittville Park. Hazel Everett donned the centurion’s cape for completing 100 parkruns – all at Cheltenham parkrun – while Julie Scourfield ticked something off her milestone birthday wish list by completing her first ever parkrun. John Galpin made a very welcome return to parkrun after a three-year hiatus.
Furthest travelled for parkrun this week were Aline Imray (Mura di Lucca, Italy) and Rachael Nolan and Cos Pearson (Tapijn, the Netherlands). Almost Athletes also represented at Babbs Mill, Brueton, Chippenham Playing Fields (Monmouth), Gloucester City, Gloucester North, Irchester Country, Itchen Valley Country, Marple, Peel, Quakers Walk, Reading, Ross on Wye, Vicar Water Country Park, Weymouth, Worcester Pitchcroft and Y Promenâd.
In other news, 38 members ran in the first club handicap race of the year, the top five positions being taken by Nazia White, Robert Dalton-Morris, Steve Youngs, Becca Waugh and Victoria Willoughby.
Finally, the club extends its warmest congratulations to Patricia Dendy – one of our most versatile runners – on her selection for the England Masters 10k team at the recent Birmingham 10k. We all look forward to seeing Pat running in her England vest sometime next year.
Josh Hand and Alistair Mathew at the Worcester half marathon
A triumphant Lepha Mccartan at the end of Ultra Trail Snowdonia 50k
Vivienne Ravenhill at Severn Bridge parkrun
Prashanth Sripathi, John Johnson, Jo Johnson, Agata Pakula and Jan Pakula at Mallards Pike parkrun
Hazel Everett in centurion outfit at Cheltenham parkrun
An early start to the racing week
Race Report for 11 May 25 by Claire Hawes
Now the lighter evenings are very much with us the mid-week and evening racing events get going in earnest.
On Wednesday several Almosts travelled to Hereford for the second race in the Hereford Couriers 5k race series. Elliot Jordan was first home for the club in 19:16, John Johnson finished in 21:09 and Joanne Johnson crossed the finish line in 21:37.
Friday evening saw the Bourton One Mile Race take place. Five Almosts represented the club and three came away with county medals: Patricia Dendy was awarded Gold in her age category, finishing in a gun time of 5:43 (yet another new club record for the age group!); Sarah Wood claimed a Silver medal in her age category in a time of 6:24 and Allan Green received Gold in his age group in a time of 7:19. Also running in club colours were Steven Wood, who finished in 6:08 and Claire Hawes who came in in 10:59.
I-r Steven Wood, Patricia Dendy, Sarah Wood, Claire Hawes and Allan Green
L-r Adele Steptoe,Sue Pearce, Neil Tring, Sarah Wood.
Elsewhere in the country Almosts were busy in other events. Allan Green did his weekly marathon, the Halstead Marathon in a time of 4:45 and claimed 1st in age category in the process. Ingrid Harris ran the Exeter Marathon in 3:53, also taking first place in her age group. Michelle Balchin, Mark Bush, Richard Knightley and Matt Proome took on the Shires and Spires Trail Marathon. Unfortunately Michelle had to retire hurt after a tumble but the remaining trio enjoyed their run in the hot sunshine.
L-r Richard Knightley, Mark Bush, Matt Proome, Michelle Balchin
Chris Benjamin ran the Black to the Trails Scotch Bonnet 10k in Dunstable Downs and Duncan Mounsor ran the Crowle 10k in a time of 53:06. Kevin Keegan took on the Burghley Standard Duathlon completing the run-bike-run course in 4:12. Phil Jeyes ran the Run Hereford 5k in 35:01. Graeme Stopp ran the Lifting the Decks 10k in a time of 48:35.
Four Almosts travelled down the M5 to run in the A J Bell Great Bristol 10k: Declan Walker was first Almost across the line in 41:08; Paul Jones finished in 55:02, Sue Gilbert in 1:02:39 and Corinne Cooper competed the quartet in 1:09:32.
There was of course plenty of parkrun action but perhaps the two most notable achievements were Claire Gallagher notching up her 250th volunteer role (across 25 different locations) and Sarah Wood running her 400th parkrun. Clare and Jason Bone ran their 200th parkrun and Richard Smith achieved his Cowell status (running in 100 different parkruns.)
Another busy but successful and enjoyable week for the Almosts!
The Run Up to Our Annual Awards
Race Report for 4 May 25 by Dave Nelson
After the busy weekend last week with various marathons, it was a bit quieter this week for Almost Athletes members, but there was still plenty going on to keep a good amount of club members busy. The standout performance of the week goes to Patricia Dendy, who gained a fantastic new PB of 38:50 at the Great Birmingham 10k – an outstanding time that also broke the club record for a female 10k time, which was also held by Patricia, by 19 seconds!
Also running in Birmingham were Steven and Sarah Wood, who completed the half marathon distance. Both bagged themselves new PBs, with Steven finishing in 1:41:16, and Sarah in 1:41:55, which also earned her third in her age category. Michael and Heather Smith also ran the half, finishing together in 2:21:34.
PBs were also sent tumbling slightly further south in Cardiff, where a quintet of Almosts ran the Cardiff 5k. Johnny Rea bagged himself a 27 second PB, finishing in 18:22; while Stephen Harvison also set himself a new standard, finishing in 21:39 to take 3 seconds off his previous best. Also running was Elliot Jordan, who ran his second-fastest 5k time in 18:45; along with John Johnson (21:35), and Jo Johnson (21:42).
Further afield, Ian Poole competed in the Frederick Festival of Running in Maryland, USA. He first ran in the 5k event, finishing 3rd in his age category in a time of 23:02; and then followed that up but coming 10th in his age category at the half marathon, crossing the line in 1:46:16.
Karla Cleverley pulled double duty at the weekend, firstly taking part in Rapid Relays 4 hours event at Henley-on-Thames, completing three laps of 4km in the two hours of free time she had! She then headed to Winchester, where she ran the Big Way Round event, completing the 14 mile distance in 3:59:35.
Karla was pleasantly surprised to bump into Ingrid Harris at the event, with Ingrid opting for the marathon distance (of course), finishing in 4:28:44. Not to be outdone by Ingrid, our other regular marathoner Allan Green ran the Milton Keynes Marathon, coming home in 4:45:07. The 26.2 mile challenge was also taken on by Ashley Wilson, who took on the Limerick Marathon in Ireland, crossing the line in 3:21:43 – a brilliant result at his first attempt at the distance.
Going even further, and a touch more local to Cheltenham, were a trio of Almosts who took part in the Malvern Hills Ultra. Carole Doherty took on the 31 mile option, finishing in 10:09:10; while Olivia Wiles and Ian Coggin went even longer, finishing the 47 mile event in 11:59:26 and 12:24:20 respectively. All incredible efforts that involved some serious elevation – over 2,900 metres for the longer distance, and a mere 1,800 metres for the shorter one!
Lastly, Prashanth Sripathi was to be found pounding the streets of Cheltenham itself at the weekend as he took part in the virtual Wings for Life World Run. Prash managed to cover 11.47 miles in 1:45 before being “caught” by the virtual Catcher Car.
Away from racing, Saturday, as always, saw a plethora of parkrun events attended by club members. Chris McMahon notched up his 100 parkrun milestone at Evesham, running with Ben Stone; while Rich Smith edged closer to the “Cowell Club” of 100 different events by running his 99th at Penrith. Alison Hume was delighted to achieve her best-ever age grading at Berkeley Green, while Neil Tring and Lorraine Taylor were both first in their respective age categories at Ingrebourne Hill.
Maddie Page ran a new overall parkrun PB at Tewkesbury, and Julie Averiss ran a new course PB at the same event. Lepha McCartney also ran a new course PB, but at Kingsway. A number of club members also volunteered, with Mark Wreford-Bush pacing at Worcester; and Peter Mitchener, Forrest Wheeler, Graeme Stopp and Steven Wood also doing the same at Cheltenham.
Club members were also found at Reading, Leamington, Newbury, Gloucester North, Wythenshawe, Stonehouse, Marple, Wotton, Perry Hall, Limerick, Tooting Common, Cwmbran, Mallards Pike, King George V Playing Field, Wallaceneuk, Peel, Tidworth, and Y Promenad.
Finally, the club held its AGM last Wednesday, and as always, held the end of year awards ceremony. The full list of winners was as follows:
- Male runner of the year – Elliot Jordan
- Female runner of the year – Fiona Barnes
- Cross Country captains’ team member of the season – Patricia Dendy
- Douglas Waymark trophy for volunteer support to the club – James Clay
- Rich Walklate trophy for support to the club plus commitment to his own running – Steve Taylor
- Dedicated runner of the yearfor sustained effort to improve her running – Kate Bestwick
Congratulations to all!
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Marathons and Sunshine Galore
Race Report for 27 April 25 by Clemens Orth
On a very sunny and warm weekend 27 Almost Athletes took on 6 marathons across the country and Europe.
In Manchester Matthew Hickman was first for the club in 3:00:16 with a new PB on a very hot day. Closely followed by Alistair Mathew in 3:02:13, Steve Axford (3:22:39), Maddie Page (3:54:12) and Tom Fletcher (4:30:30), who all completed the Manchester Marathon for Almosts.
At an incredible and very warm TCS London Marathon Katie Coleman was first for the club in an impressive 3:21:45. Also “enjoying” the atmosphere on the London streets were Tom Coyte (3:56:30), Ross Greening (4:13:21), Sally Beaumont (4:20:54), Karen Galpin (4:21:47), Clemens Orth (5:11:36), Allan Green (5:11:38) and Pinky Shetty (6:09:22).
In the virtual London Marathon event Robert Dalton-Morris completed the full distance in 4:14:47, Prashanth Sripathi in 5:13:36 and Piotr Michalski in 7:23:26.
“To run a half or a full marathon?” was the question in Stratford upon Avon. Richard Knightley completed the full marathon distance in 3:42:36. Followed by Mark Wreford-Bush (3:56:12), Jim Trowbridge (4:54:12), Coralie Pearson (5:10:30) and Daniela Trowbridge (5:14:19). Olga Goffin and Duncan Eeles aced the half marathon distance in 1:43:06 and 1:44:42 respectively.
Jackie Slaughter ran the Bodmin Beacon Beast Marathon in 6:51:04 and Ceinwen Davies completed the beast half in 3:45:23.
Mark Eavers took part in the Annecy marathon completing the distance in 4:30:40.
Neil Tring took on the Kaunas Half Marathon in 1:45:51, and Lorraine Taylor ran the Kaunas 5k in 29:20.
The largest contingent of Almosts was seen at the Berkeley 10k. With Lewis Jones coming first for the club in a new PB of 40:11. Jamie Baron (40:58, new PB), Thomas Willett (41:39) completing the top three runners for the club. Sarah Wood was first lady for the club in 45:17. The event was also run by Declan Walker, Matthew Proome, John Johnson, Peter Mitchener, Steven Wood, Neil Taylor, Joshua Rimell, Ingrid Harris, David Davey, Dave Elliott, Charmaine Brunt, Victoria Willoughby, Thomas Wood, Jan Pakula, Agata Pakula, Mark Jones, Charlotte Jamieson, Desiree Beer, Julie Averiss, Forrest Wheeler, Leah Maddiss, Susan Sturgeon & Philip Jeyes.
In the North, Zakia Shahanaz Hussain and Kate Bestwick took on the Yorkshire Okapi 10k and completed the race on 1:21:8 and 1:21:22.
Many more Almosts were seen across the country and further afield at parkrun.
Parkrun Milestones Aplenty and Special Anniversary Celebrations for Forrest
Race Report for 20 April 25 by Alison Hume
It was a relatively quiet week on the racing front for Almost Athletes, as many members took the opportunity to rest as part of their final preparations for upcoming marathons. There was, however, the usual healthy attendance at parkruns home and abroad.
By far the largest attendance was recorded at Cheltenham parkrun, where around forty members enjoyed a pun-packed run briefing courtesy of regular run director Peter Mitchener. Penny Lewis dressed as the Easter bunny and distributed chocolate treats in her role as tail walker. Three members were welcomed to parkrun milestone clubs: Ian Jordan, who notched up his 250th parkrun, and Steve Elton and Andy Syvret, who both marked their 100th run. Closing in on their 100th milestone runs are Hazel Everett, Victoria Willoughby and London marathoner Clemens Orth, as is Chris McMahon who recorded his 98th effort at Arrow Valley parkrun, Redditch. Rich Smith notched up his 97th different parkrun venue at Marlborough Common, just three venues short of achieving Cowell Club status.
Just down the road from Cheltenham at Gloucester City, James Clay completed his 300th parkrun, a fantastic achievement when you note that James has also volunteered on almost as many occasions.
Forrest Wheeler marked the eighth anniversary of his first ever parkrun, which ended prematurely with a ride in an air ambulance to Bristol and a spell in intensive care, by once more giving thanks to all those at Cheltenham parkrun who ensured that he survived beyond his cardiac episode on 22nd April 2017.
At Armley parkrun, Leeds it was a family affair for Sue Low, who notched up another first-place age group finish in the company of her daughter. Neil Tring ran with his two daughters at the flat and fast South Manchester parkrun, achieving an excellent age grading of 74.60% for his efforts.
The distinction of furthest travelled this week lies with Matt John, who ran at Milano Nord, and Hamish Adamson, who participated at Tapijn parkrun, Maastricht. Meanwhile, Dave and Sam McGrath and Steve Taylor enjoyed the far-reaching views of The Pastures, Alnwick – the most northerly parkrun in England.
Not content with her Saturday morning ‘fix’ at Peter Pan parkrun in West Hull, long distance walking enthusiast Leah Maddiss covered the first 40km of the Yorkshire Wolds Way on Good Friday and followed that up with another 22km immediately after parkrun. Leah went on to complete the 79- mile walking route in the chalk landscape of the Yorkshire Wolds over the next couple of days. Fantastic effort!
There was also an Almost Athletes presence at Clevedon Salthouse Fields, Evesham, Heartlands, King George V Playing Field, Kingsway, Lydiard, Oxford, Peel, Riverside Walk, Seven Fields, Simmons Park and Tewkesbury.
The one race to report on this week saw a quartet of Almosts running the picturesque and popular Westonbirt House Easter 10k. Paul Seymour was first to cross the line in 47:24, with Jess and Matt Hartwell running together to complete in 54:24 and Julie Averiss in 69:53.
Peter Mitchener delivering his pun-packed run briefing at Cheltenham parkrun
L-R Big-hearted Zakia Hussain, Simon Lewis and Penny Lewis tail walking at Cheltenham parkrun.
Ian Jordan (centre) celebrating his 250th milestone parkrun in the company of 100 parkrun centurions Andrew Syvret and Stephen Elton
Sue Low with daughter at Armley parkrun
Dave and Sam McGrath enjoying the spectacular views at The Pastures parkrun, Alnwick in the company of Steve Taylor
Leah Maddiss taking a break from walking the entire length of the Yorkshire Wolds Way at Peter Pan parkrun
Julie Averiss at Westonbirt House Easter 10k race
Almosts in France, the Netherlands and Closer to Home
Race Report for 13 April 25 by Dave Nelson
It was a quieter weekend this week for Almost Athletes after last week’s pan-European escapades, but that didn’t stop there being plenty of achievements to write about! It all began last Thursday evening, with the Severn Bridge Twilight Race. This 5-mile evening run saw sole club entrant Mark Wreford-Bush take 3rd in his age category and finish a very creditable 25th overall, crossing the line in 35:35.
Staying in Wales, this weekend featured the Newport 10k and Marathon events, which saw a small contingent from the club competing. In the 10k, Ashley Wilson finished in 42:45, while Claire Gallagher came home in 1:14:00. The longer distance had six club members taking on the 26.2 miles, with Josh Hand first home in 2:53:40. Johnny Rea was next, obliterating his previous PB by an incredible 23 minutes to finish in 3:07:24. Coralie Pearson finished in 4:47:42, and Dave Elliott in 4:19:00. And, of course, the club’s resident marathon regulars Ingrid Harris and Allan Green both also ran, with Ingrid taking 3rd in her age category in 3:44:30, and Allan finishing in 4:59:23.
There was also a marathon held across the Channel in Paris, which saw Ben Stone compete in what is, for the moment, the world’s biggest-ever marathon with almost 57,000 finishers. Ben definitely beat a sizeable chunk of those runners, crossing the line in 3:52:07. Not to be outdone, Alison Hume also took on a European marathon, finishing Rotterdam in 4:17:52.
Closer to home, Elzbieta Antosiewicz went even further, completing the Spring Trails 50k race in Surrey in 7:32:11. Christopher Benjamin added another half marathon to his collection, running the Bath Bristol Railway Half in 2:13:00; while Sue Sturgeon returned north to take on the Mersey Tunnel 10k, finishing in 1:13:50.
Away from racing, Saturday saw the usual multitude of parkruns taking place, near and far. Pride of place this week goes to Iris Mayo though, who completed her 500th parkrun at Cheltenham – a fantastic milestone! There was also plenty of parkrun tourism going on, with Chris McMahon being first (and only) Almost at Ross-on-Wye, Vivienne Ravenhill thoroughly enjoying the beautiful course at Colby, and Rich Smith running at Alderley.
There was some far-flung touring going on too, as Sue Low ran in the Netherlands at Amsterdamse Bos, taking 1st in age category. Elsewhere in the same country, Alison Hume warmed up for Rotterdam Marathon by running Kralingse Bos in the city, with husband Rob also running the event in his fastest time of the year. Felicity Read, though, was furthest travelled, completing the Weedon Island Preserve event in Florida!
Club members also ran at Cheltenham, King George V Playing Field, Oak Hill, Gloucester North, Congleton, Wycombe Rye, Bryn Bach, Wotton, Porthcawl, Weymouth, Penrhyn, Sligo, Evesham, Croxteth Hall, Mount Edgcumbe, Gloucester City, Witney, Isabel Trail, Seaford Beach, Stratford Park, Seven Fields, Coed Cefn-pwell-du, Peel, Sharpham Road Playing Fields, Grove Fields, Marine Parade, and Three Brookes.
Below are a selection of photos
Felicity Read
Johnny Rea and Josh Hand
Iris Mayo
Vivienne Ravenhill
Alison Hume
Elzbieta Antosiewicz
Sue Low
Christopher Benjamin
Sue Sturgeon
What a weekend!
Race Report for 6 April 25 by Claire Hawes
It’s hard to know where to start with this week’s report, there have been so many exciting races and achievements!
Perhaps the best place to start is in Berlin. The Half Marathon in the German capital is part of the ‘SuperHalfs’ series so a good number of Almosts made their way there (taking the opportunity to include a parkrun on the Saturday morning of course!) Pride of place goes to Kevin Keegan (pictured below) who completed the SuperHalfs challenge with his run in Berlin and was rewarded with this giant medal!
Kevin Keegan in Berlin
Results in alphabetical order (sorry, the website has no facility to order in time taken and there are more than thirty Almosts in the results!):
Steve Axford 1:31:56; Amy Broomhall 1:57:35; Karla Cleverley 3:07:27; Ceinwen Davies 2:48:22; James Fyrne 1:57:35; Tony Heap 2:14:54; Alison Hume 1:58:48; Rob Hume 1:57:55; Zakia Hussain 2:42:16; Charlotte Jamieson 2:16:26; John Johnson 1:36:58; Joanne Johnson 1:40:35: Kevin Keegan 2:49:08; Louise Knowles 1:52:23; Dave McGrath 1:41:24; Sam McGrath 2:40:28; Ian McKinlay 1:54:37; Sally McKinlay 2:16:27; David Nelson 2:49:28; Rachael Nolan 2:42:44; Coralie Pearson 2:04:28; Tim Perkins 1:51:18; Caroline Rea 2:50:00; John Rea 2:50:00; Bob Spawton 2:13:14; Adele Steptoe 2:03:00; Graeme Stopp 1:46:34; Lorraine Taylor 2:21:52; Steve Taylor 1:42:09; Neil Tring 1:45:57; Ivana Wilson 1:56:51; James Wilson 2:32:39; Hayley Woolnough 2:05:25.
Kevin Keegan wasn’t the only person celebrating on the finish line as Graeme Stopp and Zakia Hussain all scored Half marathon PBs. The weekend as a whole was a highly successful one for Zakia as she also scored a long-awaited parkrun PB the day before, at Mauerweg parkrun. Tim Perkins notched up his 250th parkrun at Hasenheide parkrun. A wonderful weekend for all!
But Berlin wasn’t the only European capital seeing Almost action. Just the day before she ran the Berlin Half Karla Cleverly completed the Prague Half marathon in 3:09:14. Paul Warren was also in Prague and finished the Half in 1:43:21.
In Belgrade, Helen and Tristan Motteram ran the Belgrade Marathon, as usual donning fancy dress.
Helen and Tristan Motteran
More marathon action: Allan Green overcame a throat infection and heavy rain in the final 10k to complete Rhodes Marathon in 5:04. Ingrid Harris took a wrong turn but got back on track to finish first woman and second finisher overall in the Big Bear Marathon in Salcey Forest in Northants.
Carl and Melanie Methven took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon and Carl claimed a new PB, finishing in 1:57:49, while Melanie came in in 2:35:08.
Joe Perch also celebrated a new PB with a time of 40:38 at the Derby 10k. Elliot Jordan scored a 5k PB when he finished the Hereford Couriers 5K Spring Road Race in 18:33. Mark Bush and family ran the Leamington Regency 10k. Nela and Jim Trowbridge were racing in Shropshire – Nela doing the Shropshire Way 80k Ultra in a PB of exactly 15 hrs 00, while Jim enjoyed the Shropshire Way Half Marathon crossing the line in 3 hrs 51 and not satisfied with one Half he then travelled to Southampton for Half Marathon there, finishing in 2 hrs 02 mins.
Phil Jeyes took on the Halesowen Sprint Tri, which included a ‘lumpy’ bike ride, finishing the course in 1hr 54.
Finally on the racing front this weekend, and closer to home it was The Magnificent Eastnor Castle 7 race. Jamie Baron was first Almost home in 52:40 (3rd in age group) followed by Steve Wood in 57:08, Sue Pearce in 58:50, Sarah Wood in 59:55; Peter Mitchener in 1:00:46; Viv Ravenhill in 1:02:52, Charmaine Brunt in 1:10:01 and Hollie Galvin in 1:12:23 (a course PB of 6 minutes!) Richard Smith finished in 1:19:01, Mariel Chretien in 1:19:45; Sue Monaghan in 1:21:31; Cathy Booth in 1:21:46 and Adrian Courtenay in 1:22:20.
Almosts at The Magnificent Eastnor Castle 7 race
As briefly mentioned above, Almosts were also in evidence at many parkruns on Saturday. At Cheltenham Julie Courtenay clocked up her 250th parkrun, and Natalie Pluck scored a new parkrun PB, at Gloucester North. At Cheltenham parkrun many Almosts provided the pacers for runners: Peter Mitchener, Ashley Wilson, Clemens Orth, Sarah Wood, Steven Wood, Mark Bush, Emma Bremner and Forrest Wheeler all donned the pacers vests, and Mitch knows that five runners he was pacing achieved PBs!
And finally, at Gloucester City parkrun, Claire Hawes was delighted to grab an AG 1st, and not be the only woman in her age group!
Another Ultra Good Week for Many Almosts
Race Report for 30 March 25 by Josh Hand
18 Almosts at the Rogue Runs’ Fission Berkeley Event
Race Report for 23 March 25 by Natalie Wizard
It was a busy weekend for many members with several key events in the racing calendar. Several members achieved personal best times over various distances this week and others used their running to raise money for a variety of causes.
A popular event for those training for a marathon or ultra, the Rogue Runs Fission Berkeley 20:20 race was well attended by the club with 18 members attending. Nichola Sanderson took 3 minutes off her half marathon time to achieve a PB of 1:56:47, Kristin Lowater finished in 2:41:51 and Christopher Benjamin volunteered as tail runner for the half distance. In the full 20 mile race, there were several very pleased club members including Steve Axford (2:34:32), Matt Proome (2:42:09), Mark Wreford-Bush (2:49:54) and Ivana Wilson (achieving a PB of 2:56:52). Allan Green came second in his age group with a time of 3:07:39 and Karen Galpin was third in hers with a time of 3:06:55. Maddie Page took an astounding 14 minutes off her previous 20 mile PB to run 2:49:15.
Mark and Vikki James took part in the 20 mile run to raise money for Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospital’s ‘Big Cancer Space’ appeal, raising over an impressive £800 between them.
On the other side of the River Severn, there were even more PBs at the Spring Forest of Dean Half. Jan and Agata Pakula took 9 minutes off their previous PB on the course, finishing in 2:08:29. The beautiful scenery and hilly terrain also favoured Peter Mitchener (1:43:18) who achieved a new course PB and Jamie Baron (1:36:14) who ran his fastest half marathon. Josh Hand finished in 1:26:45, Prashanth Sripathi in 1:46:40, Nick Mytton in 1:56:53, George Wood in 1:59:02 and Matthew Jones in 2:57:36.
Ian Poole ran the USA Marine 1775(17.75km) in Quantico, Virginia (USA) coming 11th in his age group of M55-59 in 1:31:51.
Despite a nasty fall a couple of weeks ago, Ingrid Harris showed her usual grit and determination at the Dare Valley Country park ‘Save the Rhino’ run. She not only finished the marathon distance over difficult terrain with approx 1650 feet of climbing, she was also first overall out of the 11 men and women who took on that distance with a time of 4:04:32. Most importantly, she raised vital funds for the Save The Rhino charity.
Phillip Jeyes completed the Tewkesbury Aquathlon (a 400m pool swim and 5k run) in 39 minutes: which was a 5-minute improvement on last month’s event.
As always parkruns around the county and country were well attended by many members of the Almost Athlete community. At Cheltenham, notable attendances included Lewis Jones who came home 12th overall and achieved an all time 5k PB on the last week of the winter course with a time of 18:54. Other PBs included Sarah Wood who was third lady home with yet another course personal best time of 21:54. Steve Wood also achieved a time of 20:56, his best time at Cheltenham parkrun since 2019. Chris Daddow was 7th overall at Gloucester North with a time of 21:39. Catherine Williams was second lady at Newent (25:21).
Next week is the 200th iteration of the King George V parkrun, which was set up in 2019 by several members of the club. This event is well attended by Almost Athlete members every week, with 14 members attending this weekend.
Below are a selection of photos
Almosts at Berkeley
Ian Poole at Virginia
Almosts at the Forest of Dean
Another Week at the Races for Many Almosts
Race Report for 16 March 25 by Dave Nelson
Last week saw the annual spectacle of the Cheltenham Festival come and go, but it was races of a different sort that attracted a number of Almost Athletes over the weekend. Our members shied away from horseshoes and opted instead for running shoes, putting in the usual grade 1 performances, with no-one requiring a photo finish or falling at the last.
On Saturday, Mark Bush took on the challenge of pacing a half-marathon for the first time. Assigned the two-hour slot, Mark excelled, coming home bang on target in 1:59:59 at Draycote Water Running Festival – timed to perfection! Sunday saw the Bath Half Marathon, with Duncan Mounsor leading the club home in 1:50:47. Also running were Lee Chapman (1:55:26) and Douglas Reid (2:03:19). And as always, Allan Green clocked up the miles, this week running two marathons – firstly 7 laps of Caldicote Lake to finish in 5:10 on Thursday; and following that up with the Great Welsh Marathon on Sunday, finishing in 4:16, and achieving first in age category in the process.
Away from road racing, there was also an impressive performance at the Glasgow Hyrox event on Sunday from Caroline Rea and Amy Broomhall, who competed in the doubles event, and finished in an impressive time of 1:22:07 – over 6 minutes faster than their previous Hyrox event in Manchester. Well done ladies!
Aside from that, there was the usual plethora of parkruns on Saturday morning. At Cheltemham, Elliot Jordan (19:17), Ashley Wilson (20:30) and Sarah Wood (22:05) all achieved new course PBs, with Elliot’s also being an overall parkrun PB, and Sarah finally beating her previous PB that she set in 2017! There were age category firsts for Hester Coggin at Kingsway; Peter Morris at Eden Project; Graeme Stopp, Kate Nichol and Melanie Methven at Thornbury; Christine Harker at Cheltenham; John Johnson at Newent; Brian Maggs at Evesham; Robert Foord at Tetbury Goods Shed; Agata Pakula at Mallards Pike; Hamish Adamson and Duncan Mounsor at King George V Playing Fields; Patricia Dendy at Tamworth Castle Grounds (also 4th overall); and Neil Tring at Thoulstone.
Club members also ran at Eastbourne, Gloucester North, Medina I.O.W., Chippenham, Tewkesbury, Stratford-upon-.Avon, Melksham, Gloucester City, Ross-on-Wye, Peel, Holyrood, and Three Brooks,
Well done everyone on your achievements this week!
Below are a selection of photos
Sarah Wood
Duncan Mounsor at Bath
Mark Bush pacing at the half marathon at Draycote Water Running Festival
Dendy Delivers Another Stellar Cross-Country Performance
Race Report for 9 March 25 by Alison Hume
On International Women’s Day, it was only fitting that Patricia Dendy delivered another strong end-of-season performance, this time leading home the Gloucestershire contingent of senior ladies in the UK Inter Counties cross country championships at Wollaton Hall, Nottingham in 34:03.
Patricia’s performance was preceded by a number of strong female performances at parkruns home and away. Joanne Johnson was first in gender at Aberfields (22:33); Vivienne Ravenhill was also first female at King George V Playing Field (24:38), while Sarah Wood was second female at Berkeley Green in her fastest time of the year (21:24), just behind husband Steve, who earned second in his age category (21:02).
Not to be outdone by the women, new member Joe Perch broke his 2017 personal best at Cheltenham parkrun, running a strong 19:42, while Elliot Jordan was second overall at Evesham (19:36). Just one week after running Tokyo marathon, Chris Daddow recorded a fourth-place finish at Sunshine Beach parkrun in Japan (19:44).
Under sunny blue skies, club member Zakia Hussain coordinated an Endometriosis UK Gloucestershire Support Group ‘wear yellow’ takeover at Cheltenham parkrun, to raise awareness of this debilitating condition. Many other Almosts volunteered their services, while club chairman Peter Mitchener was pleased to register his 350th volunteer stint at the same event.
Dan Magovern notched up his milestone 50th parkrun at King George V Playing Field. Almost Athletes also represented at Brueton, Chipping Sodbury, Cirencester, Clevedon Salthouse Fields, Delamere, Forest Rec, Gloucester North, Itchen Valley Country, Kingsway, Leicester Victoria, Newent, Peel, Rogiet, Stewart, Three Brooks and Woolacombe Dunes.
David Chittock enjoyed an active weekend on his bike and at Ellesmere Port parkrun on Saturday, following it up with Chester 10k on Sunday, where he supported a longstanding college friend to a new personal best (60:23). Jan and Agata Pakula also ran Chester 10k, crossing the line together in 55:49 and 55:50 respectively, just one day after Cheltenham parkrun.
Another couple doubling up at parkrun and a race this weekend were Carl and Melanie Methven, who took on Chippenham Playing Fields, Monmouth on Saturday and the Kingston Break-Fest 8-mile race on Sunday. Running along the river towards Hampton Court, Carl crossed the line in 1:15:34 and Melanie in 1:37:35.
Helen and Tristan Motteram donned superhero costumes in warm conditions to take on the Trimpell 20-mile race in Lancaster, raising funds for their corvid rescue in memory of Russell.
Despite a navigational error adding the best part of a mile to her race, Ingrid Harris was third woman (and first in age category) at the Humanity Direct Amersham 50k ultramarathon (5:16:23).
Further afield, Madelaine Firth completed the SuperHalfs series of six half marathons in Lisbon, running 2:10:01, while Allan Green delivered another assured performance in very warm conditions for second in age category at the Logicom Cyprus marathon (4:17:56).
Closer to home saw the inaugural running of Burrow’s Field junior parkrun, which attracted nearly 130 young runners under sunny spring skies. Supported by a number of Almost Athletes, the weekly event joins established junior events in Cheltenham, Evesham, Stonehouse and Winchcombe. The core team is looking to build its pool of volunteers, so please email burrowsfieldjuniors@parkrun.com if you are able to spare an hour to help out from 8:30am on Sunday morning.
Patricia Dendy representing Gloucestershire at the British Athletics Cross Country final at Wollaton Park, Nottingham
Zakia Hussain (second from left) with other volunteers and Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson, raising awareness of endometriosis at Cheltenham parkrun
Allan Green (left hand side) with his age group trophy at the conclusion of the Logicom Cyprus marathon
It Was Round the Lakes, Up the Hill, Around The Track And Along the Seafront for Almosts This Week!
Race Report for 2 March 25 by Claire Hawes
The weather at last took pity on runners and the Almosts who were in Wales for the Rhayader Round the Lakes 30km race were blessed with blue skies and sunshine instead of rain and wind. Jeanette Gullick continued her fine run of form by coming second in her Age Group in a time of 2:40:23. Next home for the club was Vivienne Ravenhill in 3:06:02, followed by Sarah Wallbridge in 3:14:36 and Corinne Cooper in 4:03:58.
L-r Corinne Cooper, Jeanette Gullick, Vivienne Ravenhill
Allan Green wasn’t satisfied with running one hilly marathon this week so clocked up two! The Badger Challenge Marathon at Beacon Hill was Thursday’s event, completed in 5 hrs 42, then on Saturday it was the St David’s Day Dragon Run which Allan polished off in 5 hrs 40 secs.
Chris Daddow was in Tokyo for the Marathon there. Having warmed up with a parkrun the day before, Chris finished in a chip time of 3:53:14.
In Brighton Ashley Wilson certainly found the sea air to his liking as he achieved a new PB for the Half Marathon distance, finishing in 1:31:13.
In Telford, Mark Eavers-Brown ran The Groundhog Half Marathon. This involved fifty-two and a half laps of Telford Running track! Mark crossed the finish line in 2:05:42. I hope he wasn’t too dizzy by the end!
More lake action was happening at Cheltenham parkrun on Saturday. A large group of Almosts volunteered as pacers. Leading the runners on the scenic course around the lake were: Elliot Jordan, Prashanth Sripathi (who paced 22 minutes and by finishing in 21:51 achieved his fastest parkrun time since 2021!) Peter Mitchener, Steven Wood (his 50th stint as a volunteer), Sarah Wood, Catherine Harker, Christine Harker, Paul Jones, Clemens Orth and Mark Bush. Also volunteering at Cheltenham this weekend were Lewis Jones, who clocked up his 50th time volunteering, and Kate Bestwick who was volunteering for the 25th time.
Meanwhile among the parkrunners in Pittville Park Johnny Rea notched up a new PB of 19:04 while at Gloucester City Riley Woodman also clocked a new PB, in 19:10.
At Somerdale Pavilion Paul Sinton-Hewitt and other members of parkrun HQ were visiting. Dave Nelson renewed his acquaintance with PSH:
Almost Athletes also took part in parkruns at Kingsway, Bath Skyline, Whitley Bay, Gloucester North, Worcester Pitchcroft, Barnstaple, Abingdon, Seaton, Evesham, Cirencester, Aberbeeg, Somerdale Pavilion, Mallards Pike, King George V Playing Field, Land’s End, Chipping Norton School, Beacon, Hikarigaoka koen, Edgbaston Reservoir, Woodgate Valley Country Park, Peel, Broadwater, Llanishen Park, Tamworth Castle Grounds, Brunswick Park, and Three Brooks.
On Sunday there was a new race to tackle for Thomas Willett and Coralie Pearson – the Jenner Jog. This 10k race put on by Berkeley Harriers saw Thomas finish in 42:47 and Coralie in 57:22. Let’s hope this new race becomes a fixture on the local race listings!
Bourton 10k, Parkruns, Marathons and More
Race Report for 24 February 25 by Josh Hand
Almosts at the Bourton 10k
Patricia Dendy, 1st VF40 home at Bourton
Almosts at Pittville Park and Eleswhere
Race Report for 17 February 25 by Natalie Wizard
This Saturday saw two notable events take place in Pittville Park, Cheltenham, both attended with great enthusiasm by Almost Athletes members. First, on Saturday morning, many gathered to join AA Chair Peter Mitchener at Cheltenham parkrun’s 12th Birthday party – Peter donned his best birthday hat as he completed his 50th time as Run Director. 34 Almost Members ran the course at Pittville park this week. Happy birthday Cheltenham parkrun!
The second event is a favourite on many Almost Athletes calendar – the final race of the Gloucestershire AAA cross country series held at Pittville Park on Saturday afternoon. Patricia Dendy headed the team and took home an individual gold medal finishing 26th out of 138 runners. Neil Tring, Sue Pearce and Victoria Willoughby also had a good afternoon, all taking home bronze medals for their age categories. Sarah Wood missed out on a medal due to having not competed in enough events, but still managed to top her age category. In total, 29 Almost Athletes bravely tackled the mud and icy wind; as others came out to show their support for the team.
4 brave Almosts took on the Dursley Dozen on Sunday, the notoriously difficult and equally muddy 12 mile race with an elevation gain of 2,011 feet and several tricky course sections. Polly Lane came first in her age category and 15th female overall with a strong time of 2:01:44. Mike Daly finished first in his category as well with a time of 2:09:56. Catherine Williams and Sarah Wallbridge also claimed victory over the infamous ‘Precipice’ hill with very respectable times of 2:16 and 2:37.
In warmer climes, Ashley Wilson ran the Barcelona Half Marathon in 1 hour 33, claiming a personal best. Slightly further down the coast Claire Hawes ran the Alicante 10K finishing in a chip time of 1:11:17. Even further afield Karla Cleverly completed the Tarawera T21 on New Zealand’s North Island – a beautifully scenic point to point 21 km race that took in a lap of Lake Tikitapu, before heading out through bush, up a rather large hill, up some stairs, through a redwood forest and out into the sulphur plains.
Back in chilly and damp England, Alison Hume completed the undulating Run Through Birmingham Festival of Running 10k, coming first in her age group on the gun but second on the chip time (56:34). Mark Eavers was also running around a chilly park in Sutton Coldfield, completing the half marathon distance in 2:06:57. Allan Green completed the Railway Ultra at Coalport, covering 28 miles of rolling forest in 5 hours 43 minutes. Matt Polson finished the Carsington Water 10k, coming back from a winter of injury troubles to finish 11th overall in 41:45. Carl and Melanie Methvan ran the SMaRTT Smasher 10k in Calne, finishing in 57:46 and 1:13:29 respectively.
As always parkruns around the county and country were well attended by many members of the Almost Athlete community.
Our Womens’ X County Team
Our Mens’ X County Team
Patricia Dendy running
Pat Dendy with her prize
A Quiet Week, for Some
Race Report for 10 February 25 by Clemens Orth
It might have been a quieter than usual weekend for many but this didn’t stop Ingrid Harris to race to first in her age category at the Westonbirt 10k, completing the distance in a speedy 49:44.
On Tuesday, Allan Green ran the Rhyno Challenge Marathon at Ryton Pools Country Park in 5:07 hours. Not having enough of his usual one marathon a week he decided to run a second one on Sunday at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, completing the marathon distance in 4:36 hours.
95 Almosts raced, ran, jogged and walked at parkrun this weekend. Alison and Rob Hume travelled all the way to Italy to run a very flat Milano North parkrun. Rob completed his jet setter challenge while Alison was first in her age category.
Closer to home Sue Sturgeon ran at Three Brooks parkrun completing her Greater Bristol challenge.
Fastest male runner for the club was once again Elliot Jordan at Cheltenham parkrun finishing in 19:50 and Patricia Dendy was once again fastest lady completing a muddy Greendale Farm Shop parkrun in 22:27.
Many of the races and parkrun would not be possible without volunteers. Please consider volunteering yourself Now and then to help the local teams with their events.
Some PBs and a Second in Age Category at Torremolinos
Race Report for 3 February 25 by Dave Nelson
This past weekend saw the annual trip to the sunnier climes of Torremolinos in Spain for a large group of Almost Athletes. Every year club members head to the Costa del Sol to take part in the half marathon event there, and this year was no exception. 22 members completed the 13.1 mile distance, with the standout performance coming from Elliot Jordan, who achieved a new PB over the distance, finishing in a very speedy 1:27:40. Steve Taylor also bagged a new PB in 1:44:39, while Coralie Pearson gained a new course PB of 2:08:13. Meanwhile, Jeanette Gullick finished second in her age category, coming home in 1:42:26.
Also representing the club in Spain were John Johnson, Steve Axford, Duncan Eeles, Tim Perkins, Graeme Stopp, Ivana Wilson, Barry Irvine, Johnny Rea, Caroline Rea, Piotr Michalski, Sarah Wallbridge, Charlotte Jamieson, Sophie Groves, Samuel Pegler, Jane Russell, Sheila Chatterley, Heather Smith, Michael Smith, James Wilson, Rachael Nolan, Julie Averiss, and Steve Yarnold.
Prior to the half marathon on Sunday, there was also a 5k event on Saturday. The course actually measured well over the 5k distance, but despite the unexpected extra distance, there was another strong performance from Elliot Jordan, finishing second in his age category in 22:00. First home for the club was Johnny Rea in 21:48; and Jo Johnson was third in her category in 24:29. John Johnson, Graeme Stopp, Piotr Michalski, Rob Hume, Tim Perkins, Alison Hume, Coralie Pearson, Caroline Rea, Ian Jordan, Brian Maggs and Ray Pearson also ran.
Closer to home, there was also club representation at the half marathon distance in Warwick. Despite a hilly course, Richard Knightley and Riley Woodman both finished with distance PBs (1:38:26 and 1:29:54 respectively), while Mark Wreford-Bush achieved a course PB in 1:38:27. Matt Proome, Lee Chapman and Steve Phelps also ran, while Michelle Balchin unfortunately had to retire early due to injury. We wish her a speedy recovery.
Mark Lyes took on the very challenging Mayhill Massacre event, completing the race in 1:31:56. In Derbyshire, Karla Cleverley took on the Hardwick Hobble, a challenge consisting of completing as many 6.25km laps as possible in 6 hours. Karla completed 3 laps in what was described as “an utter mud fest”, and was very impressed with her unique medal, which was a minature version of a portrait in Hardwick Hall of Philip, the 4th Earl of Pembroke. At the Croome Capability Canter 10k, Hollie Galvin finished in 1:05:04, Donna Evans in 1:07:02, and Pauline Bargus and Chaweewan Hartley in 1:22:09.
In London, Janine Bennett ran the Bababoom Kebab Run – 11 miles through the city, with a free kebab at the finish! As always, our regular marathon duo of Ingrid Harris and Allan Green ran the 26.2 mile distance. Ingrid did the tough Icing On The Cake Marathon in Shropshire in 5:06; while Allan’s choice this week was the Mega Mix Friday Marathon in Walton-on-Thames, finishing in 5:25. Moving back further afield, Ian Poole completed the Little Patuxent River Trail 10k in Maryland, USA; finishing in 56:05 and coming fourth in his age category. Finally, Michael Daly (2:19:29), Catherine Williams (2:26:53) and David Chittock (2:59:15) all completed the Doynton Hard Half Marathon – another tough race with plenty of mud!
Away from racing, there was the usual plethora of parkruns on Saturday morning. In Cheltenham, Ashley Wilson achieved a new PB of 20:51, while Lepha McCartan also PB’d, finishing in 25:01. Felicity Read and Christine Harker finished first in their respective age categories at the same event. An age category first was also achieved by Melanie Methven at Dudley, Furthest travelled were Lesley Cottle at Puarenga in New Zealand, also achieving first in age category; Sue Low at Blenheim, again in New Zealand; and Nicki Woodman at Depot Park in the USA.
The club were also represented at Cardiff, Ashton Court, Lydiard, Bath Skyline, Gloucester North, Worcester Pitchcroft, Marple, Daventry, Gloucester City, Market Rasen Racecourse, Mallards Pike, Peel, Battersea, and Brunswick Park.
Almosts at Torremolinos
Hollie Croome
Janine Bennett
Karla Cleverley
Club Records and Personal Bests Tumble at Boddington 10
Race Report for 26 January 25 by Alison Hume
Over thirty Almost Athletes ran the blustery and overcast Boddington 10, the first race in the 2025 Gloucestershire AAAs road race series and second event in the club’s own road race series. Many members were running as part of their spring marathon training and several enjoyed new personal bests. Two club records also fell on race morning.
First home for the club was Josh Hand in a blistering time of 1:01:59, with Matt Hickman just a couple of minutes behind (1:04:30). Patricia Dendy recorded another standout performance (1:06:04), for first in her age category and a five-minute personal best, obliterating the old age group club record of 1:13:29 for good measure. Also celebrating new PBs were Riley Woodman (1:09:02); Richard Knightley (1:14:15); Dan Magovern (1:24:04) and, running in club colours for the first time, Kristin Lowater, whose 1:45:45 clocking was a whopping 12-minute personal best.
There was also a crop of top three age category placings: Allan Green (1:23:01) and Karen Galpin (1:24:59) were second in their respective categories, while Joanne Johnson (1:14:28) and Neil Tring (1:18:52) were third in theirs. Allan Green took over four minutes off the longstanding age group club record, just two days after completing eight laps around Daventry Country Park at the Big Bear Events Squirrel Challenge for a trail marathon finish time of 5:22:29.
Other Boddington finishers: Ian Fallon (1:08:51); Jamie Baron (1:09:05); John Johnson (1:12:08); Mark Wreford-Bush (1:14:57); Marcus Aldridge (1:15:31); Peter Mitchener (1:15:41); Robert Foord (1:16:51); Amy Sheer (1:18:18); Neil Taylor (1:18:41); Prash Sripathi (1:23:32); Tom Morrissey (1:24:36); Ross Greening (1:25:07); Duncan Mounsor (1:25:33); Dave Elliott (1:26:34); Rose Hubbard (1:31:03); Alison Hume (1:32:12); Jan Pakula (1:33:07); Agata Pakula (1:33:08); Melissa Jonga (1:34:03); Lorraine Taylor (1:37:22); Sandra Stuart (1:48:05); Sheena MacDonald (1:48:48) and Steve Yarnold (1:52:59).
In Cornwall, trail running specialist Lepha Mccartan took on the UTMB Arc of Attrition, putting in a very strong performance of 4:49:12 on a challenging 25-mile route with over 1,000m of elevation gain along a section of the South West coast path. Lepha was supported en route by club members David Chittock, Dave Rogers and Catherine Campbell.
Closer to home, Ingrid Harris recorded another first in age category finish at the Run Through Chepstow Running Festival half marathon, running four laps of a wet and windy racecourse (1:56:50).
Furthest travelled for parkrun this week were Lesley Cottle and Sue Low, who ran Millwater and Taupo in New Zealand and Nicky Woodman, who completed Northside Beltline in Atlanta, Georgia. Sue Sturgeon ran in Evesham and tail walked her way to her 100th parkrun volunteer at Winchcombe junior parkrun the following day. Hamish Adamson braved a kilt for Burns night in very chilly conditions at King George V Playing Field parkrun, while Rachael Nolan and Coralie Pearson completed the ‘Bushy parkrun double’ over consecutive Saturdays, running Bushy, Dublin parkrun first and then the home of parkrun, Bushy Park parkrun the following week.
Almost Athletes were also present at the following parkruns this weekend: Blandford, Bournemouth, Cheltenham, Chippenham, Crosby, Gloucester City, Gloucester North, Harcourt Hill, Higginson Marlow, Kingsway, Leamington, Peel, Pomphrey Hill, Simmons Park, The Old Showfield, Trelai Park, Victoria Dock, Woodbank and Worcester Pitchcroft.
Patricia Dendy with her age group prize after Boddington 10
Kristin Lowater on her way to a 12-minute PB at Boddington 10
Lepha Mccartan at the end of the UTMB Arc of Attrition 25-mile race
Course Record Falls in Successful Club Race!
Race Report for 20 January 25 by Claire Hawes
This weekend saw the ever-popular club race, the Linda Franks 5 mile taking place on its usual course around Hatherley and The Reddings. Despite no longer forming part of the Glos AAA’s County race series, the race attracted a strong field both from within the club and elsewhere. The race was won by Jacob Cann, a runner from Newham and Essex Beagles AC, in a stupendous 33-second course record time of 23:37.
Almosts were well represented in the podium positions too. Patricia Dendy won her age category in 31:29; Sarah Wood won her AG in 35:36 and Allan Green completed the trio of Age group winners in a time of 39:17. In team results, the club took 3rd place thanks to Patricia Dendy, Sarah Wood and Joanne Johnson (34:31).
Other results were: Steve Axford 30:40 (a new PB); John Rea 30:44 (course PB); Joshua Rimell 31:35; Lewis Jones 31:45; Elliott Jordan 32:05; Ian Fallon 32:11; Ashley Wilson 33:08; Ben Stone 33:30; Thomas Willett 33:29; Declan Walker 33:51; John Johnson 34:14; Peter Mitchener 34:56; Prashanth Sripati 35:10; Neil Taylor 35:19; Steven Wood 35:25; Steve Taylor 35:47; Amy Sheer 36:05; Jenny Combellack 36:08; Julian Brand 36:23; Neil Tring 36:27; Ross Greening 37:02; Clemens Orth 38:45; Ingrid Harris 38:51; Sam Wizard 38:52; Riley Woodman 38:56; Michelle Balchin 38:57; David Davey 39:24; Ali Shaikh 39:33; Nichola Sanderson 39:47; Emily Dawson 39:44; Paul Seymour 40:07; Lawrie Baber-Scovell 40:15; Donna Evans 40:27; Chris McMahon 40:47; Barry Irvine 40:56; Dave Elliott 41:13; Victoria Willoughby 41:08; Vincent Cowling 42:03; Becca Waugh 42:08; Melissa Jonga 42:09; Jan Pakula 43:17; Rosemary Hubbard 43:24; Carl Methven 43:53; Agata Pakula 44:03; Lorraine Taylor 44:23; Hollie Galvin 44:20; Catherine Harker 44:58; Christine Harker 45:07; Desiree Beer 45:39; Simon Lewis 45:43; Caroline Rea 46:41; Felicity Read 47:18; Steve Yarnold 47:06; Aline Buckley 47:14; Sue Monaghan 47:16; Bob Spawton 48:17; Charlotte Jamieson 48:21; Wendy Horne 48:58; Mark Jones 49:18; Ian Jordan 49:43; Pauline Bargus 49:42; Claire Cook 49:46; Sheila Chatterley 49:48; Chaweewan Hartley 49:45; Leah Maddiss 51:04; Sandra Stuart 51:26; Janine Bennett 51:43; Claire Hawes 54:09; Lynne Macedo 54:34; Rita Crane 55:36; Darren Lewington 55:42; David Nelson 56:29; Melanie Methven 56:40; Kevin Keegan 57:07; Susan Sturgeon 57:51; Kate Bestwick 58:41.
The ‘purple army’ ready to take on the Linda Franks race
The club is very grateful to Phil Jeyes for his race directing, and to all volunteers who helped in the running of this race. To cap a very successful day, the sale of cakes and hot drinks after the race raised an excellent £650 which will be donated to CCP.
Of course before the race on Sunday there were other events, mainly parkruns, for Almosts to take part in.
Allan Green ran one of his weekly marathons on Friday, this time finishing the Phoenix Events Chilly Willy marathon in Walton on Thames in 5 hrs 16. Parkrun-wise, Dave Nelson was very impressed with Fountains Abbey parkrun and says it’s his new favourite UK parkrun!
Graeme Stopp ran his 250th parkrun at Y Promenad in Brecon, while at Cheltenham’s 555th event, former Almost and founding Event Director Malc Isherwood returned from his new home in Scotland to run his 500th parkrun here. Congratulations Malc!
The Trails Prove No Trial for Benjamin And Cleverley
Race Report for 13 January 25 by Alison Hume
It was a relatively quiet week on the racing calendar, with just a handful of events taking place before the club’s own Linda Franks 5 next weekend. Christopher Benjamin completed the Rogue Runs night trail race at Chepstow racecourse on Friday, a 5.3-mile offroad event on grassy terrain within the confines of Piercefield Park, crossing the line in 49:17. He followed this up with the Riverbank Rollick on Sunday, a 9.6-mile run on trails, bridle paths, fields, woodland, through a stream and along a riverbank, completing this challenging event in 2:09:06. First home for the club at the Rollick was Mike Smith, whose strong effort saw him record a 1:39:34 finish. Also representing the club were Mariel Chretien (2:02:40); Phil Jeyes (2:40:17) and Steve Yarnold (2:40:28).
Karla Cleverley also took to the trails over the weekend, running the Dark Moors neon night run in Hampshire – a 5-ish mile run through the forest at Moors Valley on Saturday night – and, the following day, the tough Run Rebel Winchester 12k trail run over hills and through forests, fields and mud. All finishers earning a pair of socks and a medal for their efforts over the frozen wintery ground.
Long-distance specialist Ingrid Harris put in another age-defying performance at the marathon distance at the Phoenix Running Doughnut Dash, completing eight laps of the out and back course along the river Thames in 3:58:40. Not only was Ingrid second female, but she also earned her bronze wings for running ten Phoenix events.
Allan Green warmed up for his latest marathon – the Phoenix Running Doughnut Dash, which he completed in 5:49:33, polishing off three doughnuts en route – by collecting a gold medal in his age category at the Gloucestershire AAAs road race awards on Friday evening and recording a first in age category at Cheltenham parkrun the following day. All in all, another successful weekend’s work!
Patricia Dendy and Claire Hawes earned bronze awards in their respective age categories at the Gloucestershire AAAs road race awards. The club congratulates Allan, Patricia and Claire for their efforts across the whole of 2024 and thanks the Gloucestershire AAAs committee for laying on another challenging road race series.
Many parkruns fell victim to the icy weather and sub-zero temperatures over the weekend, necessitating a last-minute dash from Tetbury to Cirencester for Mike Bryce and Claire Gallagher, where they were joined by Robert Foord. Matt Polson ran with over 1,100 other parkrunners at Heaton Park, the only parkrun to survive in the Manchester area. Coralie Pearson and Rachael Nolan undertook an extreme day trip to Ireland, where they kicked off their day with a visit to Bushy parkrun, Dublin. Others wisely ran in much warmer climes, with David Davey again taking on Franschhoek parkrun, South Africa and Sue Low representing the club at Orakei Bay, New Zealand.
There were top ten gender finishes for Alistair Mathew, Sarah Wood and Jeanette Gullick (Cheltenham parkrun); Lesley Cottle (Gloucester North) and Michelle Balchin (King George V Playing Field). Almost Athletes also recorded a presence at Blaise Castle, Chippenham, Cwmbran, Gloucester City, Lydiard, Mallards Pike, Oxford, Porthcawl and Stratford Park, Stroud.
Mike Smith, Steve Yarnold, Phil Jeyes, Mariel Chretien and Christopher Benjamin at the start of the Riverbank Rollick
Christopher Benjamin mid Rollick!
Karla Cleverley after the Winchester Trail Run
Patricia Dendy collecting her Gloucestershire AAAs bronze medal
Parkruning Almosts and Another Marathon for Allan Green and Ingrid Harris
Race Report for 7 January 25 by Dave Nelson
It might be a new year, but there’s no need for Almost Athletes members to make any resolutions, as they continue to put in some great running performances and do the club proud.
The start of the year tends to be a quieter time for races, and this was reflected this past weekend, with only our marathon running duo of Allan Green and Ingrid Harris competing. Allan ran the 8-lap Runbelievable Challenge at Gravesend Cyclopark in 5:19:09; while Ingrid completed the Enigma Milton Keynes, finishing in an excellent 2nd overall position in 3:57:16. Well done both!
With the lack of races happening, the focus of much of the club membership was on various parkrun events. There was a special additional parkrun day on New Year’s Day, and 55 Almosts were sufficiently recovered from the New Year celebrations to head to an event, despite the awful weather that marked the first day of the year. 34 of that number made their way to Gloucester City, where Prash Sripathi finished first in his age category. The club was also represented well at both Lydiard and Cirencester with 5 runners at each, and Catherine Williams also earning an age category first at the latter event. Sarah Wood was another to gain a first place in age category, this time at Lydney; while there were also members running at Alexandra, Braunstone, Eastville, Northampton, Tetbury Goods Shed, Tilgate, and Faelledparken in Copenhagen, where Matt John was the furthest travelled Almost for NYD.
On the regular parkrun day of Saturday, 80 members headed to a variety of events. George Wood bagged himself a new PB at Berkeley Green, finishing in a speedy 20:17 to take 10th overall and 2nd in his age category. At Mallards Pike, Agata Pakula gained a new course PB, and Andy Maxwell did the same at Stratford Park in Stroud. David Davey was furthest travelled, running at Franschoek parkrun in South Africa, where he also gained a new course PB. Elsewhere on the tourist trail, Steve Yarnold declared that Lanhydrock parkrun should not be undertaken after Christmas and New Year excesses!
Cheltenham parkrun was the most popular with members, perhaps unsurprisingly, and the standout result there came from Ashley Wilson, who ran a new overall PB in 21:20. Plenty of club members also volunteered at the event, including 6 members volunteering as pacers in the shape of Peter Mitchener, Sarah Wood, Steven Wood, Clemens Orth, Janine Bennett, and Paul Jones.
There were age category first places for Jan Pakula at Mallards Pike, Sue Low and Brian Maggs at Evesham, Matt Polson at Peel, and Hayley Woolnough (also achieving the Groundhog Day parkrun challenge in the process) and Christine Harker at Cheltenham. Members also ran at Seven Fields, King George V Playing Field, Gloucester City, Tewkesbury, Newent, Chippenham, Cardiff, Bath Skyline, and Worcester Pitchcroft.
Finally, some club members are seeing in 2025 by setting themselves some individual challenges to start the year. Helen Motteram is doing a half-marathon a week challenge for January; while Kate Bestwick, Sue Sturgeon, Sue Low, Zakia Hussain, Hayley Woolnough and Dave Nelson are all taking part in RED January. We wish them all luck in those personal challenges!
George Wood. A Parkrun PB at Berkeley Green
A Run Through our Holiday Achievements
Race Report for 31 December 24 by Josh Hand
The longest distance of the weekend was run by Allan Green completing the Wobble Bobble Marathon in 5:42 hours, and by Mark Willicott running the Malaga Marathon in 4:42:34.
Kate Beswick and Sue Low celebrated their 250th parkrun at their local Cheltenham parkrun, supported by more than 40 other Almost Athletes. Fastest Almosts at parkrun were Lewis Jones in 19:54 at Cheltenham parkrun and Joanne Johnson in 22:03 at Gloucester City parkrun. A large contingent of Almosts went to KGV in Cheltenham and Quakers Walk parkrun this weekend.
Many of the races and parkrun would not be possible without volunteers. Especially over the festive period please consider volunteering yourself to help the local teams with their events.
Christmas Party Time
Race Report for 15 December 24 by Clemens Orth
Amidst the flurry of Christmas Parties and preparations 20+ Almosts took part in Christmas themed running races.
Seven Almosts donned their purple and seasonal red themed outfits to take part in the yearly Westonbirt House 10km race. Claire Sullivan was first for the club in 53:01, followed by Beth Stranks(54:34), Becca Waugh (55:58), Steve Yarnold (1:06:36), Deb Cartlidge (1:08:47), Kate Bestwick (1:17:17), Phil Jeyes (1:24:00).
Four Almosts took on the Weston Cracker 10k with Coralie Pearson coming first for Almosts in 1:01:26, followed by Ray Pearson in 1:19:13. Karla Cleverley finished 3rd for Almosts in 1:23:20, followed by Rachael Nolan in 1:23:21.
Ingrid Harris ran the Bristol Patchway 10k in 50:33 and 5th lady overall out of 33.
Julianne Jameson ran the very hard 12km and 1250ft ascent in Dursley in 2 hours supported by very Christmassy themed aid stations providing mince pies!
Natalie & Sam Wizard with their son Jacob, and Agata & Jan Pakula took part in the Gloucester 5k Santa Fun Run which was organised and for the benefit of the Gloucester Rotary Club.
Agata & Jan Pakula also ran the Christmas Tree Race in the Forest of Dean with both completing the very hilly race in 1:03:41.
Furthest away from home was Ian Poole who ran the Baltimore Celtic Solstice 5 miles in 38:14 minutes.
The longest distance of the weekend was run by Allan Green completing the Wobble Bobble Marathon in 5:42 hours, and by Mark Willicott running the Malaga Marathon in 4:42:34.
Kate Beswick and Sue Low celebrated their 250th parkrun at their local Cheltenham parkrun, supported by more than 40 other Almost Athletes. Fastest Almosts at parkrun were Lewis Jones in 19:54 at Cheltenham parkrun and Joanne Johnson in 22:03 at Gloucester City parkrun. A large contingent of Almosts went to KGV in Cheltenham and Quakers Walk parkrun this weekend.
Many of the races and parkrun would not be possible without volunteers. Especially over the festive period please consider volunteering yourself to help the local teams with their events.
A Less Busy Pace as Christmas Approaches
Race Report for 1 December 24 by Natalie Wizard
Wilson and Woodman Defy Bert to Produce Storming Runs
Race Report for 24 November 24 by Alison Hume
Many Almost Athletes took to the skies this week, thereby avoiding the worst of the miserable weather and a slew of race cancellations. Taking on the Ultra X 110 Morocco race, an event set in and around the city of Ouarzazate was Ela Antosiewicz, who successfully completed the first day of the challenge in 10:59:42 and the second with partner Craig Jackson in 8:00:58, for a combined time of 19:00:39, laying some ultra marathon ghosts to rest in the process. The race runs to the south of the High Atlas mountains and passes kasbahs, traditional fortified villages, rocky desert and lush oases, challenging participants with a total elevation gain of 1,323 metres and wide variation between day and night-time temperatures.
A quartet of Almosts enjoyed a sunset race in very warm conditions in Benidorm. Karla Cleverley completed the 10k in 1:28:19, while Ali Shaikh (2:09:05); Coralie Pearson (2:18:37) and Rachael Nolan (2:53:20) all challenged themselves on the undulating half marathon course, which stretches the full length of this well-known seaside town.
In North Carolina, Neil Tring recorded another first in category finish at Durham parkrun, meaning that he has now completed all four of the North Carolina parkruns with son Rob. Bob Spawton and Rita Crane continued their antipodean adventures, Bob at Orakei Bay parkrun, Auckland where he was third in age category, and Rita at Western Springs, New Zealand.
Racing in the capital, new club member Ashley Wilson was delighted to top off his running year with a half marathon personal best at the Battersea Park Running Festival, crossing the finish line in a speedy 1:35:27.
Meanwhile, Corinne Cooper took to the trails at the Slaley Hall and Forest race in Hexham, North Pennines. Covering some 345 metres of ascent over seven miles around Slaley Forest followed by a lap of Slaley Hall grounds, Corinne completed this challenging multi-terrain event in 3:02:50.
Marathon man Allan Green doubled up this week, completing two of the Saturn Running 10 in 10 days series in very different conditions: eight freezing laps by the Thames in Runnymede, Egham on Thursday (5:13:23) followed up by a dry six-lapper, ‘The Last Hop’ in Staines, on Sunday (5:34:40).
The stormy weather affected attendance at local parkrun events, however Kev Dendy clocked up his 550th run at Cheltenham, on a day when runners remembered core team member Mike Jarvis, and Jeff Tibbles notched up his 200th parkrun at King George V Playing Field. Personal bests were unsurprisingly thin on the ground this week, but Riley Woodman fought hard to record a new PB at Stratford upon Avon (19:57) for first in his age category, while Carl Methven earned a course PB at King George V Playing Field. Sue Sturgeon was pleased to complete her parkrun alphabet at Valentines in Ilford, five years to the day since she recorded her 100th parkrun.
Almost Athletes also ran at Blaise Castle, Chippenham, Cwmbran, Gloucester City, Gloucester North, Kingsway, Oxford, Seven Fields, Street and Victoria Dock parkruns.
Karla Cleverley at the end of the Benidorm 10k
Ali Shaikh, Rachael Nolan and Coralie Pearson gear up for the Benidorm half marathon
Ashley Wilson in PB form at the Battersea Park half marathon
Sue Sturgeon (right hand side) completing her parkrun alphabet at Valentines parkrun in Ilford
It’s Almost a small world!
Race Report for 17 November 24 by Claire Hawes
Long before UK based Almosts were thinking of getting up for parkrun at 9am on Saturday, two Almosts on separate holidays in Australia met each other at the start line at Pirrama parkrun! Bob Spawton finished in 28:28 and Rita Crane in 34:46. An added coincidence was that of the 285 parkrunners, Bob was the 93rd male finisher and Rita was the 93rd female finisher!
There were some great performances at parkruns closer to home: Josh Rimell took 55 seconds off his 5k PB finishing at Cheltenham in 18:53; Steve Yarnold ran at Tewkesbury and clocked his fastest parkrun in over a year at 30:24 and Dave Nelson continued his comeback from injury with his fastest parkrun since March, at Strathclyde.
Agata Pakula ran as a pacer at Evesham parkrun in the morning then on Saturday night she and Jan Pakula completed the Bath Skyline Night trail race – a dark, damp, slippery but ‘fantastic’ route, apparently – finishing together in 1:08:16.
Sunday had two big events for Almosts: the always popular (and final race in the club road series) Newent Nine and Broadway Trail Marathon.
Josh Rimell was first Almost home at Newent, finishing in 37:57, a course PB of more than 9 minutes for him. Patricia Dendy continued her storming year, being first woman home in 38:39. Olga Goffin won her Age Category in 43:48. Other results were: John Rea 38:59; Elliott Jordan 40:27; Declan Walker 41:17; John Johnson 43:20; Steven Wood 43:58; Peter Mitchener 44:10; Joanne Johnson 44:38; Sarah Wood 44:49; Ross Greening 46:27; Michael Daly 47:31; Tim Perkins 47:33; Duncan Mounsor 47:53; Adele Steptoe 50:26 (an amazing course PB of almost eight minutes, and second in her age category); Thomas Wood 50:46; Amy Broomhall 51:06; James Fyrne 51:06; Charmaine Brunt 51:20; Dave Elliott 51:20; Rosemary Hubbard 51:22; Victoria Willoughby 51:56; Hayley Woolnough 53:14; Carole Doherty 54:45; Alison Hume 54:52; Jane Russell 57:25; Tess Olczak 59:16; Coralie Pearson 59:23; Sue Monaghan 1:02:00; Steve Yarnold 1:03:51; Sandra Stuart 1:04:31; Wendy Haskins 1:09:05; Lynne Macedo 1:09:07; Janine Bennett 1:13:20.
At Broadway Matt Proome decided to celebrate his birthday by tackling this muddy challenge, finishing together with Richard Knightley in 4:57:20. Mark Wreford-Bush finished slightly ahead in 4:52:48 while Michelle Balchin completed the course in 5:06:48, Jamie Baron in 5:12:03 and Matt Jones finished in 5:15:21. In the Half Marathon option Sue Pearce claimed an excellent 4th woman home in 2:04:57, Shaun Carr finished in 2:20:31 and Nichola Sanderson in 2:43:50.
L-r Jamie Baron, Richard Knightley, Mark Wreford-Bush, Michelle Balchin, Matt Proome
Of course Allan Green did a marathon too – six laps out and back along the Thames from Staines, done and dusted in 5:30.
Down on the South coast Peter Allsopp enjoyed running the Brighton 10k accompanying his daughter in her first ever race. Peter finished in 1:07:55.
As always a busy and successful weekend for the Almosts!
Ingrid Harris Completes Brecon Beacons Trail Marathon and other Almosts’ High Points
Race Report for 10 November 24 by Dave Nelson
It may have been a quieter weekend in terms of races, but that didn’t stop the members of Almost Athletes getting out and about!
As always, there were some long-distance achievements from our regular marathon runners. Ingrid Harris took on the Brecon Beacons trail marathon, which involved an incredible 4,000ft of climbing, including up Pen y Fan. Ingrid did fantastically well to finish the very rocky course in a time of 5:44. Allan Green also, unsurprisingly, took on another marathon, this time completing the Remembrance Day Marathon in Walton on Thames in 5:39:27.
Elsewhere, the only Almost taking on the infamous Sodbury Slog race was Paul Jones, who completed the as-always incredibly muddy course in 1:38:04. Sue Low stayed much cleaner, sticking to the roads and running the Dalby Dash 10k in 1:09:52 – a time she was very pleased with.
Karla Cleverley ran the Big Night Out trail run in Winchester, a 12k race that took on part of the South Downs Way and Itchen Way, and also involved a mile long hill at one point! Karla was a credit to the club, sacrificing her own time to help a fellow runner who had fallen and hit her head badly, ensuring she got to the finish safely. Well done Karla!
The final club member taking on a race this weekend was Dave Nelson, who was back in his native Scotland for the week and took part in the Decathlon Run Days 5k in Pollok Park, Glasgow; finishing the hilly course in 35:55.
Taking on a more eclectic challenge were Johnny and Caroline Rea, and Amy Broomhall. All three were competing in the Hyrox event in Manchester, with Johnny finishing the men’s doubles event with his partner in an official time of 1:02:33. Caroline and Amy competed together in the ladies’ doubles, finishing in 1:28:44.
Away from these events, the club was represented well at various parkruns, as is always the case. Mark Wreford-Bush bagged himself a new course PB at Cheltenham, finishing in 21:22. There were age category first places for Issy Ravenhill (back visiting from the USA!) at Cannon Hill, Brian Maggs at Cheltenham, Matt Polson at Lyme Park, Matthew John at Tewkesbury, Norm Lever at Somerdale Pavilion, Jan Pakula at Mallards Pike, Graeme Stopp at Chipping Norton School, Robert Foord at Mensola in Italy, and Lynne Macedo at Y Promenad.
Members also ran at Reading, Kingsway, Highbury Fields, Perth, Sewerby, Chippenham, Marple, Portobello (Edinburgh), Exmouth, Gloucester City, Street, Severn Bridge, King George V Playing Field, East Park, and Yarborough Leisure Centre. Plenty of club members also volunteered at parkun on Saturday or junior parkrun on Sunday, and we would encourage everyone to do so occasionally if they are able, as parkrun simply could not happen without those volunteers!
Caroline Rea & Amy Broomhall at Hyrox Manchester
Sue Low at Dalby Dash
Paul Jones at Sodbury Slog
Karla Cleverley at Big Night Out
Dave Nelson at Decathlon Run Days
Guy Fawkes and a new club record
Race Report for 3 November 24 by Clemens Orth
45 Almost Athletes tied their laces and put on their purple kit to compete in the Guy Fawkes 5 mile race.
First for the club and first for her age category (overall 44th) was Patricia Dendy, who not only set a new PB over the distance but also a brand new club record completing the 5 mile distance in 31:07 minutes!
Patricia was followed by Riley Woodman (32:58), Joanne Johnson (35:23), John Johnson (35:47), Steven Wood (36:13), Sarah Wood (36:28), Neil Tring (37:03), Michael Smith (37:19), Duncan Mounsor (38:08), David Davey (38:31), Ian McKinlay (38:36), Daniel Magovern (39:21), Ivana Wilson (40:03), Thomas Wood (40:34), Emily Dawson (40:49), Mohammed Shaikh (41:06), Nichola Sanderson (41:18), Dave Elliott (41:18), Donna Evans (41:25), Charmaine Brunt (41:42), Jan Pakula (42:59), Alison Hume (43:08), Agata Pakula (43:58), Catherine Harker (44:26), Jane Russell (45:10), Melissa Jonga (45:15), Christine Harker (45:54), Mark Jones (47:07), Mark James (47:52), Sally McKinlay (48:07), Chaweewan Hartley (48:24), Pauline Bargus (48:24), Heather Smith (49:25), Sue Monaghan (49:54), Sheila Chatterley (49:56), Glenda Gill (51:44), Wendy Horne (51:52), Forrest Wheeler (52:00), Vicki James(53:09), Rita Crane (53:19), Claire Hawes (54:09), Lynne Macedo (55:48), Philip Jeyes (57:04), Ray Pearson (59:43) and Kevin Keegan (1:00:00).
Across the Atlantic Josh Rimell ran in the New York City Marathon finish in a very strong 3:30:32! Closer to home Allan Green ran the Nightmare Marathon in Telford in 5:30 hours.
Almosts competed in the 2nd round of the Gloucestershire Cross Country League in Cirencester.
In the Men’s master category over a distance of 9.6km Josh Hand completed the distance in 37:41 minutes. Followed by Nick Lewis (38:43), Jamie Baron (41:00), Dave McGrath (41:09), Elliot Jordan (44:11), John Johnson (44:46), Steve Taylor (45:27), Lee Chapman (46:39), Graeme Stopp (49:52) and Clemens Orth (51:19).
In the Lady’s master category Sue Pearce finished the 6km distance in 26:29, followed by Vivienne Ravenhill (28:06), Victoria Willoughby (30:33) and Mariel Chretien (37:13).
Neil Tring was first in the Master’s male category over 6km finishing in 26:54, followed by David Garnett in 34:12.
106 Almosts ran, jogged and walked their parkruns this weekend in Cheltenham and all across the United Kingdom. Fastest for the club was Lewis Johnson in 19:44 minutes at home in Cheltenham. Events like parkrun but also many others aren’t possible without volunteers. Please consider stepping up now and then to help your local events succeed.
Tough Challenges Far and Wide for Almosts This Week!
Race Report for 28 October 24 by Claire Hawes
It’s been a busy weekend for club members!
In Wales, the always popular but undoubtedly tough Eryri Marathon saw action from three Almosts. Olga Goffin put in a superb performance to come in 5th out of the 143 women in her age group, and 30th out of all 868 women in the race.Olga’s time was 3:40:51. Allan Green chose the event for his weekly marathon finishing in 5:40:54, followed soon after by Coralie Pearson in 5:44:32.
Down on the English south coast it was the Beachy Head collection of races which attracted those Almosts who enjoy a challenging trail run. Ela Antosiesicz finished the Half Marathon option in 2:43:49; Michelle Balchin crossed the finish line for the 10k in 56:00 while Richard Knightley, Mark Wreford Bush, Amy Sheer and Matt Proome took on the full marathon. Mark Wreford Bush was delighted to achieve a new Beachy Head PB nine years after he set his original PB, crossing the finish line in 4:29:03 and 146th out of 1100 runners. Amy Sheer finished in 4:43:55, Matt Proome in 4:44:22 and Richard Knightley in 4:57:07.
Allan Green’s 800th Marathon and other Almosts’ Achievements.
Race Report for 21 October 24 by Josh Hand
As autumn marathon season is in full swing, Almost Athletes have been competing across the country with incredible achievements. Allan Green completed his 800th marathon at the Langdale Marathon, which boasts fearsome elevation – what an accomplishment! He was the 1st MV70 and finished in 5:35. Closer to home, Mike Johnstone (2:58:24) and Josh Hand (2:58:14) participated in the superbly organised Abingdon Marathon. Despite a stormy morning, there was at least a tailwind for the final four miles to the finish. Mark Willicott overcame injury to run the Bilbao Night Marathon in 5:06:38. The unbelievable support and great atmosphere have now put this event on the hit list for many club members.
Half marathons are also appearing thick and fast. Competing abroad, Neil Tring and Lorraine Taylor finished the Krakow Half Marathon in 2:28 despite a nasty mid-race fall. Christopher Benjamin completed his 103rd such distance at the new Bath to Bristol Half Marathon. Also running were Pauline Bargus, Sheila Chatterly, Claire Cook, Chaweewan Hartley, and Agata Pakula.
The Hope Valley Run, set in beautiful countryside, saw excellent participation from the club. Jamie Baron was the first home for AA in 1:10 (2nd MV40), while Vivienne Ravenhill finished in 1:22 and was 1st FV50, and Glenda Gill came third FV55 in 1:53. Also doing superbly well in this tough run were Tim Perkins, Oliver Bell, Paul Jones, Graeme Stopp, Hollie Galvin, Rich Smith, Coralie Pearson, and Janine Bennett. Rich, Janine and Coralie even did Hereford parkrun en route. Well done, one and all!
Over 10k, Steve Yarnold (1:06) returned to racing at the Well Run 10k in Northleach and was joined by Adrian Courtenay (1:00) and Coralie Pearson (1:02).
On Saturday evening, Pete Mitchener, Kate Bestwick, Janine Bennett, Zakia Shahanaz Hussain, and Leah Maddiss all walked the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike in memory of Gareth Harries – a Cheltenham parkrun core member who is sorely missed.
Parkrun exploits continued as usual, with Mark Bush finishing first in his age category at Stratford-on-Avon, shaving 4 seconds off his PB. Neil Tring and Lorraine Taylor warmed up for their half marathon and claimed a ‘Z’ at Zielony Jar parkrun. Neil was 1st in his age group, finishing in 23:30 on a hilly course. Sue Sturgeon also joined the Z club with Zuiderpark.
As we look ahead to the coming weeks, we are excited to see what new achievements and adventures await our Almost Athletes. Whether you’re tackling a marathon, a half marathon, or a local parkrun, remember that every step you take is a victory. Keep running, keep smiling, and keep inspiring each other. See you at the next race!
It’s Chicago-A-Go-Go for Ravenhill, Rea And Woodman
Race Report for 14 October 24 by Alison Hume
A trio of Almost Athletes took on the Chicago marathon, one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors. In ideal conditions for long-distance running, Issy Ravenhill and Johnny Rea both improved their marathon personal bests by some margin to 3:22:04 and 3:31:16 respectively. In his first marathon Riley Woodman was thrilled with his achievement, earning a very creditable 3:35:18. Riley also ran the 5k friendship run the previous day (27:09), with his aunt Michelle Balchin (27:10) in close attendance to ensure he conserved energy for marathon day. Riley’s mother Nicky also took on the 5k friendship run as part of her own build up after a sustained period of injury, completing in 44:22. Truly a family affair in Illinois!
Closer to home the 2024/25 cross-country season opened, with eleven members making the journey to the new venue of Yate in South Gloucestershire. Continuing her recent run of excellent form, women’s captain Patricia Dendy finished first in her age category (24:52). Patricia was followed in by Nichola Sanderson (32:39); Victoria Willougby (33:42, second in category) and Mariel Chretien (40:20). In the same race Neil Tring recorded 29:15 for third in the MV65 category. Team captain David Garnett crossed the line in 35:14.
In the men’s race, cross-country stalwart Nick Lewis led the team home in 37:44. Hamish Adamson recorded 39:27 with Jamie Baron a whisker behind in 39:37. After his recent long distance efforts Steve Taylor completed in 44:29, followed by Clemens Orth in 47:44.
Another member taking on a double challenge this weekend was Joanne Johnson, who started her birthday celebrations early with 5k and 30k races in the picturesque city of Budapest.
Allan Green ran amongst ancient barrows dating back to 3,500BC to notch up another marathon success at the Barrows and Downs trail marathon on Salisbury Plain (6:21), while Simon Morgan travelled east for the Royal Parks half marathon, which he completed in 2:13:28.
Robert Dalton-Morris recorded his 500th parkrun, one of only a handful of runners to mark this momentous achievement at the Cheltenham event. Robert has been doing parkrun since 2013 and many of his weekly 5k efforts have been completed as a guide for a visually impaired runner, as was his 500th run. Congratulations on attaining this milestone, Robert, and for supporting other runners along the way.
Just one week after Chester marathon, Mark Wreford-Bush achieved a new personal best (20:51) in wet and muddy conditions at Isabel Trail parkrun in Stafford. Claire Hawes recorded another first in age category at Gloucester City parkrun (34:20), as did Lesley Cottle at Exmouth parkrun (25:37).
Almost Athletes were also in action at parkruns in Arrow Valley, Ashton Court, Banbury, Chippenham, Evesham, Exmouth, Gloucester North, King George V Playing Field, Mallards Pike, Peel, Southampton, Stratford-upon-Avon and Tewkesbury.
In multi-sports Duncan Mounsor and Steve Phelps challenged themselves at the Bishampton Duathlon, where they tackled a 6k run, 28k bike and 3k run. Steve just edged Duncan across the two disciplines, recording 1:51:16 to Duncan’s 1:52:57.
Riley Woodman on his way to a strong debut marathon performance in Chicago
Patricia Dendy charging to age group victory (cross country)
Men’s cross country team – (L to R) Nick Lewis, Clemens Orth, Hamish Adamson, Jamie Baron and Steve Taylor
Mark Wreford-Bush after setting a new PB at Isabel Trail parkrun
Capital Success for Almosts
Race Report for 6 October 24 by Andrew Lloyd
With daylight reducing and temperatures set to drop the running calendar starts to look less busy. But there are still challenges to meet including the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon at the weekend. A large contingent of Almosts made the short hop over the Severn Bridge for this popular event in the Welsh capital which also attracts international elite runners. It
certainly inspired a number of Almosts to personal best runs. Steve Axford was the first purple vest home with a new PB of 1:27 while Steve Wood was delighted to record his own new PB with 1:41. Mark and Vicki James made it a double with their own of 2:04 and 2:28 respectively. Katie Coleman ran an impressive 1:31 to earn a 9th female finish in her age
category and a top 100 female placing overall. Adele Steptoe also recorded a new PB of 1:57 with a top 30 female finish in the F60 category.
A small contingent of Almosts made a trip to the North West for the MBNA Chester Marathon where Amy Sheer was first purple home in 3:43 followed closely by Mark Wreford-Bush in 3:46. Well done also to Maddie Page ( 3:51), Catherine Williams (4:00) and Charmaine Brunt ( 4:10). Allan Green continues to defy age with completion in 4:31 which was his second event of the week having ran the Birch Challenge at Cannock Chase only days earlier to finish in 5:50 over a distance of 26k to claim a 12th overall position of 42 runners.
Closer to home Nichola Sanderson crossed the line in 52:08 at the Alcester 10k where she was joined by fellow Almosts Lawrie Baber-Scovell ( 53:11) and Sue Sturgeon (01:12:00). Kudos to Hollie Galvin who took on the Bristol- Bath Trail Escape Marathon. The tough but scenic route from UWE to Victoria Park Bath was rewarded with a second ever fastest time
of 6:08. Well done also to Kim Lewington for completing the shorter but also demanding 25k route.
It was parkrun business as usual for Almost regulars elsewhere. Robert Foord crossed in 21:58 at Gloucester North while Lewis Jones completed in 21:13 at Cheltenham where Almosts were plentiful for the parkrun anniversary weekend. Across town at King George V Playing Fields Ross Greening got home in 23:34. Jo Johnson made it a routine top 50 finish at Porthcawl in 21:46 for a second overall female finish. There were other Almost runners at Riverfront, Worcester, Worcester Pitchcroft, Congleton, Poole, Chippenham, Cwmbran, Stratford Park, Peel and Three Brooks.
13 Valleys, 5 Valleys and More Almosts’ Achievements!
Race Report for 30 September 24 by Nicole Hope
It was another busy weekend for the Almost Athletes and the weather certainly did not dampen some incredible running achievements.
Helen and Tristan Motteram completed the Warsaw marathon in a time of 5:15:17. In the Forest of Dean Autumn half marathon, Agata Pakula completed the hilly trail course in a time of 2:16:57, which is a personal best. Also running were Jan Pakula (2:16:57), Helen Pardoe (2:20:57) and Matt Jones (2:37:17).
As part of the road race series, a strong contingent of Almost Athletes took part in the Bourton Hilly half marathon. Olga Goffin finished in 1:37:27 to finish 8th female overall, and 3rd in age category. John Rea completed the distance in 1:33:23 and Jamie Baron in 1:36:57. Well done to the rest of the Almost Athletes who all put in fantastic performances over the challenging 13.1 mile course.
Going big in mileage and elevation this weekend was Dave Rogers who took part in the monster run that is 13 Valleys Ultra Marathon. 180km of running with over 7000m of elevation. Dave completed the distance in an impressive 32 hours 59 minutes, to finish 8th overall. An amazing achievement from Dave, well done to you!
Dave McGrath and Steve Taylor took part in the 5 Valleys race which is 56.5km of running and finished together in a time of 10 hours and 15 minutes (250th and 251st overall). On a comeback from injury, Lepha McCartan took on the 2 valleys race over a distance of 22.4km and 477m of elevation. Lepha completed the course in a time of 2 hours 12 minutes, great running Lepha! Also tackling this challenging course was Ceinwen Davies who ran a super race in a time of 3 hours 26 minutes.
In parkrun news, Clemens Orth took part in Pokkinen parkrun in Finland, which is the most northerly parkrun in the world. Clemens finished 44th out of 173 participants. Dave Nelson, recovering from injury, completed the Forest of Dean parkrun. Sarah Wood finished 3rd lady in a time of 21:20 at Severn Bridge parkrun, whilst Steven Wood completed the same course in a time of 20:57, finishing in 21st position. Kate Bestwick was run director at Cheltenham parkrun where 587 runners and walkers completed the 5km distance, whilst raising over £200 for Macmillan coffee morning. Graeme Stopp, Neil Tring and Lorraine Taylor all finished 1st in age category at Itchen Valley parkrun, which was also attended by another 5 Almost Athletes’ looking to secure the much-coveted letter “I” in their parkrun alphabet.
And finally, a huge congratulations goes to Rose and Ian who completed King George V Playing Field parkrun a mere 2 hours before getting married. We wish you a lifetime of happy memories.
Almosts’ Amazing Achievements!
Race Report for 16 September 24 by Claire Hawes
Club coach Fiona Barnes certainly takes the prize this week for the furthest distance run! At 11am on Saturday she began the epic (or ‘really quite difficult’, as the organisers put it) Cotswold Way Century in Chipping Campden, finishing at Bath Abbey 29 hours and 11 minutes later! Fi was 7th woman overall. Huge congratulations to Fi, and thank you to all the club members who were there to cheer her on along the way and at the finish!
Another fabulous female finisher this weekend was Patricia Dendy. No stranger to these reports Patricia really excelled on Sunday at the Angels 10k, bagging her best-ever 10k PB time of 39:25 on what is a notably hilly course. Not only that, but Patricia was 1st female and claimed a County Gold Medal in the process.
Other Almosts completing the Angels 10k were: Nick Lewis in 40:26; Duncan Mounsor in 49:58 and Dave Elliott in 52:32.
To complete the trio of wonderful women runners, Ingrid Harris travelled to Devon for 100 Marathon Club AGM marathon and ran in first lady overall in a time of 3hrs 51min.
Allan Green also ran the 100 Marathon Club marathon (of course he did!), finishing in 5hrs 30. He’d run a marathon the previous Tuesday too, finishing The Otter Challenge at Kingsbury Water Park in 5hrs 49.
There was Half Marathon action going on this weekend too. Carl and Melanie Methven completed the Richmond Half in 2:04:25 and 2:43:32 respectively. Mark Wreford Bush achieved a 1min 36 second PB at the Worcester Half in a time of 1:37:6
This weekend also saw the Cheltenham Tri Festival triathlon at Sandford Park Lido. Neil Tring was first in his age category and 19th out of 201 entrants in the run part of the Sprint Tri.
There were of course plenty of Almosts at parkruns on Saturday morning. Adrian Courtenay was delighted with a PB of 29:01 at KGV, while Rich Smith scored his best parkrun time since lockdown, 25:20, at Wickford Memorial parkrun. Dave Nelson’s outing at Limavady was memorable for the wrong reasons as a pulled calf muscle will now keep him out of action for several weeks. Andrew Lloyd returned to his home parkrun of Pomphrey Hill and was happy with his time of 32:40 on that hilly course.
Other parkruns visited by Almost Athletes this weekend were: Kingsway, Southampton, Trelissick, Riverfront, Braunstone, Gloucester North, Worcester Pitchcroft, Thornbury, Chippenham, Burnley, Darlington South Park, Wotton, Cheltenham, Newent, Seaton, Keswick, Folkestone, Lydney, Rogiet, Clapham Common, Severn Bridge, Mallards Pike, Chipping Norton School, Zuiderpark (Rob and Alison Hume ticking off their ‘Z’ parkrun on the alphabet challenge!), Worden, Riverside Walk, and Zegerplas (Jakia Hussain and Leah Maddiss ticking off their ‘Z’s!)
Another busy and successful weekend for club members!
Fiona Barnes
Parkrun to Ultra Marathon – The heat was on…
Race Report for 9 September 24 by Clemens Orth
Almost Athletes travelled the country and world, often in blistering heat, to run any distance from 5k parkruns to a 230km ultra marathon distance.
Travelled furthest afield and the longest race distance was Lizzie Renn who completed the 230km For Rangers Ultra Marathon in Kenya in 34 hours. Lizzie’s run was in support of For Rangers and Save the Rhino International.
In Switzerland Lesley Cottle completed the mountainous and challenging Jungfrau Marathon in 7:01:00.
Back in the U.K. and much closer to home, 22 Almosts took on the Chedworth Roman Trail 10 mile race. With several Almosts suffering from hornet stings, John Johnson came home for the club in 1:23:29, closely followed by Craig Jackson (1:24:53) and Joanne Johnson (1:26:42) who also came 3rd lady overall and 2nd in her age category. Shaun Carr (1:32:03), Duncan Mounsor (1:32:19), Neil Taylor (1:34:00), Steve Phelps (1:39:43), Rob Hume (1:43:58), Oliver Bell (1:44:29), Neil Tring (1:45:23), Jamie Courtenay (1:46:00), Elzbieta Antosiewicz (1:48:13), Simon Whitford (1:49:07), David Chittock (1:55:09), Cheryl Rodham (1:55:41), Kevin Richards (1:56:28), Alison Hume (1:57:24), Catherine Mason (2:07:23), Janine Bennett (2:14:00), Adrian Courtenay (2:18:48), Corinne Cooper 2:20:21 completed the field. John Johnson, Craig Jackson and Shaun Carr also won the men’s team price!
In Newcastle upon Tyne 6 Almosts took on the Great North Run, one of the most iconic half marathon road races in the world. First for the club was Steve Bowles in2:06:04, followed by Tristan Motteram (2:20:16), Helen Motteram (2:20:43), Jane Russell (2:24:08) and Rachael & Oliver Nolan (both 3:16:47).
Liza Habgood completed the very hilly Bacchus Half Marathon in an unofficial time of 2:54. Jason Hulance ran the Cranham Boundary Chase in 1:04:57.
Allan Green completed two Otter Challenge trail runs. The marathon distance at Kingsbury in 5:17 and the ultra distance at Hurtwood in 5:49 over very uneven fields and woods.
Melanie & Carl Methven completed the half marathon at the Richmond Run Fest in searing temperatures in 2:51:07 and 3:00:04 respectively.
81 parkrun runners took on one of the many UK parkruns. Alice Tredgett continued her amazing form and was the first lady over the line at Cheltenham parkrun in 19:42. Joanne Johnson was first lady over the line at Newent parkrun in 22:45. Fastest for the mens was Matt Polson at Peel parkrun in an impressive 18:15. Followed by Alistair Matthew at Chippenham Playing Fields parkrun in 20:19.
Leah Maddis and Jason Hulance travelled to the inaugural Quakers Walk parkrun. Other parkruns included Whitley Bay, Arrow Valley, Worcester, Wolverhampton, Gloucester North, Stonehouse, Chippenham, Clair, Evesham, Severn Bridge, Woolacombe, Tetbury Goods Shed, Mallards Pike, King George V Playing Field, Clevedon, Seven Fields,Trelai, University Parks, and Thames Path parkrun.
Almosts also volunteered at parkrun and other running events. And would be grateful for other runners and readers to take on a volunteering roles at their local parkruns.
A Busy Week Including Our Meteor Mile and Run Cheltenham
Race Report for 2 September 24 by Dave Nelson
It’s been a very busy week for Almost Athletes, with lots of local events on over the weekend, as well as the usual plethora of parkruns all over!
The weekend saw three local races, starting on Friday night with the club’s own Meteor Mile at Staverton Airport, followed by the Alderton 5k on Saturday morning, and finally the main event of the Run Cheltenham 10k and half marathon on Sunday. Quite a few intrepid club members completed the hat-trick of events, culminating in the half, with Johnny Rea making it a double hat-trick and achieving a PB at all three events (5:25; 18:49; and 1:34:29), as well as being first club member home in the first two.
Dave Nelson did similar, achieving a “post-covid” PB at all three races (8:55, 32:00, and 2:36:13); while the trifecta was also completed by Declan Walker, Elliot Jordan, Steven Wood, Ross Greening, Duncan Mounsor, and Ingrid Harris. Despite the exertions of the three events, Duncan ran his fastest 5k of 2024 at Alderton, while Steven ran a PB at Meteor Mile (5:57). Oliver Bell also competed three times, running the 10k event on Sunday.
There were a number of other PBs achieved across the weekend. At Meteor Mile, Josh Rimell (5:37), Richard Knightley (6:14), and Caroline Rea (7:47) all achieved new bests; while at Alderton, Jamie Baron (19:35), Vivienne Ravenhill (22:18) and Ivana Wilson (23:17) all did likewise. Meanwhile, Graeme Stopp PB’d at both of those events, finishing in 6:45 on Friday and 22:27 on Saturday. There were also fantastic results from Neil Tring at both events, setting new MV65 club records of 6:23 at Meteor Mile and 21:16 at Alderton.
Not to be outdone, there were plenty of new milestones set at Run Cheltenham as well, despite the hot conditions. At the half marathon distance, Josh Rimell smashed his previous best by almost 11 minutes to finish in 1:27:48, while Sarah Wood (1:46:42) and Adele Steptoe (2:00:21) also PB’d over the 13.1 mile distance. At the 10k, Philip Brewer set a new PB of 54:26.
There were plenty of personal achievements at the races as well. Jo Johnson was first Almost lady home at Meteor Mile; Natalie Wizard ran her fastest 5k since having a baby at Alderton (31:33); and Peter Mitchener was very happy with his time of 21:21 at the same event. Hollie Galvin was delighted with her time of 56:56 at the Run Cheltenham 10k, while Prashanth Sripathi was no doubt just as delighted to see the finish line after running the half marathon in 2:11:34 while dressed in a penguin outfit! Jeanette Gullick put in an amazing performance to finish second in her age category at the half in 1:39:06, while Ingrid Harris also did fantastically well to win her category at the same event in 1:48:17. There was also a course PB for Steve Axford, who exorcised some personal demons from last year to finish in 1:28:55.
Overall, there was an incredibly strong purple presence at all three events – 43 Almosts ran at Meteor Mile; 50 at Alderton; and similar numbers again at Run Cheltenham. The club was also brilliantly represented away from the races themselves, with plenty of members either volunteering or lending fantastic support to the runners all around the course, particularly in Cheltenham on Sunday. The thanks of everyone who ran go out to them for their wonderful encouragement!
Away from the local races, Ben Stone took part in the Henley Trail Half Marathon, finishing in 2:05:59 in his first ever off-road half. At parkrun, Patricia and Kev Dendy took time out of their Italian holiday to run at Roma Caffarella, while Prashanth Sripathi toured a bit more locally, heading to Banbury and finishing third in his age category.
This Saturday also marked a significant milestone for parkrun itself, with the venue of the first ever event, Bushy Park, holding its 1,000th run. Over 6,000 runners turned up to celebrate, including a small contingent of Almosts. Alison Hume, Rob Hume, Zakia Hussain, Jason Hulance and Lawrie Baber-Scovell all loved the experience – even having to queue in the finish funnel for longer than they ran for!
At Lochend Woods, Hamish Adamson was 4th overall and 2nd in category while setting a new course PB of 21:37. Peter Morris (23:38) and Christine Harker (28:01) won their respective age categories at Cheltenham, while Rosemary Hubbard did the same at King George V Playing Fields (23:55), as did Matt Polson at Peel (18:45). There were age category placings for Lesley Cottle at Gloucester North (2nd); Danny Carroll (3rd), Richard Gilbert (2nd) and Kate Nichol (2nd) at Cheltenham, Sharon Hadad (2nd) at KGV, Matt John (2nd) at Berkeley Green, and Brian Maggs (3rd) at Durlston Country Park.
The club was also represented at Worcester Pitchcroft, Eden Project, Evesham, Tewkesbury, Cwmbran, Gloucester City, Mallards Pike, Hockgraben, Trentham Gardens, Edenbrook Country, and Three Brooks.
Well done to everyone from the club on a packed weekend of action!
Parkruns, Glos Road Race Series, Trail Marathons and More
Race Report for 26 August 24 by Josh Hand
As August draws to a close, Almost Athletes are continuing the summer of speed in a rich vein. The latest round of the Gloucestershire Road Race Series saw four AAs putting in fine performances at the Haresfield 5k: Joanne Johnson (21:24), John Johnson (21:26), Daniel Magovern (23:10) and Allan Green (24:04 and 3rd in category).
Saturday saw parkruns Europe-wide! At Worsley Woods, Neil Tring was first in age category in a time of 22:26. Leah Maddison was at the home of parkrun: Bushy Park. Mike Bryce and James Clay travelled to Crichton, while Graeme Stopp and Sharmila Door took on the notoriously tough Woolacombe Dunes parkrun. The Dendy family ventured further afield at Milano Nord, Italy, with Patricia finishing first female. Kate Bestwick and family headed to Mallards Pike and Clemens Orth took on the Pavilion Gardens event in the beautiful Peak District.
In the Severn Bridge 10k, Coralie Pearson ran 58:53 – an impressive time on the bridge and in the wind!
Running the longest distances this week were Craig Jackson and Elzbieta Antosiewicz at the Pennine Trail Marathon. Stunning views and nearly 4,000ft ascent couldn’t stop the pair who were separated by just a second in a little over seven hours.
The largest Almost gathering was at the Pershore Plum 10k, the latest race in the Almost Athletes Off Road Series. Jamie Baron and Joanne Johnson were first male and female home for the club. There were top three age category finishes for Johnson, Vivienne Ravenhill, Ingrid Harris, Desiree Beer and Jane Russell. Well done to all 24 Almosts taking on this great race – see photo.
Slightly closer to home, Glenda Gill and Josh Hand took part in the ever steep, but relentlessly fun Winchcombe 10k. Famous for its climb to Belas Knap and free sausages for all finishers, Gill was fourth in age category, and Hand third overall.
The club look ahead to the Meteor Mile this Friday and Cheltenham Half on Sunday. What a weekend of running to come!
Running Through the Holidays and £750 for Scoo-B-Doo
Race Report for 18 August by Natalie Wizard
Last week Almost Athletes’ Committee were delighted to present the Gloucester Royal Hospital’s Neo-Natal Unit ‘Scoo-B-Doo’ charity with a donation of £750. The money will be used to help purchase vital equipment to improve the care of local premature babies. The charity is especially important to the club as several (very!) junior members have received excellent care from the team of dedicated staff in the past.
It was a quieter week on the race front as many members took off on their holidays and spent time relaxing rather than racing. Members who did still race included Allan Green, who completed the difficult 6 Lakes marathon in the scenic Uppsala, Sweden. Despite the first 6k of the course being largely tree roots and rocks, he still finished in a time of 5 hours and 43 minutes. Christopher Benjamin took on tail running duties for the 10k at the Chepstow Running Festival on Saturday ahead of running the Bath Two Tunnels half marathon on Sunday in 2:36:10. Ingrid Harris ran The Medal Madness event, organised by Rasselbock Running in Derbyshire. She was the first female home for the marathon distance and finished the race in 4 hours 19 minutes.
At parkrun this week, many members took part both in the local area and further afield. Rob and Alison Hume ran Nant y Pandy parkrun on Anglesey reporting back that the course was beautiful albeit very hilly and challenging. Alison recorded a time of 30:05 to come first in her age category and Rob finished in 28:25. Other Almosts running other Welsh locations included Rich Smith who came 19th at Brynaman parkrun in 27:34 and Mark Pelling in Cwmbran (40:14). Zakia Hussian travelled to Scotland to run the equally stunning Holyrood parkrun in Edinburgh in a time of 35:51. Sarah Wood was first in her age category at Oxford parkrun with a time of 22:33. Hollie Galvin was second in her age category at King George V parkrun (29:16). Dave Nelson ran Sence Valley Forest Park in 33:10 before taking on the role of run director at Cheltenham Junior parkrun on Sunday morning. Kev Dendy had his first go at run director for Winchcombe Junior parkrun this weekend alongside Sue Low who completed her 50th volunteering session for the weekly event.
Our donation to Scoo-B-Do
Chris Benjamin after tail running duties at the Chepstow Running Festival
Zakia Hussian at Holyrood Parkrun in Edinburgh
Bugatti 10k Proves a Summer Delight!
Race Report for 11 August by Claire Hawes
Almost Athletes put on three races a year and thanks to race director Phil Jeyes’ experience and expertise, plus a lot of volunteer help from club members, each one runs as smoothly as a classic car!
Last Wednesday’s Bugatti 10k was no exception. On a warm evening there were several PB’s for Almosts: Lewis Jones achieved his in 42:27; Adele Perkins in 54:39, Jane Russell in 59:28 and Sally McKinlay in 59:47.
Other results were: Steve Axford 39:40 (1st MV45), Patricia Dendy 40:06 (1st LV 40), Matthew HIckman 40:40, John Rea 40:43, Elliot Jordan 42:53, Declan Walker 42:53, Mark Wreford-Bush 45:08, Steven Wood 46:09, Sue Pearce (46:16), Richard Knightley 46:21, Peter Mitchener 46:26, Olga Goffin 46:34, Katy George 47:28, Sarah Wood 48:09 (1st LV50) Jamie Baron 48:05,Polly Lane 48:41, Duncan Mounsor 49:13, Rose Hubbard 49:54, Graeme Stopp 50:27, Ian McKinlay 50:40, Jenny Combellack 50:52, Dave Elliott 51:16, Ingrid Harris 51:28 (1st LV60), Allan Green 52:01, David Davey 52:02, Ivana Wilson 52:16,Lawrie Baber-Scovell 56:33, Lesley Cottle 56:56 (1st LV65), Mark James 57:46, Nicole Hope 58:19, Bob Spawton 58:26, Coralie Pearson 58:45, Mike Line 58:51, Liz Garner 59:08, Mark Eavers 59:21, Catherine Harker 59:20, Felicity Read 1:01:31, Carl Methven 1:01:58, Cathy Booth 1:02:10, Glenda Gill 1:04:03, Janine Bennett 1:05:27, James Wilson 1:05:34, Sandra Stuart 1:08:49, Vicki James 1:09:14, David Nelson 1:09:15, Darren Lewington 1:09:37, Melanie Methven 1:07:02, and tailrunner Rachael Nolan came in at 1:17:27.
Last weekend the results for Standish Woodland Chase were delayed so Jamie Baron, Sue Pearce, Joanne Johnson, Dave Elliott, Bob Spawton and Christopher Benjamin were missed off the list of finishers for the club. Sue Pearce was 1st LV40 in 1:18:17. Well done all!
Adrian Courtenay travelled to Marlborough for the Ramsbury Gold Trail and Ale 10k. After 10.3k of heat and hills he crossed the finish line in 69:14 and was rewarded with a very welcome glass of ale!
In parkrun the big event of the weekend was Dave Chittock running his 250th parkrun at Chippenham Playing Fields, Monmouth. Dave was accompanied on this milestone event by a group of Almosts. In his words, ‘the best bit by far over all that time [eleven years!] is the friends that I have been lucky to pretty much run all of them with . Best friends, laughter, memories and always a coffee (or tea) afterwards, wherever we go’ – a great advert for parkrun and club membership!
Other parkruns attended by Almosts on Saturday were: Kingsway, York, Upton House, Sandwell Valley, Marple, Bryn Bach, Cheltenham, Weymouth, Fountains Abbey, Evesham, Tewkesbury, Rutland Water, Cirencester, Słodowo Włocławek, Tetbury Goods Shed, KGV Playing Field Cheltenham, Irchester Country, Land’s End, Nova Prestatyn, Peel, Marine Parade, Wolford Wood, Quakers Walk and Aston Hall.
Almost Athletes Take on the Trails and Take Over Cheltenham Parkrun
Race Report for 6 August by Alison Hume
It was a relatively quiet week for Almost Athletes, although there was sizeable club representation at Standish Woodland Chase, the next race in the club’s offroad race series. First three to cross the line were Jamie Baron, John Johnson and Sue Pearce. Ingrid Harris was first in her age category and, continuing his recent run of good form, Bob Spawton earned a course personal best.
Other runners (race results unavailable at time of going to press): Janine Bennett, Amy Broomhall, Mariel Chretien, Adrian Courtenay, Jamie Courtenay, James Fyrne, David Garnett, Rose Hubbard, Mike Line, Peter Mitchener, Tim Perkins, Jonathan Shuman, Rich Smith, Neil Tring, Catherine Williams and Victoria Willoughby.
Team photo before Standish Woodland Chase
Ela Antosiewicz and Craig Jackson combined a busy weekend of work and running at the Snowdonia Sea2Sky 25k trail race, with Craig coming home in 2:48:36 and Ela in 3:27:20.
Much further afield Hollie Galvin fulfilled a personal ambition to run in Central Park, New York, which she did in club colours.
Hollie Galvin in Central Park, New York
On Saturday the club staged a takeover of Cheltenham parkrun, providing volunteers and a full complement of pacers for the 627 walkers, joggers and runners.
Almost Athletes pictured before their takeover of Cheltenham parkrun
Jakia Hussain, Penny Lewis, Leah Maddiss and Kate Bestwick volunteering at Cheltenham parkrun
Elsewhere Joanne Johnson was first female at Mallards Pike parkrun (22:18) and Vivienne Ravenhill was third female and first in her age category at Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve (24:52). There were fifth in gender finishes for Alistair Mathew in Jersey (18:57) and John Johnson at Mallards Pike (21:20). Chris McMahon took advantage of the school holidays to take on Plymvalley and Dave Nelson notched up another parkrun at Dean Castle Country Park, a hilly two-lapper in Scotland, while Neil Tring ran the new Three Brooks parkrun in Bristol.
Chris McMahon at Plymvalley parkrun
Dave Nelson at Dean Castle Country Park parkrun
Other parkruns with Almost Athletes representation this week were: Gloucester North, Great Field, King George V Playing Field, Kingsway, Lydney, Mount Edgcumbe, Peel, Perry Hall, Poolsbrook, Quakers Walk, Sandy Water, Skipton, Tewkesbury and Wollaton Hall.
Almosts Sizzle in the Sun
Race Report for 29 July by Andrew Lloyd
Two weeks have passed since a wet evening marked the conclusion of Almost Athletes Handicap Run Series involving four 7k runs pounding the streets of Leckhampton. This highly inclusive event opens the field to runners of all levels with surprising results. This year it was a first for the club as the shield was shared between Andrew Lloyd and Lee Chapman who tied on overall points. Better late than never then for the late arrival of summer. Johnny Rea celebrated by claiming first place at The Railway Ultra-Half Marathon in Telford at the weekend in a time of 1:30 beating his pb by 5:03. Further north Mark Willicott was completing the Montane Lakeland 100 in a time of 37:21 with the splendid backdrop of Coniston Water.
Closer to home a good contingent of Almosts travelled a short distance to the Wye Valley Tunnel Race for both the 10k and half marathon distances. In the 10k Jo Johnson was first Almost home in 49:05 closely followed by Ben King in 49:06. Staying in South Wales there were several participants at the Magor 10k where Josh Hand was first home in 38:55 while Dave McGrath finished in 41:27 making it a new age category record for the club. Steve Taylor also completed his 10k in 46:34.
In a different vein three Almosts accepted the challenge of the Clevedon SwimRun. Described by the organisers as a tough parkrun the event involves about 6k of running rudely interrupted by about 1k of cold water swimming in Clevedon marine lake. Phil Jeyes got over the finish in 1:04 with Steve Yarnold following in 1:23. Credit must go to novice Claire Hawes who drew fully upon her Almost resolve to complete the course despite near exhaustion.
Dave Nelson made a regular visit to his native Scotland for the Alford 10k. In hot and hilly conditions he ran the course in 1:10 beating his time for the same event last year by a sizable 3 minutes. Only the day before Dave had completed the tough Crathes Castle parkrun in 37:08.
Of course parkruns provided the usual opportunities for runners. Mallards Pike saw Sarah Wood as first lady overall home in 22:35 while husband Steve came first in his age category in 22:25. Neil Tring matched this with a first in age at Babbs Mill in 22:49 which also earned eleventh overall. Sue Low chalked up her 75th different parkrun at Pocket in Cambridgeshire while in the deep South West Chris McMahon took time out from the family holiday along with many others to run the Eden Project parkrun in 25:42 which was his 82nd event. At Newbury parkrun Patricia Dendy crossed the line in 40th overall place with a time of 21:36. More locally Elliot Jordan crossed the line at Cheltenham in 20:26 while Victoria Willoughby was first Almost female home in 25:41. There were other participants at Gorleston Cliffs, Ipswich, Gloucester North, Newport, Wycombe Rye, Burnley, Wotton, Wimpole Estate, Porthcawl, Keswick, Blandford, Hereford, Harecourt Hill, Sligo, Evesham, Tewkesbury, Mount Edgcumbe, Gloucester City, The Pastures, Severn Valley Country, Mundy, Ross-on-Wye, Stratford park, King George V, Beacon, Peel, University Parks, Holyrood, Wakehurst, and Y Promenad.
Finally and not for the first time Almosts have been active in supporting community running events. Credit must go to Sue Sturgeon for her role in delivering the inaugural Winchcombe Junior parkrun which was a great success. Mention also to Janine Bennett who was event director for the Cheltenham parkrun. This weekend becomes an Almost Cheltenham parkrun take-over with club members providing support across the entire course.
See a selection of photos below
Andrew Lloyd and Lee Chapman receive shared Handicap Run Series Shield
Johnny Rea – first position at The Railway Ultra – Half Marathon, Telford
Sue Low, Kate Berwick and Sue Sturgeon at Wye Valleys Tunnels 10k
Dave Nelson at Crathes Castle
Sarah Wood at Mallards Pike parkrun
Neil Tring at Babbs Mill
Team Almost Athletes at Wye Valley Tunnel Race
Chris McMahon at Eden Project parkrun
Sue Low at Pocket parkrun, Cambridge
A Racy Week Starts with the Blaisdon 10k
Race Report for 22 July by Dave Nelson
As summer progresses (sort of – no-one has told the weather!), Almost Athletes show no sign of letting up in their pursuits of races, medals, and PBs!
This past week saw a contingent from the club compete at the Blaisdon 10k last Tuesday. On a hot evening, Josh Hand was first home for the club, finishing 15th overall and 4th in category in 39:17. Not far behind was Patricia Dendy, who put in another outstanding performance to take 2nd female and 1st in category, coming home in 40:24. Also running were Matthew Hickman (40:33, 5th in category); Dave Elliott (50:33, 3rd in category); and Allan Green (52:07, 2nd in category) – some outstanding results from all those in purple at this one!
Moving on to the weekend, and a number of Almosts headed to the Wye Valley Tunnel races, which featured four separate race options. In the “Valley View” 10km, there was an excellent turnout of 13 of the purple army, with John Johnson leading them home in 45:26. He was followed by Joanne Johnson (49:05), who finished in an excellent position overall as 4th lady and 1st in age category. Joining them were Ben King (49:06, 2nd in category), Barry Irvine (54:53), Katie Coleman (55:25), Suzanne Rodger (1:06:04), Corinne Cooper (1:13:09), Ceinwen Davies (1:13:09), Sue Low (1:14:14), Kate Bestwick (1:15:59), Sue Sturgeon (1:16:54), Rachael Nolan (1:23:45), and Oliver Nolan (1:24:17).
There were also two half marathon options, with the first, the “Tintern Station Half Marathon”, attracting five Almosts. Jeanette Gullick came home first in 1:51:11, taking home first in her age category; and she was followed by Matt John (1:56:21), Graeme Stopp (1:59:07), Paul Jones (2:12:15) and Christopher Benjamin (2:45:22).
Going longer were Ingrid Harris, Allan Green, and Coralie Pearson, who all took on the 10-lap Wild One marathon in Worcester. Ingrid was first lady home, finishing in 4:06:47; while Allan took first in his age category in 5:09:37, and Coralie was second in hers in 5:56:57. Meanwhile, Karla Cleverley pulled double duty in Dorset over the weekend, first of all taking on the 12-hour Cider Frolic on Saturday, then following that up with the 10k Piggy Plod on Sunday. Karla’s 3-person team completed 4 laps each in the 12 hours of the Cider Frolic, taking 6th overall position.
Finally for racing, Olivia Wiles took on quite the challenge a couple of weeks ago in the form of the Man Vs Coast ultra. Comprising on 25 miles, 4,343ft of elevation, and including body boarding, rock climbing, scrambling and sea swims; Liv finished in 7:36 overall!
Away from racing, as always this weekend there was the standard plethora of parkruns taken on by club members. At Evesham, Sue Sturgeon, Elliott Jordan and Brian Maggs all finished first in their age categories; while Victoria Willoughby did likewise at Watermeadows parkrun in Towcester. At Lydney, Hamish Adamson finished second overall; as did Nick Lewis at King George V Playing Fields and Ben Taylor at Mundy. Meanwhile, Sarah Wood was first in her age category at Cheltenham, as was Lynne Macedo at Newent, Joanne Johnson at Gloucester City and Robert Foord at Mallards Pike. All told, 88 Almosts took part in 35 different parkrun events both at home and abroad.
A selection of photos are shown below
Almosts Take to the Water
Race Report for 15 July by Andrew Lloyd
An otherwise light week for events saw a decent turnout of Almost Athletes for the annual Lundy Island Half Marathon on sunday. Boarding a boat from Ilfracombe, the contingent disembarked on the Landmark Trust island for a challenging multi-terrain 14 mile course taking in many of its natural features and wildlife. Thankfully the weather remained kind and despite a few falls on the rugged landscape all who planned to get beyond the 3 hour cut-off at 10 miles managed to do so. First Almost home was Alison Hume in 3:18 closely followed by husband Rob in 3:19. They were followed by Coralie Pearson ( 3:38), Tim Perkins and Adele Steptoe (3:42), Ceinwen Davies ((3:50), Sam McGrath ( 3:50), Charlotte Jamieson (3:54) and Rachel Nolan (4:14). Special credit to Dave McGrath ( (3:50) and Steve Taylor (3:50) for their leadership and encouragement in seeing everyone over the finish line.
Staying on the nautical theme and in the South West, Philip Jeyes took on the Croyde Ocean Sprint Triathlon. The event involved a close to 1k ocean swim between an 18.5k bike ride and 5.5k trail run. Philip described the challenge as brutal but still managed completion in 2:28. By some way this was more difficult than the mid week Sprint Triathlon at Cromhall Quarry which he managed in 1:35. Staying local three Almosts completed the Tri in the Park at Pittville involving a 400m pool swim, 10k off road bike ride and 2.5k off road run. It was a first time for Amy Broomhall completing the challenge in 50:10 which earned her second female placing. Also attempting her first tri was Caroline Rea completing in a credit worthy 1:02 and earning 17th place female. Nicole Hope completed the trio of Almost finishes with
the fourth female placing in a time of 51:06.
Earning herself purple legend status this week was surely Hollie Galvin. Hollie completed the 100k non-stop Race to the Stones ultramarathon which traverses the ancient Ridgeway path between Uffington White Horse and the Avebury Stones. Hollie survived a fall at 16k and further health issues at 60k before walking through the night to finish with a gruelling last 3k sprint to achieve her sub 25 hour target in 24:56. A great achievement for Hollie.
Meanwhile in the capital Agata and Jan Pakula completed the Saucony London 10k in a time of 57:27. The same duo had completed the Bushy parkrun only 24 hours earlier in 27:06.
Elsewhere as usual parkruns kept many Almosts active. Almosts very own Peter Mitchener was run director at the Cheltenham parkrun last weekend where Lewis Jones was first Almost athlete home in 20:31 while Sarah Wood earned a ninth overall female placing in 23:22. Victoria Willougby recorded a course pb in 24:56 and a first in age category on her 60th appearance at the event. Meanwhile across town at King George V Playing Field parkrun Hamish Adamson got home in 23:35, Duncan Mounsor in 24:35 and Felicity Read in 29:44. Around the region Matt Polson completed a top 20 finish at Eastville Park, Bristol with a time of 20:25. Graeme Stopp and Kate Nichol were Almosts in a sizable entry at Banbury with times of 24;04 and 27:53 respectively. This was also a top 20 female placing for Kate.
Alison Hume (34:14), Coralie Pearson (42:45) and Rachel Nolan (49.04) warmed up for the Lundy Half Marathon at the Woolacombe Dunes parkrun. There were other Almost runners at Mile End, Stonehouse, Glossop, Severn Bridge, Tetbury Goods Shed, Kingsway, East Grinstead, Fulham Palace, Evesham, Tewkesbury, Llanerchaeron, Gloucester City Teignmouth Promenade, Trentham Gardens, Storeys Field, Sharpham Road and Promenade.
The summer of speed continued with two major events in the last few days. On Sunday, a huge contingent of 38 Almost Athletes either ran the Gloucester 10k or facilitated its enormous success by fulfilling vital volunteer roles. Our female runners once again took the team prize with Joanne Johnson (44:02), third overall and first in age group, Olga Goffin (43:56) second in age group, Sarah Wood (47:04) third in age group, and Amy Broomhall (49:44) successfully holding off other clubs. The were further top five age group finishes for Victoria Willoughby, Hayley Woolnough, Neil Tring, Iris Mayo and Cathy Booth. There were also PBs galore for Graeme Stopp, Philip Brewer, Johnny Rea and Josh Rimell.
A selection of photos are shown below
10k triumphs for the Almost Athletes
Race Report for 1 July by Josh Hand
The summer of speed continued with two major events in the last few days. On Sunday, a huge contingent of 38 Almost Athletes either ran the Gloucester 10k or facilitated its enormous success by fulfilling vital volunteer roles. Our female runners once again took the team prize with Joanne Johnson (44:02), third overall and first in age group, Olga Goffin (43:56) second in age group, Sarah Wood (47:04) third in age group, and Amy Broomhall (49:44) successfully holding off other clubs. The were further top five age group finishes for Victoria Willoughby, Hayley Woolnough, Neil Tring, Iris Mayo and Cathy Booth. There were also PBs galore for Graeme Stopp, Philip Brewer, Johnny Rea and Josh Rimell.
Monday evening’s slightly cooler conditions leant themselves to some impressive times at the ever-popular Frampton 10k. The women’s V40 category was dominated by impressive Almost Athlete performances: Katie Coleman won the age group and finished seventh overall in a time of 41:35, Joanne Johnson was second in age, running 46:01 and Polly Lane fourth in the category. John Johnson (42:41), Charmaine Brunt (50:05) and David Nelson (1:08:55) also completed the event, finishing in style on the ever beautiful and popular village green.
Meanwhile there were parkruns far and wide with Ben Stone at Wotton under Edge, his first event since September, Prashanth Sripathi and family in Southampton, Kate Bestwick in Lanhydrock and Sue Low in Hellbrunn parkrun, Salzburg. Numbers remained high at both Cheltenham and King George V with Dan Magovern running a fastest time in two years.
The club now looks ahead to the Cotswold Way Relay this weekend and is delighted to be sending three strong teams to compete in this fearsome yet beautiful challenge.