Runners of the Month, 2025

We all know that Zak is not one of the speed demons with in our club, but what she lacks in the speed department, she sure makes up in “Grit, Determination and Perseverance”.

Zak started the month of at the Alderton 5k which she completed in 32.05, but this was just the warm up to what I could only say, was one of Zak’s must rewarding months.

You see, Zak manages a condition called Endometriosis, which causes a lot of pain and discomfort to her. But she has never let it define her, only using it to drive her on to achieve what she wants to do.

So, with this in mind Zak embarked off to London and joined the crowd at Putney Bridge for the start of Thames Path 100k finishing at Henley in a fantastic time of 29hr 45.02, but also raising over £1500 for Endometriosis UK in the process. The fund raising that Zak does is not just limited to the one charity, as 2 weeks after her mammoth adventure she’s back on it at the Cheltenham 10k Race, this time raising funds for Sue Ryder by way of a PB in 1hr 11.14. With 2 PB’s done over different distances, Zak came to do her second Super Half Race, this time in the Welsh capital Cardiff. Having achieved a PB in Berlin on her first in April and with all the extra training she had already done, could she go out there and smash it again.

Yes of course she could, it wouldn’t be Zak any other way really. Half Marathon PB 2hr 37.20.

One month of Zak’s life is 3 PB’s in races, 1 National diversity award nomination and only she knows how many cakes baked for the numerous bake sales and races. She says she works, but I for one don’t believe that with everything happening in her life.

Continue doing what you are doing Zak, and remain that shining light that you are.

If you’ve ever been greeted by a warm smile mid-race or cheered on during a tough session, chances are it was Prashanth Sripathi. A true cornerstone of our running community, Prash brings kindness, consistency, and quiet brilliance to everything he does — whether he’s clocking miles, coordinating volunteers, or chasing George the swan and his cygnets with a camera in hand.

Mileage Milestone

To date, Prash has run an incredible 1,031 miles, often exploring picturesque vistas wherever his work schedule takes him. From cityscapes to countryside trails, his runs are a moving postcard of all things avian!

Cheltenham Half in Costume

This year, Prash donned the penguin costume for the Cheltenham Half Marathon in memory of Rich Walklate – a gesture that touched many. He delighted children along the course and even caught the attention of BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Mark Smith, who interviewed him, among others post-race thanks to Kate’s partner Mark.

Parkrun Legend

A regular parkrun stalwart, Prash completed his 500th parkrun on 6th September 2025, now totalling 506 parkruns across 53 locations in the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden.

He’s also volunteered 645 times at his local parkrun, where he serves as Volunteer Coordinator, and regularly supports Cheltenham Juniors parkrun and club races like the Meteor Mile.

Community Spirit & Curiosity

Prash is a familiar face at Monday track sessions, cheering others on and pushing himself with quiet determination. He’s known for photographing George the swan and family during runs, and recently chased down the Lions at Large – Pride of Gloucestershire trail in August.

Resilience & Support

Even while recovering from injury, Prash never steps away from the community. He continues to volunteer, support fellow runners, and uplift others with his gentle encouragement and warm presence.

Club Handicap Champion

A regular in our club’s handicap races, Prash proudly won the first race of our 2024 season, showing that perseverance and heart go a long way.

Cross Country Contributor

As a dedicated cross country team member, Prash embraces the mud, grit, and camaraderie that come with the terrain. His presence on the team adds depth, encouragement, and a steady dose of good humour.

Cheerleader-in-Chief

Above all, Prash is a friend to many, and cheerleader to anyone he sees — a quiet force of joy, generosity, and grit. September belongs to him, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Well done Prash!

Victoria’s journey is a beautiful reminder that running isn’t just about pace—it’s about presence. With a smile at every start line and a kind word for everyone she meets, she brings light, laughter, and quiet strength to our community.

We celebrate her incredible achievements and the joy she brings to every mile:

1 Mile – At this year’s Meteor Mile, Victoria blazed through with a V55 club record of 06:58. A moment that turned heads—and warmed hearts.

5K – With 108 parkruns to date (24 this year!), she’s a Cheltenham Pittville regular. Her August PB of 24:10 shows just how much she’s still growing. And when she clocked 23:56 at Alderton 5K, she followed it up the very next day with a 1st in age category at Coln Valley 10K. That’s grit wrapped in grace.

10K – At Angels 10K in September, Victoria claimed 1st in age category and a county champion silver medal, finishing in 48:52. She runs with purpose—and it shows.

Half Marathon – Last month, at 59 years old, Victoria achieved her half marathon PB at Cheltenham: 1:46:27. A milestone that speaks volumes about her dedication, courage, and love for the sport.

But Victoria’s story isn’t just about finish lines—it’s about showing up:

Winner of the fourth handicap race in July

Cross-country team member, Wednesday clubrun regular, and Monday track session enthusiast

Cotswold Way Relay runner (Leg 5 with Duncan and Thom)

Adventurer at heart—recently completing the Walk The Wall 6-day, covering 16 miles a day, with brilliant vistas, excellent accommodation, tea and cake with clubmate Julia.

Victoria, you are a treasure. Your journey reminds us that joy is powerful, kindness is contagious, and progress is always possible. You lift the club with every step—and we’re so proud to celebrate you .

From parkrun novice to marathon machine, Carl’s journey is a masterclass in grit, gratitude, and growth.

It all began in early 2022, when Carl signed up for the London Marathon to honour Maggie’s whilst indulging in his favourite tipple — the charity that supported his wonderful wife and fellow club member Melanie during the pandemic. What started with his favourite tipple and a dream, soon became a mission of miles and meaning.

Since then, Carl has levelled up across every distance:

5K – 272 parkruns and counting, with a PB of 24:38 at Ross-on-Wye. He’s a regular at Cheltenham and a parkrun tourist across the UK and abroad, such as England, Wales, Scotland, Jersey and Germany.

10K – Carl’s latest 10K at Stratford Big 10K was a strong 51:29, and he smashed a course PB at Pershore Plum with 53:25 prior to Stratford. Carl is consistent, determined, and always chasing that next breakthrough.

Quarter Marathon – Apperley Quarter Marathon, Carl became a rising star in this niche distance, achieving a course PB by nearly 4 minutes at 55:49s. Carl’s pace and endurance have flourished through club races, both in on- and off-road challenges.

Half Marathon – His first sub-2 hour half at London Landmarks was a huge milestone: 1:58:54. A testament to his training, tenacity, and heart.

Full Marathon – From London to Manchester, Carl’s marathon story is one of resilience. He beat his London time at Manchester despite picking up an injury mid-race. That’s the spirit of a true runner, achieving a time of 05:46.

Beyond the finish lines, Carl’s a Wednesday night regular, a handicap race contender, and a familiar face at Michael’s sessions. He shows up, lifts others, and keeps pushing his own limit, not to mention supporting Melanie and facing the old tumble .

We’re so proud to celebrate you, Carl. Your journey reminds us that strength isn’t just in the legs—it’s in the love, the purpose, and the perseverance.

We celebrate a runner whose love for the long run is matched only by her love for community, creativity, and kindness. July’s Runner of the Month is the brilliant Elzbieta Antosiewicz, known to many as @ultrarunninggirl, and to her Almosts family simply as Ela.

Since joining Almost Athletes in 2019, Ela has quietly conquered 6,484 miles, climbed 130,990 ft, and completed 31 races—each one a story of grit, grace, and good humour.

In June, she completed the Morzine-Avoriaz 50KM Ultra in the French Alps, in 13:19:19, facing scorching temperatures, epic climbs, and emotional highs with her signature modesty. Her second-fastest 50K came at LadyBower Reservoir Ultra in October 2024, just behind her personal best at Dartmoor Discovery Ultra in 2023.

Ela’s love of running spills into every corner of her life. She’s completed 62 parkruns, often alongside her siblings, and even turned up on Christmas Day dressed as an elf—because joy is part of her stride. She volunteers at races, cheers others on with bubbly warmth, and brings the same energy to fundraising for Sue Ryder Hospice and Maggie’s. Who could forget her orange cardboard house costume at Cheltenham Half in 2023?

Beyond the trails, Ela shines on stage with The Cotswold Savoyards, performing in productions like Rock of Ages and Dracula. And now, she shares her adventures with Bean, her Italian greyhound, who’s just as speedy and soulful.

Ela’s unassuming nature, creative spirit, and deep generosity make her a cherished part of our community. That’s why she’s our July Runner of the Month.

Here’s to  Elzbieta Antosiewicz —trailblazer, elf, artist, and friend.

Another honour goes to a runner whose quiet strength, mountain spirit, and unwavering resilience have left a lasting impression on our community. July’s Runner of the Month is the phenomenal Lepha McCartan.

Lepha is a long-distance enthusiast whose love for the trails, coastlines, and mountains is matched only by her modesty and grit. Her journey is one of quiet power—never loud, always inspiring.

Since breaking her ankle atop Snowdon during Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS) in May 2024—and getting herself down unaided—Lepha has gone from strength to strength. In May 2025, she returned to UTS to bury those demons, conquering 11,000ft of elevation over 50K in under 11 hours, placing in the top 28% of a race where 214 runners DNF. A truly astonishing feat.

Her most recent triumph was the Lakeland 50-miler, a notoriously tough ultra involving 10,000ft of elevation and technical terrain. Lepha placed in the top 16% for her gender, doing her club proud once again.

These performances weren’t built on “B or C” races. She earned her stripes through events like:

– Arc of Attrition – 25 miles of cold January coastline, placing in the top 18% for gender.

– Tea & Trails Marathon – placing in the top 25% overall.

Whether she’s racing or training, Lepha brings the very best of attitudes. She leads by example, lifts others with her calm encouragement, and reminds us that strength can be quiet—and fierce.

Here’s to – Lepha Mccartan – mountain conqueror and July’s Runner of the Month.

Among the Almost Athletes, few embody quiet determination and all-round athleticism quite like Catherine Daly. A longstanding member of the club for over 11 years, Catherine’s dedication spans far beyond the running track—she’s a force across parkruns, ultras, swimming, cycling, and even the Lido triathlon!

This year alone, she signed up for the Cotswold Way Relay 2025, taking on Leg 1 alongside Richard, Mark, and Craig—just one of the many ways she proudly represents the club.

Catherine’s approach to training is nothing short of inspiring. She follows rigorous plans with perseverance and focus, regularly attending Michael’s hill sessions and Fi’s Thursday speed workouts in Pittville. These sessions have helped her build strength and stamina, propelling her to remarkable heights.

Catherine has conquered not one, but three 100K ultra races:

– Race to the Stones (2023)

– Race to the King (2023) – a sweltering day that tested her resolve but never broke her stride

– Cotswolds Ultra 100K (June 2025) – on the hottest day of the year, she ran an astonishing 15 hours and 46 minutes, climbing over 6,985ft in elevation. With unwavering support from her husband Ian, friends Lepha, Dave Roger’s, DC (armed with snacks and Callipo lollies), virtual cheerleaders including Debs, and her parents (who provided a frozen bag of peas for the journey home!), Catherine claimed 20th place overall and 4th lady home. A phenomenal feat that coincided with her birthday—what a way to celebrate!

In 2024, Catherine smashed through the 4-hour barrier at the Chester Marathon, adding another proud chapter to her running journey.

Closer to home, Catherine is a devoted parkrunner. With 319 parkruns across 30 locations, she’s often seen touristing with friends and consistently placing in the top three for her age category.

So far in 2025, Catherine has covered a staggering 1,096 miles and climbed 93,542ft in elevation. And the year’s not over yet—there’s still time for a few more miles, Catherine!

A true embodiment of resilience, discipline, and community spirit, Catherine Daly continues to inspire with every step. Here’s to the miles ahead and the memories yet to be made.

Since joining Almost Athletes, Steve Youngs has quietly but confidently carved out his place in the club — and what a journey it’s been. A lockdown runner turned dedicated club regular, Steve is now a familiar face at Michael’s hill rep sessions and Wednesday social runs, where he consistently challenges himself in the faster under-10-minute-mile groups led by Steve T or Dave M. One of many Steves in the club, ‘Battledown Steve’ has certainly made his mark!

Steve’s commitment to parkrun is nothing short of inspiring. With Pittville as his local, he’s racked up an impressive 92 parkruns since 2023 — 84 of those in Cheltenham alone, including at KGV. He’s even taken his parkrun passion international, running as far afield as the Netherlands. His fastest time to date stands at a swift 23:55, achieved in 2024. And on New Year’s Day this year, he celebrated a milestone: 54 parkruns in just 12 months.

Beyond the numbers — 397 miles run and 24,177 feet climbed in elevation — Steve’s dedication to fitness extends into the pool. He swims nearly every day, and in February 2025, he clocked a 21st-century PB: 1,094 yards in 22 minutes and 32 seconds. That’s some serious cross-training!

Steve’s enthusiasm and consistency haven’t gone unnoticed. Coaches and LiRFs alike commend his drive to improve and his positive presence at sessions. He’s the kind of runner who lifts the spirit of the group — quietly determined, always encouraging, and never afraid to push his limits.

And finally, a fun fact to round things off: despite his height, Steve has yet to bump his head on the famously low beams of the King’s Head in Cleeve. A feat worth celebrating in its own right — thanks to Stephen H for that gem!

Congratulations, Steve — your energy, commitment, and good humour make you a true asset to the Almost Athletes community.

The first runner of the month for May is Ben Spurrier. Ben joined the club 2 years ago and regularly attends Thursday evening speed endurance sessions which have certainly helped him run much longer races than the half marathons he did in 2023 in 1:56 at Cheltenham and 1:54 at Stroud. Last year he progressed up to a full marathon and completed Manchester marathon in 4 hours and 1 second. He then completed the 100k Race to the Stones in an impressive 15:22:10. After that he smashed his half marathon PB at Cheltenham by 13 minutes with 1:41:00. But this year he has significantly increased the challenge by taking on the Thames Path 100 miles which he completed in under 24 hours in 23:42:25, which is simply amazing and is a club record for his age category. Well done Ben!

The second runner of the month for May is Agata Pakula. Agata has also been a member for a couple of years. She has been a keen parkrunner at Cheltenham since 2019 having now done 162 parkruns at 9 different locations. She joined the club to broaden her running, regularly enjoying the Wednesday club run. Last year she took on 2 10k races and finished 3rd in her age category in the road race series. This year she has tackled 3 half marathons with 2:08:29 at Forest of Dean, 2:03:58 at Gloucester and 2:05:11 at Chester. She has also run 3 very consistent 10k times of 55:50 at Chester, 56:15 at Berkeley and 57:24 at Cirencester. And ran a very impressive 1:33:08 at the Boddington 10 mile race and is currently leading her age category in this year’s road race series. Well done Agata!

The first runner of the month for April is Patricia Dendy. Pat’s running recently has just been truly extraordinary! She finished last year with a bronze in her age category at the Gloucestershire AAAs road race awards and finished the Gloucestershire cross country season with an individual gold medal at Pittville. Since then she was the first Gloucestershire senior female in the UK Inter Counties cross country championships in 34.03. She has also won her age category at Linda Franks in 31.29, smashed her PB and the FV40 club record at Boddington 10 miles in 1:06.04, won her age category and set a new PB of 39.09 at Bourton 10k. She then beat that at the Birmingham 10k in 38.50 with another club record and has been selected for the England Masters 10k team. She also won a gold medal and bagged yet another club record at the Bourton 1 mile in 5.43 and recently set a parkrun PB of 18.55. A-MA-ZING! Well done Pat!

The second runner of the month for April is Johnny Rea. Johnny is another runner whose recent performances have been astonishing! He started the year with a course PB at Linda Franks of 30.44 and since then has set a string of new PBs. At Cheltenham parkrun he ran a PB of 19.04 and then smashed that at the Cardiff 5k with a time of 18.22. He beat his half marathon PB with a time of 1:26.57 at the Wokingham Half. And then at Newport marathon he obliterated his previous PB with an amazing time of 3:07.24. Johnny also gives back to other runners on a regular basis as a LiRF at our club runs, he was a 45 minute pacer at the Gloucester 10k race and most recently trained to be a VI guide for Yahya Pandoor on a 15k run which included Cheltenham parkrun on the very busy summer course! Johnny is a real inspiration and role model to others at the club. Well done Johnny!

The first runner of the month for March is Ashley Wilson. Ashley joined the club 6 months ago and is a lovely young chap who is very friendly and he has fully embraced the club by regularly attending the Thursday speed endurance sessions. He has been attending Cheltenham parkrun since Christmas Day 2022 and his times were improving each year. Since joining the club the improvement has spectacularly increased! Last year he got down to 21:22 and has already taken nearly a minute off that this year to 20:30, which is a full 7 minutes quicker than his first parkrun. A sub 20 parkrun is inevitable! In every race this year he has set great times with Linda Franks in 33.08, Bourton 10k in 41:21, Brighton Half in 91:13 and then knocked 2 minutes off that at Gloucester Half in 89:09. All of these are PBs! Well done Ashley!

The second runner of the month for March is Pinky Shetty. Pinky has been a member of the club for many years. She also started her running with Cheltenham parkrun back in 2015. Since 2018 she has been tackling local races over distances of 5 miles and 10k. Back in December she got quite a surprise when she heard that her name was pulled out the hat for a club London Marathon place and she confessed to me that she was so nervous but excited too! Since then she has tirelessly been training for this race and recently had a super run at Berkeley 20 miles, where she made the cut off to lap two, was happy and strong on the day and finished smiling in 4:13.44. Pinky really has put in the hard work with dedicated training and I’m sure she will have a fabulous experience in London! Go smash it! Well done Pinky!

The first runner of the month for February is Riley Woodman. Riley is one of our younger runners who returned to racing last year. As well as representing the club in races he has also thrown himself into club activities as a regular attender of club run and the Thursday speed endurance sessions. As a result his race times are rapidly improving! Last year he popped under 20mins with a PB of 19:57 at Stratford parkrun, ran Guy Fawkes 5 mile in a PB of 32:59 and ran a PB at Berkeley 10k of 47:56. This year his main focus is training for Edinburgh marathon and the PBs have continued by smashing his parkrun PB by 47 seconds at Gloucester City to 19.10, setting a 10 mile PB at Boddington in 69.02 and a half PB of 89.54 at Warwick which he has just bettered at Gloucester half with 88:48. Well done Riley!

The second runner of the month for February is Sue Pearce. Sue is a fabulous runner who had lots of success last year which has continued into the new year. Last year she won her age category in our off-road race series, by being first in 6 of the 7 races, and came a superb second overall. She also took part in 3 of the races in our road race series and finished 3rd in her age category. She finished in the top 10 females regularly in races with 2nd at Standish Woodland Chase 10 miles in 78:17, 8th at Bugatti 10k in 46:16, and 5th at Cleeve Cloud Cuckoo in 45:29, where she was part of the winning female team. She was also first female when she ran a parkrun PB at Berkeley in 22:01. Recently she took part in 3 of the Gloucestershire League Cross Country races and won the bronze medal for her age category! She also regularly attends club run and will fill as a leader if required. Well done Sue!

The first runner of the month for January is Elliot Jordan. Elliot had a very successful year with his running last year and the improvement has continued spectacularly over recent months! Elliot is a big supporter of club activities, regularly attending club run and our training sessions, represents the club in cross country races and takes part in our handicap races. Last year he was second overall in our road race series and won his age category. He was also 2nd in his age category overall in our off road race series. He is a regular runner and volunteer at parkrun getting under 20 mins a couple of times last year and is now consistently a sub 20 parkrunner and even paced 20 mins recently! Last week he set a new PB of 19.17. He has also recently set a 5 mile PB at Linda Franks in 32.05 and a Half marathon PB at Torremolinos of 87.53 which is not an easy course! Amazing times! Well done Elliot!

The second runner of the month for January is Ingrid Harris. Ingrid is an astonishing runner knocking out great times over any distance and is also a prolific marathon runner. Last year she won her age category in both our road race series and off road race series. But more impressive was that she finished 4th and 5th overall in these series! Last year she was regularly winning her age category and did so in the following races – Cleeve Cloud Cuckoo, Bugatti 10k, Standish Woodland Chase 10 miles, Stroud Half, Bourton Half, Dymock Half, Forest of Dean Half, Westonbirt Half, Wild One Marathon and Giants Head Marathon. There was probably more too! And this year her Linda Franks time of 38.51 earned her an 8th place UK age category ranking whilst her Bath Two Tunnels Half time of 1:49.36 earned her a 105th place UK age category ranking! Simply awesome! Well done Ingrid!