Thame 10k – 28th June
Caroline Johnstone reports: I’m sad to say that we had two firsts today:
1. For the first time in my being at the club we had no WH male racers at this team race. Injuries, life, and heat all play a part of course so I really hope we see lots of you at MotaVation and Didcot 5 (still places) this week coming.
2. There were no bibs! Stuck in South London for reasons unbeknownst to us, Thame did their best to remedy the situation with manual gun timing. Inevitably we don’t know when they’ll be published or how accurate they’ll be so this race report is going to be without rankings.
So, thanks to Strava, I can happily report that the ladies did brilliantly! Nicola, who has run this course many times, had no time for a warm up and still achieved 3 Strava segment PRs and her fastest 10k of 2026 with a sub-54 time. There was also a very strong sprint finish which she credited to Roger!
After securing race entry at the last minute Jas incredibly topped this with her all time 10k PB, sub-43 mins, which is extra impressive in this heat. Since joining the club last year Jas has gone from strength to strength so it’s great to see this come through in (Strava) race timings.
Lizzie K’s time is a bit of an unknown as she forgot to stop her watch but she breazily skipped past me with words of encouragement at around 5km and was quite a way ahead of me at the finish so I’m pretty sure she pipped my 45 min efforts with a sub-44. It is moments like these that make running so much better than other sports.
Important clarification: Nicola’s Thame 10k time has been corrected (using Strava) and I’m thrilled to say she finished 11th in her age category, top 20% overall and 4th (!!!) in the Oxfordshire Champions Vet40 category, only just missing out on a medal. Well done!!
Position | Name | Time (gun not chip) | Narrative |
110 | Jasmine Presho (SF) | 43:05 | |
128 | Lizzie Kelly (VF50) | 44:44 | Second VF50 (race & Oxon county) |
150 | Caroline Johnstone (VF40) | 45:45 | Second VF40 (race & Oxon county) |
321 | Nicola Leavesley (VF40) | 54:25 (Strava) |
Winning Time: 30:30 (course record) Number of Finishers: 780
Road Race Handicap Competition 2026
Results For Race 6 – Thame 10k
Caroline Johnstone has taken over the lead from Ed King. Both have completed 4 qualifying races. Nicola Leavesley is third but has only completed three races.
Name | Time | Decimal Time | Handicap % | Handicap Time | Points Race 6 | Total Points (Position) |
James Bolton | n/a | n/a | 100% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Liz O’Farrell | n/a | n/a | 68.2% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Juan A G Diaz | n/a | n/a | 90.6% | n/a | n/a | 39 |
Ed King | n/a | n/a | 81.6% | n/a | n/a | 64 (2) |
Claire Court | n/a | n/a | 71.4% | n/a | n/a | 45 |
David Rees | n/a | n/a | 65.0% | n/a | n/a | 22 |
Neil Preddy | n/a | n/a | 60.5% | n/a | n/a | 21 |
Harry Rowlings | n/a | n/a | 90.6% | n/a | n/a | 39 |
James Leavesley | n/a | n/a | 90.5% | n/a | n/a | 24 |
James Groves | n/a | n/a | 89.8% | n/a | n/a | 19 |
Christian Orr | n/a | n/a | 84.7% | n/a | n/a | 13 |
Ian Lee | n/a | n/a | 80.5% | n/a | n/a | 52 |
Alan Harrison | n/a | n/a | 75.1% | n/a | n/a | 21 |
Caroline Johnstone | 45:45 | 45.750 | 78.1% | 35:44 | 22 | 68 (1) |
Rob Earle | n/a | n/a | 71.2% | n/a | n/a | 41 |
Jess Tallman | n/a | n/a | 72.8% | n/a | n/a | 44 |
Adrian Smith | n/a | n/a | 74.5% | n/a | n/a | 17 |
Anna Henderson | n/a | n/a | 65.6% | n/a | n/a | 15 |
Caroline Sloan | n/a | n/a | 65.3% | n/a | n/a | 14 |
Gavin Morgan | n/a | n/a | 87.0% | n/a | n/a | 26 |
Katherine Jones | n/a | n/a | 84.1% | n/a | n/a | 11 |
Rob Linnell | n/a | n/a | 82.7% | n/a | n/a | 25 |
Jenna Harris | n/a | n/a | 79.0% | n/a | n/a | 39 |
Jasmine Presho | 43:05 | 43.083 | 78.0% | 33:36 | 25 | 47 |
Daniel Smith | n/a | n/a | 78.0% | n/a | n/a | 27 |
Ralf Arneil | n/a | n/a | 78.0% | n/a | n/a | 10 |
Lizzie Kelly | 44:44 | 44.733 | 78.0% | 34:53 | 23 | 43 |
Grace Harrison | n/a | 27.083 | 86.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Florian Combe | n/a | n/a | 79.0% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Kirsty Lee | n/a | n/a | 76.2% | n/a | n/a | 27 |
Ross Nutter | n/a | n/a | 77.5% | n/a | n/a | 01 |
Warwick Morris | n/a | 29.050 | 77.5% | n/a | n/a | 10 |
Andy Pike | n/a | n/a | 78.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Sarah Kerswell | n/a | n/a | 64.3% | n/a | n/a | 50 |
Louis Warden | n/a | n/a | 70.0% | 20:58 | n/a | 42 |
Kirsty Thompson | n/a | n/a | 70.0%E | 20:57 | n/a | 42 |
Liz Welsh | n/a | n/a | 65.1% | 22:19 | n/a | 36 |
Jill Lumsden | n/a | n/a | 70.9% | n/a | n/a | 04 |
Rachael Organ | n/a | n/a | 70.7% | 22:39 | n/a | 12 |
Will Hudson | n/a | n/a | 71.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Iain Claxton | n/a | n/a | 67.0% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Nicola Leavesley | 54:25 | 54.417 | 62.5% | 34:01 | 24 | 58 (3) |
Tim Davies | n/a | n/a | 66.5% | n/a | n/a | 08 |
Kevin Pritchett | n/a | n/a | 63.5% | n/a | n/a | 07 |
Vicky Walker | n/a | n/a | 65.1% | 30:57 | n/a | 05 |
Marc McLening | n/a | n/a | 65.0% | 22:31 | n/a | 10 |
Val Berryman-B | n/a | n/a | 64.9% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Justin Elias | n/a | n/a | 61.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Emma Elias | n/a | n/a | 61.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Sarah Davies | n/a | n/a | 58.5% | 24:45 | n/a | 00 |
Angus Claxton | n/a | n/a | 100% | 21:05 | n/a | 20 |
Jack Eaglestone | n/a | n/a | 61% | 22:59 | n/a | 03 |
Jon Mason | n/a | n/a | 85% | 23:00 | n/a | 02 |
Freckleton Half Marathon – June 21st
Not just any half marathon, this event is reckoned to be the oldest half marathon in the country, starting in 1965. In addition, this year’s race was the 50th women’s edition, inaugurated in 1977. Freckleton is in the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, between Blackpool and Preston. Andrew says he “suffered a bit with the heat but took it steady to run even paced to ensure I got under 2 hours in 1.56.42”. Andrew did not improve his club MV70 record from May.
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
184 | Andrew Battye (MV70) | 1:57:03 (1:56:42) | First MV70 |
Winning Time: 1:14:02 Number of Finishers: 505
Grindleford Fell Race – June 18th
A quick dash up the hill and then a splash across the Derwent…7.7km and 220m of climbing in the Hope Valley, Derbyshire. The route is well marshalled and partially taped, suitable for newcomers to fell racing and requires no local knowledge or navigational skills.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
177 | Andrew Battye (MV70) | 52:50 | First MV70 |
Winning Time: 33:04 Number of Finishers: 313
Swansea Half Marathon – June 7th
A popular flat and fast, coastal race in Wales along fully closed roads with extensive views of the sea. Katherine Jones was selected to represent Wales and can be seen wearing her red vest in the photos.
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
424 | Katherine Jones (FV35) | 1:28:05 (1:27:52) |
Winning Time: 1:03:42 Number of Finishers: 6985
Ridgeway Chase 60k – May 30th
Organised by Runaway Racing.
Ralf Arneil reports: This race is the first 60k of the Ridgeway from Ivinghoe Beacon to Wallingford. The course is undulating, many short and sharp ascents but on trail. 22% who started DNF’d probably due to the heat, it was hard going.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
28 | Ralf Arneil (MV50) | 7:49:16 | Fourth MV50 |
Winning Time: 4:59:00 Number of Finishers: 63
Mota-vation 2 (Oxford) – May 29th
Caroline Johnstone reports: 31 WH runners braved the heat and sweated out this fast course. Despite the tough conditions it bought out the best in us, with some powerful demonstrations of resilience, smart race strategies and flat out speed.
In terms of resilience of particular note were Kirsty L who suffered a foot injury at 3km but kept on going to finish an impressive 6th VL40; and James B who took on his first race since Feb, despite only recently returning to running, and ran at a faster pace than he’d hoped to finish 2nd VM50.
Inevitably in that kind of heat it’s sensible to adapt your race strategy and it was really good to see that in practice: Sarah D sensibly walked a middle portion before pushing herself to run again for the latter parts; Adrian did several short stops along the route and maintained a strong pace in-between; Jack a new WH racer did the classic set off too fast but regulated himself and slowed to a better pace; and we had several Woodstock Harriers running together – Vicky, Nicola and Liz who all came in just under 35 mins; and Kirsty T and Louis who finished in just under 30 mins. Great approaches all!
We also had a number of runners who did really well despite having to show restraint to prepare for other races and/or support their recovery – well done Grace (14th overall), Katherine (19th overall), Jas (34th overall) and Ralf (34th VM50).
For the rest of us, it was a case of go as fast as we can. Jon M smashed his first WH race finishing 23 VM40 and perhaps more importantly, winning the wine spot prize; Marc did a stunning sprint finish to pass someone just before the line; Gavin stormed round to be our third male finisher and 14th VM40; Rob L followed very closely behind as 19th VM50; Neil was as ever smiling as he finished 35th in the VM60 category. Kevin, Tim and Warwick ran well finishing in 36mins, 34 mins and 29 mins respectively . Ian ‘Gladiator’ Lee finished 21st VM40, and in only his second race for WH Daniel Smith had another great race and finished an impressive 14th in the U19M category. In the women’s race we had strong performances from Lizzie W and Rachael who both finished in the top half of runners (38th SL and 48th SL respectively) and hats off to super speedy Jenna who was our fastest WH lady and finished 8th overall.
If that wasn’t enough we also had 5 prize winners, the most I’ve seen in my time at WH. Sarah K won a bottle of wine for 2nd VL60 and got to pick up a second for her same placing in Round 1. Lizzie K just keeps getting quicker. She was 4th VL50 in Round 1 behind twos Sarahs and a Sally but this time she beat the Sarahs to finish 2nd VL50 and collect some wine. Just Sally to go now! I also picked up a bottle for 3rd VL40. In the men’s, James B got some wine for 2nd VM50 and a huge round of applause needs to go to Angus, who came 3rd overall out of 260 runners, only one second behind 2nd place. What a result!
As ever, cheers on the day from other runners and supporters is a big contributor to these results. Thanks in particular go to our marshalls, Mike and David W, without which none of us could have raced, and of course, also to our supporters – Sue C, Dave C, Andy, James G and Carey. Thanks and well done all!
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
3 | Angus Claxton (SM) | 21:05 (21:05) | Second SM |
30 | James Bolton (VM50) | 23:17 (23:15) | Second VM50 |
79 | Gavin Morgan (VM40) | 25:29 (25:25) | |
86 | Jenna Harris (SL) | 25:50 (25:44) | |
102 | Robert Linnell (VM50) | 26:27 (26:18) | |
110 | Ian Lee (VM40) | 26:51 (26:37) | |
125 | Grace Harrison (SL) | 27:10 (27:05) | |
129 | Jon Mason (VM40) | 27:18 (27:04) | |
135 | Katherine Jones (SL) | 27:43 (27:39) | |
143 | Lizzie Kelly (VL50) | 27:53 (27:46) | Second VL50 |
146 | Daniel Smith (U19M) | 28:06 (27:59) | |
151 | Caroline Johnstone (VL40) | 28:14 (28:01) | Third VL40 |
168 | Jasmine Presho (SL) | 28:47 (28:41) | |
183 | Kirsty Lee (VL40) | 29:17 (29:01) | |
185 | Warwick Morris (VM50) | 29:18 (29:03) | |
187 | Ralf Arneil (VM50) | 29:22 (29:09) | |
205 | Sarah Kerswell (VL60) | 30:09 (29:56) | Second VL60 |
206 | Kirsty Thompson (SL) | 30:12 (29:56) | |
208 | Louis Warden (VM40) | 30:13 (29:57) | |
242 | Adrian Smith (VM50) | 31:26 (31:02) | |
268 | Rachael Organ (SL) | 32:35 (32:02) | |
302 | Tim Davies (VM50) | 34:26 (33:59) | |
311 | Elizabeth Welsh (SL) | 34:50 (34:17) | |
315 | Marc-Stuart Mclening (VM50) | 35:12 (34:39) | |
325 | Liz O’Farrell (VL50) | 35:23 (34:50) | |
324 | Nicola Leavesley (VL40) | 35:23 (34:51) | |
322 | Vicky Walker (VL40) | 35:23 (34:50) | |
333 | Kevin Pritchett (SM) | 36:08 (35:40) | |
362 | Jack Eaglestone (SM) | 38:20 (37:41) | |
368 | Neil Preddy (VM60) | 39:03 (38:30) | |
404 | Sarah Jane Davies (VL40) | 42:59 (42:19) |
Winning Time: 20:42 Number of Finishers: 425
Road Race Handicap Competition 2026
Results For Race 5 – Mota-vation 2 (Oxford)
Name | Time | Decimal Time | Handicap % | Handicap Time | Points Race 5 | Total Points (Position) |
James Bolton | 23:15 | 23.250 | 100% | 23:15 | 00 | 00 |
Liz O’Farrell | 34:50 | 34.833 | 68.2% | 23:45 | 00 | 00 |
Juan A G Diaz | n/a | n/a | 90.6% | n/a | n/a | 39 |
Ed King | n/a | n/a | 81.6% | n/a | n/a | 64 (1) |
Claire Court | n/a | n/a | 71.4% | n/a | n/a | 45 |
David Rees | n/a | n/a | 65.0% | n/a | n/a | 22 |
Neil Preddy | 38:30 | 38.500 | 60.5% | 23:17 | 00 | 21 |
Harry Rowlings | n/a | n/a | 90.6% | n/a | n/a | 39 |
James Leavesley | n/a | n/a | 90.5% | n/a | n/a | 24 |
James Groves | n/a | n/a | 89.8% | n/a | n/a | 19 |
Christian Orr | n/a | n/a | 84.7% | n/a | n/a | 13 |
Ian Lee | 26:37 | 26.617 | 80.5% | 21:26 | 18 | 52 (2) |
Alan Harrison | n/a | n/a | 75.1% | n/a | n/a | 21 |
Caroline Johnstone | 28:01 | 28.017 | 73.8% | 20:41 | 23 | 46 |
Rob Earle | n/a | n/a | 71.2% | n/a | n/a | 41 |
Jess Tallman | n/a | n/a | 72.8% | n/a | n/a | 44 |
Adrian Smith | 31;02 | 31.033 | 74.5% | 23:07 | 01 | 17 |
Anna Henderson | n/a | n/a | 65.6% | n/a | n/a | 15 |
Caroline Sloan | n/a | n/a | 65.3% | n/a | n/a | 14 |
Gavin Morgan | 25:25 | 25.417 | 87.0% | 22:07 | 14 | 26 |
Katherine Jones | 27:39 | 27.650 | 84.1% | 23:15 | 00 | 11 |
Rob Linnell | 26:18 | 26.300 | 82.7% | 21:45 | 16 | 25 |
Jenna Harris | 25:44 | 25;733 | 79.0% | 20:20 | 24 | 39 |
Jasmine Presho | 28:41 | 28.683 | 78.0% | 22:22 | 11 | 22 |
Daniel Smith | 27:59 | 27.983 | 78.0% | 21:08 | 19 | 27 |
Ralf Arneil | 29:09 | 29.150 | 78.0% | 22:44 | 04 | 10 |
Lizzie Kelly | 27:46 | 27.767 | 78.0% | 21:39 | 17 | 20 |
Grace Harrison | 28:05 | 27.083 | 86.5% | 23:25 | 00 | 00 |
Florian Combe | n/a | n/a | 79.0% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Kirsty Lee | 29:01 | 29.017 | 76.2% | 22:07 | 14 | 27 |
Ross Nutter | n/a | n/a | 77.5% | n/a | n/a | 01 |
Warwick Morris | 29:03 | 29.050 | 77.5% | 22:31 | 10 | 10 |
Andy Pike | n/a | n/a | 78.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Sarah Kerswell | 29:56 | 29.933 | 64.3% | 19:15 | 25 | 50 (3) |
Louis Warden | 29:57 | 29.950 | 70.0% | 20:58 | 21 | 42 |
Kirsty Thompson | 29:56 | 29.933 | 70.0%E | 20:57 | 22 | 42 |
Liz Welsh | 34:17 | 34.283 | 65.1% | 22:19 | 12 | 36 |
Jill Lumsden | n/a | n/a | 70.9% | n/a | n/a | 04 |
Rachael Organ | 32:02 | 32.033 | 70.7% | 22:39 | 07 | 12 |
Will Hudson | n/a | n/a | 71.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Iain Claxton | n/a | n/a | 67.0% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Nicola Leavesley | 34:51 | 34.850 | 62.5% | 21:47 | 15 | 34 |
Tim Davies | 33:59 | 33.983 | 66.5% | 22:36 | 08 | 08 |
Kevin Pritchett | 35:40 | 35.667 | 63.5% | 22:39 | 07 | 07 |
Vicky Walker | 34:50 | 34.833 | 65.1% | 30:57 | 05 | 05 |
Marc McLening | 34:39 | 34.650 | 65.0% | 22:31 | 10 | 10 |
Val Berryman-B | n/a | n/a | 64.9% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Justin Elias | n/a | n/a | 61.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Emma Elias | n/a | n/a | 61.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Sarah Davies | 42:19 | 42.317 | 58.5% | 24:45 | 00 | 00 |
Angus Claxton | 21:05 | 21.083 | 100% | 21:05 | 20 | 20 |
Jack Eaglestone | 37:41 | 37.683 | 61% | 22:59 | 03 | 03 |
Jon Mason | 27:04 | 27,067 | 85% | 23:00 | 02 | 02 |
Mike says: Some important notes:
Please don’t be despondent if you have zero points for your effort on Thursday. The original rules, written over 20 years ago, assumed that there would be a maximum number of 25 runners in any particular Handicap race with 25 points awarded to the first on handicap and 1 point for the 25th.
This year, your Committee has decided to include all 5 Mota-vation races in the Handicap Competition as well as the Grand Prix events. This attracted 42 members for the first Mota-vation race and 31 for the second Mota-vation– a magnificent effort. Next year I can change the rules to allow for this.
My additional problem is that I have had to estimate some handicaps for those who have not completed a 10K race over the last year and some whose first competitive race the first or second Mota-Vation races were. If you feel that this calculation is unjust, please let me know and we can discuss a possible amendment for the remaining events between now and November 29th.
Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon – May 24th
Starting and finishing in Campbeltown, the course crosses the Mull of Kintyre peninsula between the Firth of Clyde and the Sea of Hebrides with 2 miles run over sand dunes and a beach. Andrew Battye set a male over-70 age-group club record.
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
79 | Andrew Battye (MV70) | 1:52:38 (1:52:26) | 2nd MV70 |
Winning Time: 1:17:18 Number of Finishers: 206
Blenheim 7k & 4 Mile Fun Runs – May 17th
One lap of the park. The 7k includes an off-road section by the side of the lake with an extra hill back to the road. The four mile course follows the tarmac around and is slightly shorter. There is also a kids one mile race. Over 1300 participants in total.
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
41 | Kirsty Lee (FV40) | 32:55 (32:53) | First (FV40) second female |
211 | Justin Elias (MV55) | 40:57 (40:47) | |
251 | Emma Elias (FV45) | 42:00 (41:52) | |
353 | Jack Eaglestone (SM) | 46:02 (44:10) | |
507 | Tiffany Hickman (SF) | 48:04 (47:18) | |
22 | Sarah Davis (FV45) | 46:33 (46:15) | 7k+dog |
2 | Ed White (MV35) | 27:13 (27:10) | Second 4M+buggy |
Winning time: 25:49 Number of finishers: 1248 (7k) 55 (7k+dog) 29 (4M+buggy) 2 (4M wheelchair)
Cotswold Maverick Ultra – May 16th
Starting and finishing at Studley Castle, Gloucestershire, the ultra has a distance of 51km and an elevation of 1383m. The route is a loop around the western escarpment of the Cotswolds, taking on sections of several long distance paths, passing through or near Charlton Abbots, Cutsdean, Broadway Tower, Broadway, Stanton, Stanway, Hailes and Winchcombe.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
44 | Sophie Carter (FV40) | 5:41:03 | Second FV40, fourth female |
76 | Ross Nutter (MV40) | 6:09:29 |
Winning time: 3:59:56 Number of finishers: 190
Holymoorside 10k – May 10th
The 10k race passes through scenic Derbyshire countryside (near Chesterfield) along quiet country lanes. Starting at the Village Hall, the course runs uphill for 4km and then winds across the moor before descending back into the village with a fast downhill finish. The race is run on the road with a lap of the village playing fields at the finish. The race and Fun Run are organised by 1st Holymoorside Scout Group as part of their fundraising activities.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
82 | Andrew Battye (MV70) | 51:16 | First MV70 |
Winning time: 35:11 Number of finishers: 228
Leiden Marathon – May 10th
A flat loop through a 900-year-old city, nine Dutch villages and the Green Heart, a landscape of polders, windmills, canals and curious cows. Starting at Breestraat in the heart of ancient Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt. An Abbott World Masters and Boston Marathon qualifier.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
27 | James Leavesley (MV45) | 2:49:23 | First MV45 |
Winning time: 2:12:46 Number of finishers: 2450 (no recording after 6 hours)
Oxford Town & Gown 10k – May 10th
Caroline Johnstone reports: Congratulations to all the Woodstock Harrier Town and Gown-ers today. By my counting (dubious at best) we had 9.5 racers (incl. baby) fighting for space amongst a very crowded field of runners, and they delivered strong performances all round. Of particular note is Shan G (1:13:40) and Kirsty C (1:01:55), who both recently completed the C25k with us and have now gone onto double their distance in a very short space of time. Really well done! There’s no stopping you now!
Amazingly all the other female racers had competed in another race in the last 11 days or less (Mota-vation or Milton Keynes 10k) which makes their times even more impressive: Caroline S (53:26), Emma E (57:06), Kirsty T (47:59) and Sarah D (1:06:32). Iain C (51:03) upped the anti even more with two races in that window, making him a three-races-in-eleven-days-hero. Jon Mason was our second speediest runner coming in with a swift 46:57 but Ed White is the hero of the day after finishing in 40 minutes on the nose while also pushing a baby in a pram! Incredible! Well done all!
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
222 | Ed White | 40:15 (40:00) | + baby |
936 | Jon Mason | 48:17 (46:57) | |
2010 | Kirsty Thompson | 56:27 (47:59) | |
2613 | Iain Claxton | 59:31 (51:03) | |
3012 | Caroline Sloan | 1:01:54 (53:26) | |
3602 | Emma Elias | 1:05:34 (57:06) | |
4154 | Kirsty Colquhoun | 1:10:37 (1:01:55) | |
4926 | Sarah Davies | 1:17:36 (1:06:32) | |
5370 | Shan Gray | 1:23:07 (1:13:40) |
Winning time: 31:32 Number of finishers: 5817
Silverstone 10k – May 6th
2026 was the 41st running of the race, which attracts a large entry. One and half laps of the full Grand Prix circuit starting on the straight and finishing in the pit lane. The smooth tarmac and almost flat course mean that there is real PB potential. Suitable for wheel chair and handcycle competitors. First race of the season of the East Midlands GP.
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
111 | Gavin Morgan (MV45) | 38:26 (38:20) | |
431 | Kirsty Thompson (FV35) | 45:22 (45:15) |
Winning time: 32:03 Number of finishers: 1698
Chalgrove Festival 10k – May 4th
Caroline Johnstone reports: A small but mighty team of 10 WH runners was assembled at the 11th hour to give us a full female and male team to take on the Chalgrove 10k this morning. Despite my description of the course as flat, it really wasn’t and we all agreed that the second half was just painful. Thankfully Ross was taking photos in the first half when we were all blissfully naïve. Particularly so in my case as I misinterpreted the signs as miles not km so thought I was actually flying and half way through the race when I was just a third of the way through, doh!
Regardless, the results were outstanding, even though we didn’t win any medals (sob, sob), which were limited to first place individuals in broad categories (senior/veterans).
Of the 139 female racers, all four of us finished in the top 15, which must make us the winning team (no team results published though, unfortunately, but it will contribute to our Grand Prix team ranking which we’ll find out in a few days). Katherine led the way as usual storming home to 4th place overall and 2nd female senior. Kirsty and I ran the first part of the race together which was great, and finished in 14th and 10th respectively. Lizzie as ever paced it brilliantly and stormed past us in the second half to finish 8th overall in a speedy 43.54, not quite a PB but not far off. Had the race had a 50-60 age category (which is the norm, but for this race all 40+ were lumped together as ‘veterans’) she would have come 1st. We was robbed!
The men also did brilliantly. We had last minute entries from David R and Marc and they did not disappoint. With legs still feeling the MotaVation race they persevered and worked hard till the end, and in David’s case stormed past two people on the home straight. They finished in 53 and 54 minutes respectively. Leading the pack for the men were Christian and Ed, who were only seconds apart and finished in just over 40 minutes, 3rd and 4th in the 40-50 category, had that been recognised. But the big drum roles for the men need to go to Iain and David W. Iain was first of 11 in VM70 and David W was first of 21 men in the 60-70 category. Again these were not recognised because of the broad senior/veteran split but they are valued by us and although they didn’t get any hardware, they certainly deserved it.
Excellent running all round, well done, and thanks as ever to our supporters, Mike and Ross, for cheering us through the pain!
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
21 | Christian Orr (MV) | 40:22 | |
22 | Ed King (MV) | 40:38 | |
28 | Katherine Jones (SF) | 41:38 | Second SF |
30 | David Watkinson (MV) | 42:05 | First MV60 |
45 | Lizzie Kelly (FV) | 43:54 | First FV50 |
49 | Caroline Johnstone (FV) | 44:17 | |
61 | Kirsty Lee (FV) | 45:58 | |
145 | Iain Claxton (MV) | 51:51 | First MV70 |
173 | David Rees (MV) | 53:43 | |
181 | Marc-Stuart Mclening (MV) | 54:25 |
Winning Time: 33:33 Number of Finishers: 324
Road Race Handicap Competition 2026
Results For Race 4 – Chalgrove 10k
Name | Time | Decimal Time | Handicap % | Handicap Time | Points Race 4 | Total Points (Position) |
Juan Diaz | n/a | n/a | 90.6% | n/a | n/a | 39 |
Ed King | 40:38 | 40.633 | 81.6% | 33:09 | 24 | 88 (1) |
Claire Court | n/a | n/a | 71.4% | n/a | n/a | 45 (3) |
David Rees | 53:43 | 53.717 | 65.0% | 34:55 | 20 | 42 |
Neil Preddy | n/a | n/a | 60.5% | n/a | n/a | 21 |
Harry Rowlings | n/a | n/a | 90.6% | n/a | n/a | 39 |
James Leavesley | n/a | n/a | 90.5% | n/a | n/a | 24 |
James Groves | n/a | n/a | 89.8% | n/a | n/a | 19 |
Christian Orr | 40:22 | 40.367 | 84.7% | 34:11 | 23 | 36 |
Ian Lee | n/a | n/a | 80.5% | n/a | n/a | 34 |
Alan Harrison | n/a | n/a | 75.1% | n/a | n/a | 21 |
Caroline Johnstone | 44:17 | 44.283 | 73.8% | 32:41 | 25 | 48 (2) |
Rob Earle | n/a | n/a | 71.2% | n/a | n/a | 41 |
Jess Tallman | n/a | n/a | 72.8% | n/a | n/a | 44 |
Adrian Smith | n/a | n/a | 74.5% | n/a | n/a | 16 |
Anna Henderson | n/a | n/a | 65.6% | n/a | n/a | 15 |
Caroline Sloan | n/a | n/a | 65.3% | n/a | n/a | 14 |
Gavin Morgan | n/a | n/a | 87.0% E | n/a | n/a | 12 |
Katherine Jones | 41:38 | 41.633 | 84.1% | 35:01 | 19 | 30 |
Rob Linnell | n/a | n/a | 82.7% | n/a | n/a | 09 |
Jenna Harris | n/a | n/a | 79.0% E | n/a | n/a | 15 |
Jasmine Presho | n/a | n/a | 78.0% E | n/a | n/a | 11 |
Daniel Smith | n/a | n/a | 78.0% E | n/a | n/a | 08 |
Ralf Arneil | n/a | n/a | 78.0% E | n/a | n/a | 06 |
Lizzie Kelly | 43:54 | 43.900 | 78.0% | 34:15 | 22 | 25 |
Grace Harrison | n/a | n/a | 86.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Florian Combe | n/a | n/a | 79.0% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Kirsty Lee | 45:58 | 45.967 | 76.2% | 35:02 | 18 | 31 |
Ross Nutter | n/a | n/a | 77.5% | n/a | n/a | 01 |
Warwick Morris | n/a | n/a | 77.5% E | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Andy Pike | n/a | n/a | 78.5% E | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Sarah Kerswell | n/a | n/a | 64.3% | n/a | n/a | 25 |
Louis Warden | n/a | n/a | 70.0% | n/a | n/a | 21 |
Kirsty Thompson | n/a | n/a | 70.0% E | n/a | n/a | 20 |
Liz Welsh | n/a | n/a | 65.1% | n/a | n/a | 24 |
Jill Lumsden | n/a | n/a | 70.9% | n/a | n/a | 04 |
Rachael Organ | n/a | n/a | 70.7% | n/a | n/a | 05 |
Will Hudson | n/a | n/a | 71.5% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Iain Claxton | 51:51 | 51.850 | 67.0% | 34:44 | 21 | 21 |
Nicola Leavesley | n/a | n/a | 62.5% | n/a | n/a | 19 |
Tim Davies | n/a | n/a | 66.5% E | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Kevin Pritchett | n/a | n/a | 63.5% E | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Vicky Walker | n/a | n/a | 65.1% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Marc McLening | 54:25 | 54.417 | 65.0% E | 35:22 | 17 | 17 |
Val Berryman-B | n/a | n/a | 64.9% | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Justin Elias | n/a | n/a | 61.5% E | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Emma Elias | n/a | n/a | 61.5% E | n/a | n/a | 00 |
Sarah Davies | n/a | n/a | 58.5% E | n/a | n/a | 00 |
David Watkinson | 42:05 | 42.083 | 85.4% | 35:56 | 16 | 16 |
E = Estimated handicap
Milton Keynes Marathon – May 4th
Harry Rowlings reports: Didn’t quite get my GFA (Good For Age) time which is a little disappointing, but can confirm MK is not the place to try for a marathon PB. The first part of the race on the closed roads is nice, but when you get to the single paths and hills they don’t lend themselves to keeping much rhythm.
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
79 | Harry Rowlings (SM) | 2:56:20 (2:56:18) | |
443 | Sophie Carter (FV45) | 3:29:26 (3:29:01) |
Winning Time: 2:25:36 Number of Finishers: 2216
Mota-vation 1 (Charlton-on-Otmoor) – April 30th
Tom Preskett reports: Last night was the first Mota-vation race of the year. 42 Harriers (42!) travelled the short distance to Charlton-on-Otmoor to run 2 laps around the village with 433 other runners. That’s up from 25 last year. The weather was pleasant and the vibe was friendly. Of the 19 ladies, the highest place category finish was Sarah K who was 2nd in VL60. Well done. In VL50: Caroline S and Valerie ran strongly in their first Mota-vation race as did veteran racers Claire and Jill finished 11th and 12th in the same category. Also in VL50, Lizzie K came through the pack to grab 4th and 3 minutes faster than last year! In VL40, Sarah, Emma and Vicky all finished fast and got big cheers. Veteran WH racer Nicola ran well for 18th in this category. Jessica and Kirsty were excellent as always for 7th and 9th in VL40. In the SL category, Lizzy W and Rachael ran together and were smiling as usual. Lizzy of course sprinted off at the end. Also smiling was Kirsty in her first WH team race for 18 months. Welcome back! Grace has been managed injury issues this year but still turned out for us to be inside the top 20 SL. You don’t have to be 100% to run in a team race. Everyone is welcome. Jasmine, in her first road race for us, ran strongly post Paris marathon, as did Jenna, in her first race for the club. She has an ultra tomorrow and was 12th overall female! Finally, Katherine – post marriage – turned up and smashed it – 4th overall. As a team, with 4 ladies in the top 30 we’ll have made a strong start in the team competition.
Of the 23 men, the highest category place was again our most senior (in years and wisdom). Iain was 6th in VM70. Well done. In VM60 El Presidente Neil ran a consistent race. As always, the 50 something blokes were well represented, Justin finished fast in his fastest paced race to date. Marc ran with Neil and used his Tokyo marathon legs to sped up considerably at the end. Tim enjoyed his debut race – hope to see you again soon. Veteran racer Will managed his body well and had a rapid finish. Veteran of the veterans, Andy, back in the group after a 5 year gap, ran in his OG WH vest. A fine sight. Warwick, Ralf and Rob L did what they do best. Turn up, run hard, deliver. Thanks guys. In VM40, Louis did what he always does, ran with the smile and finished fast. Ross, Robbie and Florian ran as a pack and held a good pace. Ian, running his first WH team road race, was passing people throughout and finished just behind Ed (Mr. consistent racer 2026) who looked good in his perfectly fitting vest. Also debuting was Gavin. Fresh off a fast Brighton marathon he came through strong on the 2nd lap to be 3rd WH home. Welcome mate. Leading us home and 9th VM40 was Juan. Great to have you back this year running well. Just behind Juan, in SM, was Harry. With a marathon in a few days he was managing his effort and was still 56th overall. One of the best sights of the day was seeing Kevin run his first WH team race after 9 years as a club member! It’s never too late people. Finally, the Smith family. Two were watching and two were running. Adrian, as usual, ran well (five days after a backwards London marathon) but performance of the day was Daniel’s. The furthest he’s ever ran. Sensibly mostly ran with Ralf, paced it well and finished strong. It’s also a novelty nice to have someone in the U19M category.
A big thanks to our marshal contributors: Jack, James B and Mike. Also, supporting were Alan, Caroline and David W – taking pictures out on the course. (sorry if I missed anyone). What a good night for the club. 42 must be a record!?!.
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
51 | Juan Angel Gonzalez Diaz (VM40) | 31:06 (31:06) | |
56 | Harry Rowlings (SM) | 31:35 (31:35) | |
80 | Gavin Morgan (VM40) | 32:57 (32:47) | |
102 | Katherine Jones (SL) | 34:09 (34:06) | Fourth female |
103 | Ed King (VM40) | 34:15 (34:14) | |
113 | Robert Linnell (VM50) | 34:47 (34:34) | |
117 | Ian Lee (VM40) | 34:55 (34:31) | |
137 | Jenna Harris (SL) | 35:50 (35:15) | |
163 | Jasmine Presho (SL) | 36:49 (36:15) | |
165 | Daniel Smith (U19M) | 36:54 (36:41) | |
169 | Ralf Arneil (VM50) | 37:03 (36:51) | |
174 | Lizzie Kelly (VL50) | 37:13 (36:38) | Fourth VL50 |
180 | Jessica Tallman (VL40) | 37:22 (36:45) | |
181 | Grace Harrison (SL) | 37:25 (36:51) | |
184 | Florian Combe (VM40) | 37:30 (36:54) | |
187 | Robert Earle (VM40) | 37:34 (37:00) | |
188 | Kirsty Lee (VL40) | 37:35 (36:51) | |
190 | Ross Nutter (VM40) | 37:41 (37:07) | |
194 | Warwick Morris (VM50) | 37:49 (37:15) | |
207 | Andrew Pike (VM50) | 38:31 (37:58) | |
212 | Sarah Kerswell (VL60) | 38:39 (38:28) | Second VL60 |
224 | Louis Warden (VM40) | 39:02 (38:28) | |
230 | Kirsty Thompson (SL) | 39:13 (38:30) | |
247 | Adrian Smith (VM50) | 39:47 (39:11) | |
259 | Claire Court (VL50) | 40:25 (39:42) | |
267 | Elizabeth Welsh (SL) | 40:46 (40:02) | |
273 | Jill Lumsden (VL50) | 40:54 (40:10) | |
276 | Rachael Organ (SL) | 40:58 (40:14) | |
319 | Will Hudson (VM50) | 43:30 (42:54) | |
328 | Iain Claxton (VM70) | 43:56 (42:38) | |
334 | Nicola Leavesley (VL40) | 44:05 (43:20) | |
335 | Tim Davies (VM50) | 44:07 (44:07) | |
364 | David Rees (VM60) | 45:42 (44:27) | |
371 | Kevin Pritchett (SM) | 46:13 (45:33) | |
377 | Caroline Sloan (VL50) | 46:42 (45:16) | |
386 | Vicky Walker (VL40) | 47:33 (46:09) | |
387 | Marc-Stuart Mclening (VM50) | 47:36 (46:29) | |
396 | Valerie Berryman-bousquet (VL50) | 48:12 (47:25) | |
410 | Justin Elias (VM50) | 48:58 (47:34) | |
421 | Emma Elias (VL40) | 49:52 (48:28) | |
423 | Neil Preddy (VM60) | 50:03 (48:56) | |
443 | Sarah Jane Davies (VL40) | 52:37 (51:26) |
Winning Time: 27:13 Number of Finishers: 473
Road Race Handicap Competition 2026
Results For Race 3 – Mota-vation 1 – Charlton-on-Otmoor
Name | Time | Decimal Time | Handicap % | Handicap Time | Points Race 3 | Total Points (Position) |
Juan A G Diaz | 31:06 | 31.100 | 90.6% | 28:11 | 16 | 39 |
Ed King | 34:15 | 34.250 | 81.6% | 27:57 | 18 | 64 (1) |
Claire Court | 40:25 | 40.417 | 71.4% | 28:51 | 07 | 45 (2) |
David Rees | 45:42 | 45.700 | 65.0% | 29:42 | 00 | 22 |
Neil Preddy | 50:03 | 50.050 | 60.5% | 30:17 | 00 | 21 |
Harry Rowlings | 31:35 | 31.583 | 90.6% | 28:37 | 14 | 39 |
James Leavesley | n/a | n/a | 90.5% | n/a | n/a | 24 |
James Groves | n/a | n/a | 89.8% | n/a | n/a | 19 |
Christian Orr | n/a | n/a | 84.7% | n/a | n/a | 13 |
Ian Lee | 34:55 | 34.916 | 80.5% | 28:06 | 17 | 34 |
Alan Harrison | n/a | n/a | 75.1% | n/a | n/a | 21 |
Caroline Johnstone | n/a | n/a | 73.8% | n/a | n/a | 23 |
Rob Earle | 37:34 | 37.567 | 71.2% | 26:45 | 23 | 41 |
Jess Tallman | 37:22 | 37.367 | 72.8% | 27:12 | 22 | 44 (3) |
Adrian Smith | 39:47 | 39:783 | 74.5% | 29:38 | 00 | 16 |
Anna Henderson | n/a | n/a | 65.6% | n/a | n/a | 15 |
Caroline Sloan | 46:42 | 46.700 | 65.3% | 29:03 | 02 | 14 |
Gavin Morgan | 32:57 | 32.950 | 87.0% E | 28:40 | 12 | 12 |
Katherine Jones | 34:09 | 34.150 | 84.1% | 28:43 | 11 | 11 |
Rob Linnell | 34:47 | 34.783 | 82.7% | 28:46 | 09 | 09 |
Jenna Harris | 35:50 | 35.833 | 79.0% E | 28:18 | 15 | 15 |
Jasmine Presho | 36:49 | 36.817 | 78.0% E | 28:43 | 11 | 11 |
Daniel Smith | 36:54 | 36.900 | 78.0% E | 28:47 | 08 | 08 |
Ralf Arneil | 37:03 | 37.050 | 78.0% E | 28:54 | 06 | 06 |
Lizzie Kelly | 37:13 | 37.217 | 78.0% | 29:02 | 03 | 03 |
Grace Harrison | 37:25 | 37.417 | 86.5% | 32:22 | 00 | 00 |
Florian Combe | 37:30 | 37.500 | 79.0% | 29:37 | 00 | 00 |
Kirsty Lee | 37:35 | 37.583 | 76.2% | 28:38 | 13 | 13 |
Ross Nutter | 37:41 | 37.683 | 77.5% | 29:12 | 01 | 01 |
Warwick Morris | 37:49 | 37.817 | 77.5% E | 29:18 | 00 | 00 |
Andy Pike | 38:31 | 38.517 | 78.5% E | 30:14 | 00 | 00 |
Sarah Kerswell | 38:39 | 38.650 | 64.3% | 24:51 | 25 | 25 |
Louis Warden | 39:02 | 39.033 | 70.0% | 27:19 | 21 | 21 |
Kirsty Thompson | 39:13 | 39.217 | 70.0% E | 27:27 | 20 | 20 |
Liz Welsh | 40:46 | 40.767 | 65.1% | 26:32 | 24 | 24 |
Jill Lumsden | 40:54 | 40.900 | 70.9% | 28:59 | 04 | 04 |
Rachael Organ | 40:58 | 40.967 | 70.7% | 28:58 | 05 | 05 |
Will Hudson | 43:30 | 43.500 | 71.5% | 31:06 | 00 | 00 |
Iain Claxton | 43:56 | 43.933 | 67.0% | 29:26 | 00 | 00 |
Nicola Leavesley | 44:05 | 44.083 | 62.5% | 27:33 | 19 | 19 |
Tim Davies | 44:07 | 44.116 | 66.5% E | 29:20 | 00 | 00 |
Kevin Pritchett | 46:13 | 46.217 | 63.5% E | 29:21 | 00 | 00 |
Vicky Walker | 47:33 | 47.550 | 65.1% | 30:57 | 00 | 00 |
Marc McLening | 47:36 | 47.600 | 65.0% E | 30:56 | 00 | 00 |
Val Berryman-B | 48:12 | 48.200 | 64.9% | 31:17 | 00 | 00 |
Justin Elias | 48:58 | 48.967 | 61.5% E | 30:07 | 00 | 00 |
Emma Elias | 49:52 | 49.867 | 61.5% E | 30:40 | 00 | 00 |
Sarah Davies | 52:37 | 52.617 | 58.5% E | 30:46 | 00 | 00 |
E = Handicap estimated
Mike Shipway adds some important notes: Please don’t be despondent if you have zero points for your effort on Thursday. The original rules, written over 20 years ago, assumed that there would be a maximum number of 25 runners in any particular Handicap race.
This year, your Committee has decided to include all 5 Mota-Vation races in the Handicap competition as well as the Grand Prix events. This attracted 42 members – a magnificent effort. Next year I can change the rules to allow for this.
My additional problem is that I have had to estimate some handicaps for those who have not completed a 10K race over the last year and some whose first competitive race the first Mota-Vation was. If you feel that this calculation is unjust, please let me know email and we can discuss a possible amendment for the remaining events between now and November 29th.
London Marathon – April 27th
James Groves reports: After @~Adrian Smith gallantly put in the nightshift running a safety lap of the course (in reverse) the night before, the sun rose to bathe Blackheath with glorious, though not particularly welcome, sunshine. At 9.39 yellow wave 2 set off through one of 3 start lines on a speedy downhill 5km section, where the main aim was to avoid catching heels as everyone jostled for space.
Things went well through Cutty Sark and over Tower Bridge, I and managed to hit halfway in just under 1.5hours. Turning right I got to see the awesome Eilish McColgan heading for home as I headed in the opposite direction to Canary Wharf. As the heat picked up, I was darting into every shower and grabbing every water bottle – what fun marathons are!
But then came km 31. My quads slowly turned to concrete, and my form to a shuffle. The 3-hour pacer ran past, followed by the 3.05 pacer – disappearing into the distance like a physical manifestation of my marathon dream. The crowds calling my name turned from cheers to jeers, time slowed, and 10km felt impossible. I even stopped for a minute in a tunnel for a short pity party before remembering @~Ed King’s kind words of “Don’t be shit”. I plodded onwards.
Spirits were lifted by seeing @~Caroline Johnstone at mile 21 (ingenious use of a harrier vest on a broom!) and my family at mile 25 (emotional hugs were had) before the grind past Big Ben, past Bucky-Palace and on to the Mall for a 3.10 finish. A healthy PB, plenty of learnings and an even greater respect for the distance secured.
Happy, humbled and incredible to have run the same race where 2 hours was broken. Thank you Harriers for the club place, and all your words of encouragement – but for now I’m sticking to the shorter stuff (though I’ve heard Abingdon is a fast course?!)
Alan Harrison reports: Thanks @~James for your report of yesterday, very eloquent. I only have a couple of additional points to add below.
1) I didn’t see Daddy Pig
2) Harry Styles wasn’t there
3) It was EXTREMELY busy with runners : this is the 3rd time I have run it, and it was much busier than I experienced before
4) I managed NOT to fall over (even though some clowns made very strong attempts to take me down)
5) The spectator support was totally INSANE – it is always well supported but yesterday was crazy. I did still manage to hear or see some supporters Caroline & Marc, and some work colleagues (but missed my son & his family!)
6) I dispensed with 4 toenails over this campaign, and a 5th is currently considering an evacuation
7) On the plus side, I did not suffer any chafing (Vaseline is a miracle) – and that is even with @~Ed King shaming me into purchasing a new WH vest as my belly was sticking out from beneath my old-style holey Rab C Nesbitt vest…
8) And as usual, I cried when I eventually crossed the finish line, but also when I spoke with any volunteer/official afterwards, and also when any member of the public congratulated me as I made my way home!
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
4952 | James Groves (MV45) | 3:10:11 | |
10162 | Alan Harrison (MV55) | 3:31:27 |
Winning time 1:59:30 (World Record) Number of finishers: c.60,000 (probably another world record)
Dronfield 10k – April 19th
A two-lap road race set in Dronfield Woodhouse, just south of Sheffield. The course is an undulating route on partly closed roads.
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
271 | Andrew Battye (MV70) | 49:50 (49:37) | First MV70 |
Winning time: 35:24 Number of finishers: 858
Bath & Bristol Railway Races – April 19th
Ralf Arneil reports: A well organised race from Bath to Bristol and back again along the disused railway line. Very scenic route through the countryside with long treelined stretches. There’s a 10k, HM, 25k, Marathon and 50k race to choose from and a 2m fun run for the kids. Would recommend this event for it’s unique setting.
10k
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
154 | Sherrey Tysom (FV40) | 57:01 |
Winning time: 36:38 Number of finishers: 388
50k
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
16 | Ralf Arneil (MV50) | 4:38:42 | Third MV50 |
Winning time: 3:48:12 Number of finishers: 62
Paris Marathon – April 12th
One of the largest number of entries of any marathon, although not classed as a world major. Fun fact: the current edition has been going since 1976, however there was a Paris race over 40km in 1896 won by an Englishman, just a few weeks after the Athens Marathon.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
10723 | Jasmine Presho (SF) | 3:32:06 |
Winning time: 2:05:18 Number of finishers: 57,430
Henley River Half Marathon – April 11th
Jonathan Wilford reports: Under clear spring skies and with the Thames glinting alongside much of the route, the Henley River Half Marathon provided a stunning backdrop for runners setting off at 10:00 sharp. Among them were Jonathan Wilford and Lizzie Kelly, both arriving at the start line with something to prove.
The course is known for its scenic beauty, winding stretches along the riverbank offering peaceful views and a steady rhythm underfoot. But it’s not without its bite — one particularly steep hill stands out, testing both legs and resolve before runners can settle back into the flatter, more forgiving sections.
Jonathan Wilford delivered a strong performance, especially impressive given his recent recovery from illness. Running with controlled determination, he crossed the finish line in 1:43:34, securing 54th place out of 511 runners and an excellent 11th place in the V35 category. His effort showed resilience and smart pacing, building momentum as the race unfolded.
Lizzie Kelly’s run told an equally compelling story. After six weeks out with a hip injury, simply making the start line was a victory in itself. But she went far beyond that. Running with grit and composure, she finished in 1:51:34, placing 122nd overall — and remarkably, 1st in the V50 category. A triumphant return, marked by both strength and experience.
Both runners handled the course’s challenges with confidence, pushing through the tough climb and taking full advantage of the flatter riverside stretches. Their performances reflect not just fitness, but determination — overcoming setbacks to deliver standout results on a beautiful but demanding course.
A memorable day in Henley, with two inspiring runs to match the scenery.
Position | Name | Time (Chip) | Narrative |
55 (54 chip) | Jonathan Wilford (MV40) | 1:44:08 (1:43:34) | |
123 (122 chip) | Lizzie Kelly (FV50) | 1:52:09 (1:51:34) | First FV50 |
Winning time: 1:19:46 Number of finishers: 511
Shapwick Bunny Hop – April 6th
A multi-terrain run of approximately 7.5 miles around the lanes and footpaths of Shapwick and Shapwick Heath in the deepest Somerset levels.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
5 | James Groves (MV40) | 49:22 | First MV40 |
Winning time: 45:21 Number of finishers: 132