Bath Half Marathon - Sunday 15th March 2026
This weekend Bourton Roadrunners’ members sought out a variety of different races, demonstrating a range of interests and targets. With the Bath Half Marathon stealing the news headlines on Sunday, with over 12000 runners, many of whom were in training for big city races such as London Marathon, two Bourton Roadrunners were there in the mix.
Barry O’Leary had a strong run, maintaining a consistent pace throughout the 13.1 miles, finishing in one hour, 57 minutes and 40 seconds. He was followed by Bobby Burns in 2:12:27, and is in training for Lisbon Marathon.
Joining Barry and Bobby was Melissa Samuel, who originally joined the club through one of its Couch to 5K programmes, is now in serious training for this year’s Great North Run. Melissa gave a brilliant performance, demonstrating what can be achieved, finishing in 2:43:33.
Alnwick Castle Trail Half Marathon - Sunday 15th March 2026
Further afield, Craig and Louise Colwyn travelled to Northumberland for the challenging Alnwick Castle Trail Half Marathon. In addition to absorbing the beauty of the surrounding countryside, Craig was using this challenging event as a recovery run following his recent epic ultra race across the arctic circle, while Louise is in training for a number of big city races.
Running together, the couple enjoyed the natural beauty of the trail route around this lovely countryside Estate, finishing in two hours, 27 minutes and 15 seconds.
Pendock Spring Chicken - Sunday 15th March 2026
Bourton Juniors were also in action this weekend at the demanding Pendock Spring Chicken races, demonstrating that it is not all just about screen-time for youngsters.
Rising star Edward Hare continued his recent form, finishing first again this year in the multi-terrain 5Km race, with a stunning time of 18 minutes and 31 seconds. He was followed by Jake Rowlands, who was second overall, in 20:30.
Eilidh Gillies and Jacob Bell, both under 13 year olds, gave fine performances in the 1Km Fun Run achieving 5:11 and 5:54 respectively; times that many adults would be proud of.
Fission 20 - Sunday 15th March 2026
Kieran Vallance travelled to Berkely for the Fission 20 mile race, part of this year’s Gloucestershire AAA County RoadRace series, and used by many local runners for their pre-London Marathon training. Keiran gave a sound performance finishing in 3 hours, 22 minutes and 40 seconds.
Podium Classic 5K - Saturday 14th March 2026
Kevin Goodwill continues to find and take-on new challenges across a range of distances and terrains. This weekend he travelled to Leicester for the Podium Classic 5Km, where he demonstrated strength and quality amongst some very good runners, achieving a time of 19 minutes and 11 seconds. Kevin referred to it as “a little leg sharpener” before next week‘s Gloucester Half Marathon.
Brechfa Trail Half Marathon - Saturday 15th March 2026
Jaq Underwood always seems to find really special events, showcasing the beauty of Britain’s countryside. This Saturday it was the Brechfa Trail Half Marathon, in picturesque Carmarthen, Dyfed, one of Wales’ best-kept secrets.
Running with a friend through serene pine forests and stunning panoramic views, Jaq made light-work of the challenges to finish in two hours, 43 minutes and 5 seconds.
Parkrun - Saturday 14th March 2026
No weekend would be complete without a Park Run, and this week Bourton Roadrunners’ Stephanie Lane gave a special
performance leading home a field of 95 participants at the Fire Service College in a time of 19:39 and first overall. Meanwhile, the club’s members could be
found at the following venues:
Chipping Norton School: Lee Smith – 30:28, Giles Canning – 31:47, Gill Carrick – 31:47.
Cottesloe, Western Australia: Megan Ratcliffe – 26:31, Alex Wilson – 34:49.
Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh: Stephanie Lane – 19:39 (1st overall), Alex Pye – 20:56 (3rd overall), Lorna Shawcross – 26:51, Sharon Rees – 34:03,
Jenny Evanson – 36:33, John Conway – 41:16.
Gladstone Park, North London: Susan Hunt – 45:58.
Harkerville, South Africa: Gillian James – 34:11.
King George V Playing Field, Cheltenham: Chris Dry – 27:30.
Malling Rec, Lewes: Rob Williams – 36:33.
Penrose, Cornwall: Vivien D’Alton – 27:15.
The Pastures, Alnwick, Northumberland: Louise Conway – 29:21.
Witney: Lee Hutton – 28:56.
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Highlights
This week Bourton Roadrunners were in action at the Bath Half Marathon, Alnwick Castle Trail Half Marathon, Pendock Spring Chicken, Fission 20, Podium Classic 5K, Brechfa Trail Half Marathon, and Parkrun.
Congratutions to Steph Lane for finishing first at the Fire Service College Parkrun. Also to Edward Hare and Jake Rowlands for finishing first and second respectively at Pendock Spring Chicken 5K.
A few photos from this weekend’s running.
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