Linda Franks 5 - Sunday 18th January 2026
This weekend Bourton Roadrunners were spoilt for choice, with two of the club’s firm favourite races falling on the same day. A small group headed to Cheltenham for the 32nd running of Almost Athlete’s Linda Franks 5 mile memorial race, which this year was held in support of the Gloucester Hospitals Big Space Cancer Appeal, and attracted many of Gloucestershire’s best runners.
Bourton Roadrunners’ Stephanie Lane, last years' first lady at the event, knew that she was surrounded by a talented group of runners and would have to be at her best. From the start it was new-comer Isabel Brinsden of CLC Striders who commanded the pace, finishing 11th overall and giving several of the men a surprise.
However, Bourton’s Steph gave a brilliant performance, running smoothly throughout the race, finishing in a time of 28 minutes and 53 seconds (19 seconds faster than last year), achieving first place in the LV35-category and fourth woman overall. Steph was just pipped by Alice Tredgett (Severn AC) and Georgina Greenwood (CLC Striders), but was rewarded with a new PB!
Other Bourton runners were Kevin Goodwill (31:57), Rebecca Townsend (33:35), Claire Cox (36:21) and Lisa Braid 36:34, all of whom provided strong performances.
Ilmington 10k - Sunday 18th January 2026
Meanwhile, 11 Bourton Roadrunners headed to Shipston On Stour, Warwickshire, for event four of the five-race Ilmington 10k winter series. Known for its challenging hills (and its’ finisher’s sausages), this well-organized race is not for the faint of heart, and was selected to be the first challenge in the club’s own internal race competition.
The club was lead home by 19 year old Dougal Hamilton-Smith with a strong performance of 42 minutes and 13 seconds. The usual battle between Tim Hemming and Craig Colwyn went to Tim, finishing in a fine 46:13 (MV55/2), with Craig achieving 51:17.
Other Bourton Roadrunners were Claire Blackie (57:06), Graham Lane (57:48), Barry O’Leary (58:01), Viv D’Alton (59:04), Lee Smith (61:36), Liz Hulcup (65:42 FV65/3), Giles Canning (70:37) and Jenny Evanson (80:15).
All of the team gave a good account of themselves, but of particular note were Claire Blackie, who knocked-off over 3½ minutes from last year's time, and Lee Smith who also made a significant improvement to her time.
Parkrun - Saturday 17th January 2026
No weekend would be complete without a Parkrun, and this weekend Bourton Roadrunners could be found at the following venue:
Battersea, London: Eva Shoemark – 19:55 (PB).
Chipping Norton School: Edward Hare – 17:53 (1st overall), Jenny Evanson – 53:33.
Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh: Robin Smith – 27:09 (VM60/3), Barry O'Leary – 27:35, Claire Louise Carroll – 29:00 (VW60/2), Cath Nesbitt – 32:26,
Liz Hulcup – 32:34 (VW70/1), Louise Hamilton-Smith – 32:35 (VW45/3), Rob Williams – 33:48, Alex Wilson – 39:37, Lee Smith – 51:03.
Hereford: Jaq Underwood – 26:20 (VW55/2).
King George V Playing Field, Cheltenham: Chris Dry - 31:28 (VM60/2).
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Highlights
This week Bourton Roadrunners were in action at the Linda Franks 5, Ilmington Winter Series race 4, and Parkrun.
Congratulations to Steph Lane for finishing 1st LV35 at Linda Franks 5 in a new PB time of 28:53.
A few photos from Linda Franks 5.
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A few photos taken at Ilmington 10K race 4
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Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.