Happy Halloween 26
Released On 31st Oct 2026
Dorset Hillfort Ultra
From Gareth: 36.18 miles 4111ft. I didn’t realise I was holding my T-shirt the wrong way round, and no one told me. A very cold and misty morning in Maiden Newton. Lots of hills and not much scenery until the mist shifted about 5 hours in. In preparation for a bigger race next month, I had a big week of miles planned. So decided to get my legs nicely toasted with a 20-mile run yesterday and see what I had left today. The legs were surprisingly fresh. The hills were tough, but there were lots of tasty flapjacks; 83 miles ran for the week. Feet up and chill for the afternoon.
Running Devon Spooky Challenge Marathon
From Eleanor: 7 hours. How many laps can you do? As many as you fancy! Each lap was 5.3k, so I turned up solo with absolutely no idea how the day was going to go. Second lap in, I bumped into JC, so we ran a couple of laps together before I somehow ended up running alongside a bloke dressed as a shark! There were loads of fancy-dressed runners out there, which made the laps even more entertaining. And then there were the two men in bright orange lycra suits… complete with thong pants. Definitely not something you see every day on a running route! The best part was chatting to so many people along the way. A proper friendly bunch and plenty of laughs to keep the legs moving.
And somehow… I managed a MARATHON for my hat and the weather was gorgeous. 26.2 miles done! Not bad considering the lack of training and the fact I was running in new shoes — although my feet are currently making their feelings very clear! Would I do it again? Ask me when I can walk properly… But I turned up, kept going and I bloody did it!
Weekend Running
From Helen: Sunday 10 miler complete on a rather misty morning! Well done all and thanks for the company we’re now Remembrance ready…I think! Lovely social after with delicious chocolate orange millionaires shortbread.
From Lesley: A lovely social jeffing run this morning. Rather foggy so kept to the pavements around town and Riverside Walk. It was a mostly continuous at a reasonable pace. Well done all and thanks for the company and, of course, nice to socialise with the other groups in the cafe with Helen's lovely choc orange caramel squares.
From Tracy: Leading Allys 10k group this morning around the Yeovil 10k route. Well done all.
From Rach: This morning we took a well-needed break from Yeovilton and headed over to Ilminster to run along The Stop Line Way! Following the old Taunton to Chard railway line, our route took us through Donyatt and Peasmarsh, around Chard Reservoir and then back again. It was certainly a damp, foggy and chilly morning, but the lovely company more than made up for the weather! On the way back, we stopped off for a hot drink and slice of cake at The Beech Barn Kitchen, in the grounds of Dillington.
From Sharon: An all female group from cavity trays this morning. Running up to Odcombe and along Camp Road. Lovely to have Julie Burton join us after her travels. Gemma Murley and Chris Greengrow doing a bit extra. Great running ladies.
Sport Shoes
Happy Halloween
The SportsShoes code for November is A970X020YQZ. The code is valid on AW26 products only and will give you 15% off (exclusions apply, including but not limited to Brooks, Coros, Garmin, Maurten and Shokz), valid until 01/12/26.
Also, if you can't make the English Cross Country Association’s National Cross Country Relays this weekend, you can still follow all the racing action
Park Runs
From Taryn: Katie Stokes and I at Compton Abbas 9th parkrun In thick fog- so we couldn’t see the hills people have mentioned. Headwind and tailwind either side of the runways made for feeling challenged and helpful! A very very friendly event team, great facilities though we need to go back and see the views?
From Helen: A fantastic morning spent with lovely friends all getting together for lots of celebrations … Paul’s 150th parkrun milestone Jeff’s 250th parkrun milestone AND Kelly’s birthday not to mention many little parkrun challenges achieved behind the scenes. Well done us all completely the new (ish) Impey Walk Knightshayes Parkrun - a very challenging route through the woods with lots of hills!
From Steve: Lost Gardens of Heligan Parkrun Back to Cornwall and a new parkrun for me. The run is on tracks through the woods - it’s downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back! Quite a tough run. Same finish position as last weeks parkrun - 13/137, 2nd AG.
From Margarita: A lovely morning at Shepton Mallet parkrun! The weather was lovely and mild, making it a great start to the weekend. It was lovely to see a few familiar faces there this morning. Sorry I didn't manage to get us all together for a group photo! I also had the pleasure of delivering the First Timers' Briefing this morning, welcoming those new to parkrun and helping everyone feel ready for their 5K. Always lovely to see new faces joining the parkrun family!
A special mention to Janine's husband, who joined us for parkrun as part of his training for the Sherborne 5K in December. Great to see him getting the miles in! And that's my 99th parkrun done! One more to go until the big 100! Come and join me at Weymouth next Saturday to celebrate my 100th parkrun. It would be lovely to see you there!
PUB RUN – MOSTERTON – (29TH OCTOBER 2026)
From Mark: It was Pie Night and there was a fairly good turn out. Guy and Ann ran fast. Rob led another fast group running out to Chedington and back with Linda, Paul, and Rachael P. Alison and Rachael J went for a walk. Phil ran alone. I ran with JC, and Adam joined us for the Pie. Leaving the pub we ran the narrow country lane out to Chedington. The route starts with gentle undulations then becomes a fairly steep climb. At the summit, we turned left and descended down into the village of Chedington. We followed the road, looping round and climbing back up. Next we headed back the way we came, starting with a nice descent.
The food is always good here with a choice of 4 pies tonight, and help yourself nicely cooked vegetables. Thanks, Phil, for organising.
