Then the Clouds Arrived
Released On 24th Jul 2026
Nightshift BYU
From Sarah: Nightshift BYU 6pm-6am. I really was unsure how this would go. I knew I could do 12hrs and the 50 miles either way no problems. But I was so worried about the BYU format and if I’d slow down to not make the next lap, and let’s not even mention the lack of sleep concerns . But this went like clockwork with pacing strategy on point and super consistent…apart from the full on send it mode lap 12 and fuelling was spot on to. Not only did I smash it, I was Female Champion
Special thanks has to go to the superstar that is Tristram. For not only giving up his time for the whole event, but being the best Ultra crew member and this was a proper team effort. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Lush to have Kevin pop up at the beginning and the final “5am club” lap. So fab having friendly faces cheering you on as you cross that line.
Such a cool event, all 3 of us will be signing up for 2027
Phoenix Hampshire - Anniversary Bash
From Dan: Yesterday we travelled to Winchester for the 1st year anniversary bash with Phoenix Hampshire. I Finished 1st place on the marathon 3:15 Deanna Coles PB again for the half marathon. Finishing 3rd place and 1st female. 1:45.
Weekend Running
From Andy: A Potato Cave revival was in order for a small group of four, sans Helen, and all of us had done some pre-miles too! so it was 12+ miles for all today. Solid run despite the humidity.
From Ali: Sunday 10K group this morning with 7 plus miles across footpaths and fields out to West Coker. A tough run so well done all and it was a novelty to get a bit wet.
Park Runs
From Paul: Five go to Five Arches. Today was Five Arches’ 138th Parkrun. It was also my 138th Parkrun, so there we have a Match, one of the Parkrun challenges. Quite a nice out and back small loop followed by an out and back longer loop along the same flat tarmac path utilising the old Somerset and Dorset Railway. The weather was warm but not too hot. I was joined by my new wife Rach Pep and our good friends Alison, Robert and Daphne.
After a pleasant run we all loped off to The Burnt Honey in Castle Cary for a nice brekki on the way back.
From Mel: Weymouth park run for us followed by sea dip and sunbathing Perfect.
From Jo: Small but perfectly formed contingent of green & whites at today’s 250th anniversary of The Great Field parkrun. I tail walked for the first time at this one & it was good fun. Well done Jack Lax for a very comfortable first place.
From Margarita: The Great Field parkrun was the destination for some of us this morning, with the event celebrating its fantastic 250th parkrun milestone. It was a lovely atmosphere, with plenty of runners joining in the celebrations. It was also nice to see that the kite festival was being set up on the background.
A special mention goes to Joanna Samuel, who did a brilliant job volunteering as one of the tail walkers, encouraging everyone around the course and helping make the event a success
From Trevor: Seaton parkrun in the heat with Debbie Keeble,Stace Smith and Jess Smith.
From Donna: Ross-on-wye for me today and managed to get 11 points towards the challenges. As well as the usual date bingo etc, I had 'R' for alphabet, namely, parkrun and pirates. Volunteer and voluntary tourist and I got my 10% volunteer ratio. Nice 2 lap course and the funniest RD I've come across. Parking £1.10 and toilets.
From Louise: Melksham Parkrun for Rachael, Katie, Andrew and I today. Really liked the 2 lap route especially the bit though the cornfield, the bridges and the finish! Decent parking, toilets and a drink and a cake or biscuits or strawberries for £1. Katie may have gone down a long metal slide and Rach may have had a little soaking in a splash park. Wish I had taken photos as they would have been quite amusing!
From Lesley: Torbay Velopark parkrun for Tony and me today,followed by breakfast at Caroline's Kitchen, Churston Farm Shop, then to Elberry for sun and sea. What's not to like.
From Helen: Longrun Meadow Parkrun for us 3 today my fastest parkrun this year! Also saw Felicity and Phoebe there too . Lush catch up with Kelly and Lawrie, over the most delicious breakfasts . Thank you Kelly for collecting me and Lawrie for driving us there, really appreciate it.
Maiden New Ten
From Margarita: On a glorious Wednesday evening, a group of us headed over to Maiden Newton for the next Championship race. While chatting to Angela Suter beforehand, I realised I'd completely forgotten about the big hill at the start – I must block the hills out once the race is over!
It's a lovely and scenic course. The start involves a short walk to a field before setting off and tackling that infamous climb. The route then winds around a couple of cornfields before a long downhill stretch through the valley. It was a very warm and stifling evening, but it was great to spot Tristram Clark out on the course capturing photos.
From there, the route follows an undulating cycle path, heads through the town, and finishes with one final uphill push to the finish line. We were welcomed home by cheers from everyone gathered for the prize presentation, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Thanks Andy Fielding for running with me and keeping me going.
A special shout-out goes to Adrian Kettle, who finished as third male – a brilliant run. I was also delighted to knock two minutes off my time from last year, making it a very satisfying evening all round.
PUB RUN – SOMERTON – (23RD JULY 2026)
From Mark: I think it is the first time I have been to the Unicorn Hotel in Somerton for a Pub Run, but I could be wrong. It was a big turn out. The fast group included Guy, Ann, Dan, Deana, and Gareth. One not so fast group was led by Emily (with Matt, Rob, Gary, Helen, Linda and Emily). A second not so fast group was led by Alison (with JC, Rachael, Louise, Anita, Mel, myself, and Alison). There was a walking group including Andrew, Steve, and Mike. Phil ran alone.
A warm and pleasant evening. Alison planned and led an interesting anti-clockwise loop which included town, fields, tracks, and paths with some undulation as well. A very enjoyable relaxed run.
It was curry night, so we had a choice of three curries. The food was good. Thanks Rachael for organising.
