Gower Trail Races, Wellesley 10k and other events

With gap in the calendar of league races Farnham Runners have been active in other events.

Gower Trail Races

Group of Farnham Runners just before starting the 2025 Gower 23 mile trail race

Nine members tackled the Gower Trail Races along rugged coastline in Wales, the gale force winds of Storm Amy adding considerably to the challenge. The route includes stiff climbs, descents and rolling clifftop paths as well as sand dunes, but is rewarded by spectacular views of bays, coves and headlands. Amazingly in such conditions all completed their planned routes:

  • Linda Tyler and Colette & Nick Grist ran the 34-mile ultra with 1,890 m elevation.
  • Georgie Abrook, Gemma Whitehouse, Sue Taylor, Howard Inns, Billy McCulloch and Julia Tagg completed the “23-mile” trail (actually 25 miles) with 1,500 m elevation.

Rushmoor Wellesley 10k

Group photo before the Rushmoor Wellesley 10km

The next day in much calmer conditions sixteen members took part in the local Rushmoor Wellesley 10k, organised by Blackwater Valley Runners. It is a flat, trail race partly through Wellesley Woodlands and partly along the Basingstoke canal towpath.

Of the 14 prize-winners, 3 of them were Farnham Runners who won their age categories and they will receive a free entry to the race next year. They were new member Jeffrey O’Connor, (2nd overall) in 36:55, Tony Jones and Kay Copeland.

Others who enjoyed the race were Alex Elsey (6th overall) in 39:00, Harvey Wickham, Terry Copeland, Debbie Moorcroft, Tina Longman, Karen Storey, Sally Kerr, Carolyn Wickham, Jean Drummond, Ros Lankester, Sue MacKenzie, Jackie Wilkinson and Robert Drummond.

Other races

Claire & Steve Bailey celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary by running the Einstein Half Marathon in Germany on 28 Sept — 21 km for 21 years!

Linda Tyler represented Wales Masters at the Forest of Dean Half Marathon, winning her F65 category in 1:48 over a challenging 958 ft of elevation trail course.

Ivan Chunnett completed a 50 k ultra (Run to the Sea, Ringwood → Bournemouth) on 4 Oct in 4:43 hr with 1,178 ft elevation — despite feeling unwell in the opening mile!

See the Photo Gallery 2025 for further photos from these events.