Welcome to Halstead Road Runners
We’re a friendly, inclusive running club of around 150 members, open to everyone aged 18+ and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, you’ll find support, motivation, and great company here. Join us for regular training sessions, social runs, and races throughout the year — all in the beautiful Essex countryside. This year we are celebrating our 40th Anniversary, so come and celebrate and run with us!
LATEST CLUB NEWS
WEEKEND RACE ROUND UP
It was another weekend of racing for our runners, with members taking on everything from a first triathlon to a marathon and a local trail race. GOSFIELD TRIATHLON A huge well done to Ryan Miller, [...]
TRAIL AND ROAD
A busy weekend of racing saw club members take on a mixture of trail and road events, with some excellent performances, personal bests and plenty of enjoyment across the courses. RIDLEY ROUND A popular local [...]
ROMNEY MARSH 10k
The Romney Marsh 10K took place on the flat country lanes around the picturesque Kent town of New Romney, offering runners scenic views across the marshes. Despite the very hot conditions on Sunday, Chris Arter [...]
SPITFIRE SCRAMBLE
The race full to the brim with camaraderie, where runners of all abilities come together for one brilliant weekend. There aren't many races that ask you to keep going for 24 hours, through the day [...]
BLOG: A RUNNER’S LIFE
Halstead Road Runners are proud to have a diverse selection of club members with a wealth of different experiences, running journeys and knowledge to share. For this month’s edition of our new blog, A Runner’s Life, Perry James, Caroliena Cameron and Ross Kemble give the lowdown on the Malta Marathon. Don’t forget to check out previous blogs from Alice Ablitt, Paul Hinsley, Charlotte May, Victoria Metson, Terry Rivers, Wendy Carter and Tracy English. If you have a story you would like to share please do get in touch here – we would love to hear from you!
Who wouldn’t want to escape the never ending rain and gloom of an Essex winter and run in the sun? Four HRR members – Ross Kemble, Perry James, Caroliena Cameron and Val Kerrison – recently flew out and took part in the Malta Marathon and Half Marathons.
They tell us what it was like, recall some of their previous runs, and have some sound advice if you’re thinking about taking part in an overseas event.
Perry: “Caroliena had done the Malta Half several times before and placed it in high regard. When a few of us started talking about doing a race abroad and trying something different, it was at the top of the list. It’s a well organised race and a great opportunity to get some winter sun. It was also the off season, so things were a bit cheaper in Malta.
“I enjoy travelling to new places so whenever I can, I try to combine that with running. Taking part in races abroad is a unique experience and a great way to taste local customs. Even if there can be the occasional language barrier! I once stood out like a sore thumb at the start line of a 10K in Budapest because I couldn’t speak Hungarian. When they told everyone to squat, I was the only one left standing. It took me a moment to realise what was going on. Thankfully, most things in Malta were in English so no problems this time!”
“Malta was a brilliant race which covers some interesting scenery. A lot of it was downhill on mainly closed roads. Where else can you start next to a castle, run through the valleys and finish by a marina? The town of Sliema was taken over by runners for the weekend which made for a cool atmosphere.”
“If you’re looking to do a run abroad then try and get the inside scoop from someone who has ran there before if possible. If not, there is plenty of information online these days to give you an idea of if it would be a good challenge for you.”
Caroliena: “Malta is fantastically organised. It’s a scenic route starting from the city of Medina (coaches are laid on to take you there) running down to Sliema harbour. The view from Medina is amazing!”
“The race has a fabulous atmosphere, with lots of bands and musicians playing on the course. There are plenty of water stations and the medals are enormous, heavy and beautiful. At the finish there is normally a treat waiting for you, and this year it was a lovely fresh smoothie. To sum up Malta, it’s a beautiful island with a lot of history, plenty to see and do. If all goes well I will be off to Malta again next year.”
“Having been running a large chunk of my life and always loved travelling I decided to combine them around 3 years ago. My first half abroad was the Nice half marathon. I mainly look for destinations that are easy to get too from Stansted, and generally a lot of the European half marathons are not as expensive as UK races.
“Make sure you check where you start the race. Once at a half in Portugal the start was 5 miles out of town. Someone took pity on me and paid for my bus fare so I got there on time. You live and learn!”
Ross: “I had a really interesting marathon in Malta where I wasn’t even sure I’d make it to the start line.
“The night before and the morning of the race I was feeling pretty rough. By the time I got to the start, I’d already had four toilet visits. As I was standing there deciding what to do, the announcer shouted “2 minutes until the start!” I dashed to the toilet one more time and was sick. At that point I genuinely thought: Should I run… or call it a day?”
“In the end I decided to give it a go. I managed about 7 miles and tried to take a gel, but it came straight back up. From there I switched to a run/walk approach. I tried another gel at 15 miles, but that came back up too, and I realised I might be in trouble and at risk of missing the cutoff.
“At 18 miles I made the call to walk it in and just focus on finishing. I crossed the line in 4:56 — a broken man. Maybe I shouldn’t have started, but then again I wouldn’t have got an awesome medal! Despite being poorly and my Crohn’s playing up, it was still a great marathon with amazing people from HRR and an incredible atmosphere.”
Top 5 overseas event tips:
- Book accommodation nearby
- Check where to collect your race number
- Where’s the start point – is it easily accessible?
- Check the weather – while it will be warmer, it can also change very quickly, so be prepared
- Most importantly, read the small print. Vital information is easily missed!
I’ve tried many sports over the years, football, netball, and basketball, to name a few. Running was never my strong suit, and I didn’t enjoy it much in school. But in January 2024, inspired by my friend Sarah, I decided to give it another go and joined the Halstead Road Runners Couch to 5K group. By March, with the incredible support of the group leaders and fellow runners, I had completed the program and made the leap to joining the club, and I haven’t looked back since.
Over the past year, I’ve been a regular at club sessions, with the Summer Running Series being a definite highlight. There’s something special about finishing a run at a pub and celebrating with a well-earned pint in the sunshine! Another standout moment was taking part in the Sudbury Fun Run shortly after completing Couch to 5K, it was fantastic to run in club colours for the first time in my home town. Beyond the running itself, I’ve loved meeting new people who have been incredibly supportive throughout my journey.
More recently, I completed my first half marathon in Southwold, with Sarah very kindly helping me train. It was a tough race as by mile 8, my foot was in agony, but I pushed through and made it to the finish line (somehow)! Looking ahead, I’d love to take on a few more half marathons and get a new PB… and maybe, one day, even a marathon!
Hi ladies, I just wanted to share something with you all. With 2 weeks before my next HM race, which was also my very first HM race in 2021, I was able to reflect a lot whilst running today, on how far I have come in the last 4 years. It took me 5 years from saying ‘I really want to do a HM but don’t think I could do it’ to actually running one with the help and encouragement from family, friends and all of HRR. Since that race, I have run many HMs and 3 marathons. With this in mind I just wanted to say that if you want to achieve something, whether it is a certain distance or time with running or something not running related, but you tell yourself you can’t do it, just give it a go. If you do not achieve it first time, don’t give up, learn from it and try again. You will get there eventually.
Tokyo Marathon – Paul with medals
In Pursuit of the Big Six
In the world of Marathon running there are currently 6 marathons which comprise the Abbott World Marathon Majors: Boston, Chicago, New York, London, Berlin and Tokyo. The following is the journey I undertook to become a 6 star finisher.
Coming relevantly late into running scene; at 40 years old, I would stand in the clubhouse on a Wednesday hearing of runners past and present achievements, never believing I would be able to run a full marathon without serious injury to myself. For reasons lost to time, my daughter Anna, decided to run the Dublin marathon in 2013. There was no way I could let her run it alone (me being a member of a Running Club and all) so I entered as well. Having caught the marathon bug, London and then a return to Dublin followed soon after. On the back of London I ran the Berlin marathon. Having been posted there whilst in the Army it was strange seeing all the changes which had taken place since I had last been there (just after the wall came down):1 major down. My reasons for continuing to undertake marathons was partly to try to beat my previous times, but also to see if I could find a training programme that allowed me to finish one without feeling like I was going to die!
Following a PB of 3:16:21 at the Edinburgh marathon in 2018 I was able to enter the 2019 Boston Marathon under good for age (GFA), Boston is considered one of the toughest and oldest of the World Marathons, and it didn’t disappoint! My notes said “Weather turned out too nice! 90% humidity + 21°…ended up walking, a very hilly course .” Not deterred, I ran London again and with 3 majors down it was then, that the thought of completing the Big 6 began to crystallise.
Covid put a hold on all such frivolous endeavours, but in 2022 I was able to get a GFA place in the Chicago marathon. The time being achieved from the “fast, flat and friendly” Manchester marathon ran with many members of the Running Club. Chicago was supposed to be my opportunity to get a qualifying time for the New York marathon. Although I ran my best I crossed the line with a time of 3:34:14. My required GFA for New York was 3:34:00, foiled by just 14 seconds! Despite personal recriminations over dawdling at water-stops and ‘catching my breath’ to take in the scenery, I was in need of that GFA time. So with the training already completed and time clearly achievable I jetted off to Verona a few weekends later and secured the qualifying time. 4 majors down and a place secured for number 5.
The big city scenery and overall size of New York made this marathon one of the more memorable ones. Also because I didn’t need to push for a time I was able to take it easier, that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
With 5 majors down this left the Tokyo marathon to ‘bag’. This is the most difficult to get into – GFA is 2:30 hrs for everyone! Luckily Abbott puts you in a draw for a marathon of your choice depending on how many of the 6 majors you have already run. I was thrilled to find I had won a place for Tokyo unfortunately… I had already booked a place through a Sports Travel company. Running Tokyo was fairly relaxed as I had achieved my goal, and only had to finish. I achieved a time of 3:45:47 and most importantly a big clunky 6 Star finisher medal.
Having completed the 6 majors, I stated (and my daughter tells me this is a direct quote), “That’s my last one I’m too old to keep doing full marathons,” however it appears the marathon bug isn’t quite ready to let go, as I write this I am currently recovering from completing Lisbon and someone at the Running Club mentioned running the Comrades Marathon in South Africa next year, so who knows what the future holds!
And no, I still haven’t found a training programme that allows me to finish marathons without feeling like I am going to die but discovered that’s part of the appeal (if you know, you know).
If anyone is interested, my times for the various marathons were as follows:
Berlin 2017: 3:24:33
Boston 2019: 3:50:11
London 2019: 3:28:53
Chicago 2022: 3:34:14
New York 2023: 3:50:22
Tokyo 2024: 3:45:47
New York Marathon – Paul Hinsley
I wanted to share my story just as an example of how this is a normal and an ok way to feel. As with holiday blues when you have set yourself a goal, when that goal is achieved you find you have more time, no aim and feel a bit lost. As the nights draw in and it gets dark, wet and cold it is completely normal for those feeling to grow.
So me…. I had cancer in my 20’s which has since added complications to my health. I was determined to stay fit and healthy and so joined a local running group. From there I fell in love with running again and made some great friends. In 2022 I qualified to represent England masters in 3 different distances. The one distance I really wanted and struggled to achieve was my England vest for the marathon. So… I decided 2023 I would focus, I gave up all racing and ad hoc runs, I worked with my coach on a plan which I followed religiously. This started in February. My race was in October. I had to pull in help on some sessions to fight my head and get them done but I didn’t miss a single one and landed on pace each time. Two weeks before the marathon my husband came home with the lurgy. I moved myself into the spare room and researched every superfood going to boost my immune system. Unfortunately nothing helped and a few days before my race I was sitting at home on my inhaler with a heart rate twice what it normally is. I packed my bag and just prayed that 2 days rest and I’d kick it. Marathon day came, I laced up my shoes and headed for my warm up. I felt ok, not my best, but good enough. The race started and off I went. 3 miles in I had to make a decision, would I push myself to the end and probably be ill for months or would I drop out and live to fight another day. After crying and fighting my head for a couple of miles I knew the right thing to do was pull out. Afterwards I was so lost. What was I going to do now. So I gave myself a few days to wallow in self pity and then decided to refocus. I run as a hobby because I love it so I wrote a list of the things I loved. Pacing, coaching, social no pressure runs and trail. So instead of making myself do specific sessions I have filled my time with helping a few people write their marathon plans, one 2 one coaching, I’ve thrown in some bike riding and am going to work on my strength. Come the new year I will refocus again and think about what I want to do next.
It was super hard seeing everyone else post their achievements and getting pb’s but I just had to remind myself that it’s their turn. I had an awesome 2022 and I ran for both Essex and England at the age of 47, when others missed out so now it was their turn and I’m really pleased for them.
The take away here is that it’s ok to not be ok and we are here for you to share your journey the good and the bad. Don’t feel afraid to reach out and say how you are feeling as I guarantee you won’t be on your own and there will be plenty of people who feel the same or have felt the way you do.
It started a VERY long time ago, back in the 1980’s when road running was all the fashion, hence our club name. A running magazine ‘Todays Runner’ dared to seek the interest in cross country running for so called ‘new breed’ running clubs and the result was the conception of the league. Clubs were grouped together regionally, so in Essex we joined with Springfield Striders, Harwich Runners, Tiptree Roadrunners and Colchester Joggers (now Harriers). The first race took place on 9th November 1986 with 135 finishers. Six other clubs joined as the league evolved to eventually become the NESS league (North Essex/South Suffolk). In 2000 the league became sponsored by ‘Harper Intersport’ the Colchester Sports shop but its reign was short after the shop sadly burnt down. McNeil’s Intersport took over in 2001 until Sweatshop in Ipswich took on the league in November 2004. Ed Page, owner of the triathlon shop 53-12 generously sponsored the league from 2005 to 2017. The league since 2018 has been known as NESS with brief sponsorships by Ellisons Solicitors 2019/20 and Eyes Rite Opticians in 2021. Looking back over the years it’s incredible just how popular the cross country races became. The league has grown, clubs have merged, reformed, rules and venues changed.
Health and safety, risk assessments, permits, first aid provision, indoor facilities, car parking, hot drinks and comments asking for less mud have all contributed to a challenge when race venues are sought. Gone are the days when at Wilkins Jam Factory in Tiptree, a cold water tap and an open barn for shelter were considered adequate. The depth of their drainage ditches were never questioned, we just ran in/through/over as best we could. Here I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Brian Hastings for being there in one such ditch (circa. 1986), a convenient HRR to step ON and out…”SORRY Brian!”, you probably still bear the spike marks!
If the venues have provided some interesting challenges, the weather conditions have tested many a runner’s sanity. The question was often asked, “why?”. Gale force winds prevented the race entering Broaks Wood in 2002, when a mobile phone call from former member Brian Brown (who now kindly sponsors our Boxing Day Turkey Trot) confirmed it was too dangerous. A tree had fallen next to him as he spoke from his Marshalling Point….those that recall this incident will remember Brian’s explicit expression of shock! Blizzard conditions at Landseer Park, Ipswich were recorded on video (the video has since been mislaid, but finding a player to view it on would now prove almost impossible – technology has moved on too). Springfield Striders have always been renowned for Kevin Wright’s (Essex Trail Events) liking of water, the deeper the better. Those of you who remember the races hosted by Springfield Striders in Hylands Park will probably never forget the evil depth of one particular ditch (a nice guy from Witham helped me climb out, without such help I’d still be in there). Thankfully there have been few real accidents but some may recall Andy Carter’s misfortune at an Essex Championships event held in Hylands Park when a lone deer happened to cross his path and trod on his foot – readers can be reassured that no harm was caused to the deer! (Andy just had a bruised foot) .
The ‘spirit’ of cross-country can’t be put into words, it has to be ‘felt’, out there, amongst the ‘tribe’. The benefits are proven to enhance our physical fitness, so I would encourage members to try taking part. My love for cross-country over the years is still with me and now, I usually bake a lemon drizzle cake to share post race!
Cross Country Team-Seniors
After retiring from playing good class football in my mid 30’s, I joined Kilowen Gym, going out for a jog on a Wednesday. Then I got hooked on running. Doing runs on a Sunday morning and soon I got an entry into the London Marathon. In those days, if you got in good for age, you would be guaranteed an entry for the following year. This led me to running the London Marathon for 21 consecutive years, raising money for charity.
This led me to getting an award and going to the palace to meet The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. After that I was awarded the Halstead Town Council Civic Award and also Halstead Road Runners life long membership.
After that, things started to go wrong; I snapped my Achilles tendon, putting myself in a boot for 4 months and then just as I started to get back to running, I was diagnosed with Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph glands).
The London Marathons are always something special and The Halstead Marathon was one I always enjoyed running, I ran it 16 times! All told, I completed 78 marathons, some were so good but they are all good ones when you cross the finishing line!
My marathon days are over and I’m still going back for regular check ups with my problem, but I’m staying positive and going out for my runs most days of the week. Good luck to all the club members with their running.
Terry Rivers
Being ladies captain is a privilege and an honour for Halstead Road Runners. I have been in the role for a year and been a Halstead Road Runner for 5 years.
I joined the club to aid my training for my very first 10 mile race in Hadleigh, and walked through the door for the very first time with my running buddy Emma. We were truly welcomed to the club and after our first race, we signed up for our first half marathon and watched our existing ladies captain, Charlotte undertake the training for London marathon. In 2019, I was so inspired by her running that I entered the London marathon ballot, and made the choice to run for Kidney Care UK, on behalf of my dad, waiting for a kidney transplant. I held a ball at the castle in Hedingham, and was so blessed to have been supported by many of my running friends, who came along and donated to my charity. And then lockdown happened and I didn’t get to run London, but suddenly my absolute love for running kicked in.
Running supported me through lockdown, keeping me sane from home schooling and a carer for my dad, when I couldn’t see my friends. The countryside and where I lived became so important to me, as I ran and appreciated watching the scenery change through the seasons. Then in October 2020 I virtually ran the marathon, supported by my running friends and the last 10km with my son and running buddy!
This was one of the biggest mental challenges I had ever undertaken and with the support of my friends I smashed it. I then got to run the real thing in 2021, now completing all race distances. Running after 2021 was about running for fun again, achieving over 100 park runs and more team cross country races. I was asked to be ladies captain and when I take on a role I do it seriously! I want to represent all the ladies of the club and we have built such a strong team. I have a ladies WhatsApp group and try to understand what’s important to everyone.
Everyone is so supportive, showing bravery strength and inspiration from their running. We support each other through our successes and when the chips are down. We have seen marriages, births and achieving career goals.
On Awards Night 2023 I was voted ‘Club Person of the Year’ and I was so overwhelmed. Everything I do for the club is with good intention and I am honoured to be running with some wonderful people.
Welcome to our AGM. It’s great to see so many people turn up to support the club. It has been an honour to be the chair of this club for a second year – a role which is made much easier by the fantastic members of the committee who have volunteered tirelessly over the year to improve the club for all. I’d like to take a moment to thank them all on behalf of myself and all of the members.
Now we all know that I haven’t been running that much (at all) this past year. It feels slightly fraudulent to sit here chairing a running club when I’ve been so out of action. It made me think how HRR manages to draw people in and keep them – regardless of their current fitness or motivation. The club understands when people aren’t quite feeling ‘it’ and rather than ousting them out, keeps including them knowing that they will eventually come back into the fold one day.
As I’ve said before, the club is more than just a running club. It’s a lifeline for many and I have heard many stories of how the club has helped people to deal with both their physical and mental health struggles. Knowing that there are often people who are facing or have faced the same struggles is a relief to many and there’s nothing like being stuck on a run in the middle of nowhere for these revelations and conversations to take place. There is a huge amount of open honesty within the club and with this, comes a great deal of support. Many people turn to running as a way to deal with their mental health. HRR recognises this and would like to highlight that we are here for all of our members and if you ever need some support with any struggles, please speak to someone at the club.
This year has seen HRR weddings, engagements, and pregnancy announcements. It is wonderful to be able to share in the joy that these moments bring and how is brings our little community together in celebration. We also share in the sadness when we hear of the passing of previous members or the loved ones of our members.
This past year has seen a much more normal race calendar. Our members have taken part in a huge array of races, from local trail events to big city marathons and to crazy 100+mile jaunts across mountain ranges. We had a fantastic Couch to 5k group led by Darren which has seen new members join and make tremendous improvements in their running.
The club has also seen a great number of county medals awarded to its members at various events over the year. I have to say that our female runners have performed exceptionally well and brought home the bling for the club! A huge well done to those ladies and other clubs are starting to ask what magic is happening over at HRR. One of the best moments would have to be Bec Gilroy receiving a county medal on her debut marathon performance, but it shows the power of the team spirit within the club.
It was a difficult year for the marathon with reduced entry numbers and higher costs. The profit was much lower than in previous years which was disappointing for the marathon committee but balanced by the excellent reviews of the race itself. A slow uptake of volunteers also made the event much more difficult to organise but the help provided by local running clubs and Halstead In Bloom helped to ensure a safe, well marshalled, event could take place.
The social calendar has also picked up with some fantastic events across the year including the annual quiz, awards night, Sible Fire event, camping trip, beach run, summer handicaps and various trail runs. These events could not have happened without members dedicating their free time to organise and host. We are always looking for more social events so if you have an idea or would like to organise something, please let the committee know.
Finally, it is with great sadness that we see Diane step down as secretary of the club. Diane has been taking the minutes and doing all of the important things (which she does so well that we really don’t understand all of the things she does) for thirteen years. Diane keeps us on track in our committee meetings and her precise minuting documents our discussions and decisions perfectly. The amount of hours that Diane has given to the club is immeasurable at this point – if we were paying her by the hour, she would definitely be off on another holiday every year! Thank you Diane for all the great job you have done for the club and you will be sorely missed by us all. Please keep coming to the socials though – you are one of our party queens after all!
As always, the club cannot function without its committee and we are always looking for people to join us so they can help share ideas and plans for the future of the club. We meet every two months for around two hours. If you would like to get involved, please speak to one of our current committee members.
Thank you.
Charlotte May.
Chairlady, HRR.
Latest results are published in our blog pages
Run a Race this Weekend?
Have you run a race this weekend? If so, don’t forget to send your results before 18:00 on a Sunday evening to our press lady, Emma Healey, who will write a report and get it published. Come on, don’t be shy! Email [email protected]
Get your club kit
Don’t be seen without your club colours. The club has vests, tees and long sleeved shirts available with logo in our visually outstanding yellow. Kit is available from Darren Powell – most club nights. Very reasonable prices!
Beginners
We are a very friendly club who welcome anyone no matter what your age or ability. We have a very mixed membership of abilities from marathon runners to Mr & Mrs Average who want to keep fit, shed a few pounds while making new friends in the progress. Running is a great form of exercise and you will love the freedom of the open roads and countryside while running with friends.
Keep in touch via WhatsApp and Facebook
Stay in touch with Halstead Road Runners community via text messaging! Find out who is running a race, organise car shares, last minute training runs & general information. Either give your mobile number to Chris Hill or join ‘WhatsApp’ on your phone to access all the gossip! Mobile No. 07518731308. We also have a Facebook page with regular news and events updates.
