Stride For Good

Wye Valley Runners announce their latest initiative to encourage everyone to enjoy the benefits of club running.

In partnership with Clear Storage of Hereford Wye Valley Runners are inviting anyone who might be feeling the financial pinch to apply for the following benefits:

  1. Free Club Membership for a year - valued at £25

  2. Free club kit - the famous Wye Valley Vest!

  3. Option to join our Beginners Group 4 free of charge

  4. Free entry to the Crocodile 8 Race and the Bearwood Trail Series - valued at £49

Ali Goodwin Managing Director of Clear Storage said " We want to support our community at a grassroots level to help improve fitness and mental health. Partnering with Wye Valley Runners fits our aims perfectly and the team at Clear Storage are excited to be involved in this new initiative"

Paddy Nugent Chair of Wye Valley Runners explained  " Our club has been working with the local community in our city for over 40 years. We are proud to be a welcoming, friendly and inclusive club. We hope Stride for Good will encourage anyone who feels they can't afford to join a running club to get in touch - all enquiries will be handled with complete confidence and successful applicants will be treated the same as any club member. Running is for everyone and the benefits to our mental and physical health are too important not to share as widely as we possibly can. And our free membership offer extends to our next Beginner's Programme too - we want to reach out  to runners of all abilities - we understand that taking that first step can be a little daunting.

If you would like to find out more drop the club a line at wyevalleyracing@gmail.com

Muddy Woody Six . 11th Feb - Final Briefing!

This year's race takes place on Sunday 11th Feb 2024.  

  • To get to the race follow the signs from the Moon Pub in Mordiford. If using satnav, the postcode HR1 4QX or what3words lifelong.apes.commit will get you to Race HQ.

  • Entrance to the event parking area is opposite the Haugh Woods public car park.

  • Parking capacity this year is extremely tight, so please car share wherever possible.

  • The car parking area is some distance from the start, and so allow plenty of
    time.

  • The race starts promptly at 11 am. It can be a 10/15 minute walk from the parking area to Race
    HQ, then another 5 minute walk to the start/finish area

  •  Please park single file as directed by the  marshals along the forest tracks 

  •  Follow the arrows and signs and observe the one-way system.   

  •  Please note that after the race the forest gates will be locked at 2PM.        

  •  We will NOT send anything to you in advance. Your race timing chip and number, along with technical t-
    shirt will all need to be collected on the day from the Race HQ, before the race starts.   

  • Numbers will be  distributed alphabetically according to surname, so please go to the appropriate table according to your
    name. 

  • Your timing chip is reusable, so will need to be returned when you cross the finish line. Please
    collect your race chip and number at least 30 mins before the start time.

  • Toilets will be located at Race HQ. 

  • There will be bag drop off but due to the remote location we cannot provide changing facilities - so
    please come prepared for the weather. Bag’s are left at the owner's risk. The organisers cannot be held
    responsible for any loss or damage.  

  • It can rain, hail, snow or blow a gale, often at the same time so
    please keep an eye on the forecast and come appropriately dressed. Grippy trail shoes are strongly
    recommended!  

  • Back by popular demand. Beck’s White will be doing a pre race warm up in the start/finish area at
    10.40am. 

  • The course will be clearly marked by arrows and marker tape and marshals will be positioned at regular
    intervals to keep you on track and offer encouragement. Please note that due to restrictions put in place
    by Forestry England, there will be some changes to the course for those who have run it previously.  

  • There will be refreshments after the race back at Race HQ, followed by the prize giving presentations.
    Water, Tea, coffee and doughuts.  

  • For your safety, please be aware that much of the course is on rough, slippery or uneven ground with
    exposed tree roots, loose stones and comprises the best part of 1000ft of elevation. There will be a
    team of medics on site to deal with any incidents that may occur.

  • Although not banned outright under the UKA Rules of Athletics because this race takes place off-road,
    we request that you do not wear headphones during the race. It is important to be able to hear
    instructions/warnings from marshals and the race director, before and during the race.   

  • Results will be published as soon as possible after the race on the Wye Valley Runners website,
    Facebook group, Muddy Woody 6 Facebook group and on the Ready Set Go Timing website.

  • We are unable to give refunds or hold over your number till next year. We ask for your
    understanding with our terms and conditions - we use them to keep the race viable and
    manageable.

Most important. Enjoy your run and try to manage a smile when you cross the finish line!


Regards
Wye Valley Runner

Wye Valley Runners are Hereford's friendly and well established running club.

 Join our club - we welcome runners of all abilities. 

Details at http://www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk

Wye Valley Runners AGM Summary

50 Wye Valley runners met over curry and a beer at Burghill Valley Golf Club last night to celebrate the year past and look forward to another successful running year.

Our 40th year proved to be everything we had hoped and planned for. Membership zooming up by 120%, three successful public races - the Muddy, The Croc and Bearwood Trail, three sell-out Beginners Programmes, sunrise yoga with Becks, a new team of run leaders, busy and refreshed training programmes on Mon, Wed and Sunday - topped off with £2,500 donated to the hospice and Burghill School.

Dan Lewis gave us all an inspiring talk about his adventures of running, drinking and getting lost in the Macedonia Ultra - well done Dan

The Committee were re- elected with thanks to retiring members Martin, Laura and Lou. Our president Harry was thanked for the impact his values and ethos still have on our friendly little club

We celebrated the 10 new Run Leaders about to be qualified to join our half dozen previously qualified cohort

Kate Green was the worthy winner of the club Mighty Oak award . The award was hand crafted by Harry and recognises the huge amount of work Kate has committed to the club with the new beginners programme.

Michael Smallwood picked up the male Might Oak award for his gentle and consistent leadership of the Monday sessions along with his (and Billy’s ) care and work to make the club what it is.

Kath Hardwick claimed the Most Improved Runner award for her gritty determination at races and training throughout the year

Dave Hider also picked up the Most Improved Runner award for his season of hard work and determined effort

The Jan Edwards Shield is a members vote award for the person who has inspired us to get out and run this year. Kate Green was a worthy winner for consistently encouraging and coaching everyone to be the best runner they can be.

The Oustanding Running Performance of the Year and for services to dancing was won by Jerry Jehan for his dedication to just getting faster at every opportunity

Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to Dave Hider for leading our open forum session - well done all.



Herefordshire and Borders XC League - Race 3 - Bearwood Farm Pembridge. Sun 3 Dec.

Wye Valley Runners look forward to welcoming you all to Bearwood Farm, Pembridge for the next race of the winter season. The race takes place on Sunday 3 Dec at 11.00 am prompt.

Junior racing starts at 9.30 am -details here

Based on the referee and organisers’ feedback from previous races please note:

  1. Club Vests must be worn. Race number bibs must be worn on the front of your vest please.

  2. Runners, please collect race chips with race bibs on and in view so that the transition of finding and giving chips out is easier and smoother.

  3. You must pick up your chip before 10.45 latest please - no chip no time - no arguments.

  4. Club reps need to do the conversing with Ready Set Go. It would be a good idea if club reps met their runners at a set place on-site. Then, sort out club-specific issues and go to RSG rather than individual runners going to RSG. If club reps aren’t present then please assign someone else to do their job for them.

Please follow this link for directions and a course map. Please car share as parking is limited. Your sat nav will lie about the farm entrance - please check the map and follow the signs. We are parking in the field this time around as long as the ground is good enough. We will revert to the yard if the weather turns against us - but obviously can’t make this decision until nearer the time

The race starts at 11.00 prompt as usual. Join us for tea and doughnuts afterwards in one of Ed‘s sheds.

The course is a mixed route of trail, farmland and woodland. Two laps = 10k - we think it’s a great course and expect some fast times. This year the start line has moved down the slope a little to add a bit of an extra twist.

As usual, we will have first aid cover and portaloos handy.

Look forward to welcoming you all on the day - if any clubs have supporters who would like to help with marshalling please shout

Chip timing from Jon and Rosie at Ready Set Go

Referee Emma Bagley

Race Director Paddy Nugent

Our thanks to Ed Collins for making us so welcome at his home again

Wye Valley Runners

Hereford and Borders Winter Cross Country League 2023/24 Race 2 – Croft Castle. Sunday November 12 2023

Wye Valley Runners Hereford running club Croft Castle

Off we go - race two hosted by our pals at Croft Ambrey

Meet B &Q car park to leave 915 for shared transport

Note the car park charges - pls bring change

Do not forget your bib number from race one - and you must pick up an ankle chip at the start before you race

If you haven’t been issued with a number yet check with Jerry or Becki.

Full details of course and race logistics here

Herefordshire & Borders Winter Cross Country League 2023/24 RACE 1 - Fforest Fields, Sun 15th Oct 2023

Wye Valley Runners Hereford running club Fforest Fields

Off we go with the winter off-road series. The first one is hosted by our pals at Builth and takes place at Fforest Fields. Full details here:

You must have registered for a club place here to run - it is free - but we do need everyone signed up - even if you only plan to run one of the races in the series.

Club vest should be worn at all races - don’t worry if you haven’t got one yet - we have a dressing up box which will be available on the day to borrow a vest for now

Meet at B & Q car park at 9.00 to share transport.

Wear some shoes with grip

Go Wye Valley !

Bearwood Trail Race 3. Tuesday 29 Aug @ 7 pm. Final Briefing

Wye Valley Runners Hereford running club Bearwood Trail

As race three approaches - a few things to think about:

  1. If you have ran race one or two please bring you bib number with you

  2. Arrive in plenty of time to pick up your ankle chip device from registration

  3. The light is beginning to fade - so if you plan to take an hour or more to finish please bring a head torch if you have one

  4. We have tried our best to keep race fees as affordable as possible. As a result we can only offer race medals and prizes to those who have paid for all three races - if we have left overs we will happily hand them out

  5. Series prize presentations will take place as soon as poss in the barn next to the pizza wagon. Pizzas are card only BTW!

  6. If you haven’t got a number please do not run - we had a few people in previous races running with friends and family. This is not allowed - it invalidates our insurance, causes stress to the organisers and causes real safety issues as we count runners in and out using the chip system. If we spot anyone trying it on, we will ask them to step out of the race and go and buy a pizza.

  7. If you bring a dog please be respectful to the farm environment and keep it on a lead at all times.

  8. Thanks for the fab support - and have a great run - for a recap of results so far click here

Bearwood Trail 10k. Race one - Tues 1 Aug @ 7pm. Final Briefing

Wye Valley Runners look forward to welcoming you to Bearwood Farm, Pembridge for the first race of the trail 10k series.

Our thanks to Ed and Eve for making us so welcome at their home.

Please follow this link for directions and a course map. The address is Bearwood Farm, Bearwood, Pembridge, HR6 9EE

Please car share as parking is limited. Your sat nav will lie about the farm entrance - please check the map and follow the signs.

The race starts at 7.00 pm prompt.

Registration opens at 6pm. Pick up your number and hold on to it for the series - it lasts all three races and has your unique chip embedded on the back.

There are no presentations, prizes or medals for race one or two - all that happens after race three on the 29th.

We have a pizza truck on site if you are feeling peckish after the race.

The course is a two-lapper - 5k a lap

Thanks for supporting us - have a great race - see you Tuesday

Wye Valley Runners and INBALANCE Coaching


Crocodile 8 Runners Final briefing

Race day approaches - some important last minute messages !

Start - Sunday 28th May 2023

Race starts 3 PM sharp.

Location: Burghill Community Academy HR4 7RP

 No parking at the school - please follow the signs and our friendly volunteers to free parking in an adjacent field.

Please do not attempt to park at the Bell Inn - Glenn, Kate and the team have given us 25 years of service and from now on everything will happen on-site at the school. Thanks to The Bell Inn for all those years past.

 Please note we will NOT send anything to you in advance. Your chipped race tag , number and technical t-shirt will all need to be collected on the day from the Race HQ before the race starts. Arrive in plenty of time - we will start without you!

Registration opens at 1.30

 There are two water stations and water at the finish - but please bring your own hydration as the forecast is for warm weather - we will have a hosepipe at about 3 miles to cool you off

We are celebrating the return of the race with a Crocodile warm up at the school from Lucy of Starlight Dance at 2.40 pm

 The course will be clearly marked by arrows and marker tape and marshals will be positioned at regular intervals to keep you on track and offer encouragement.

 There will be refreshments and a party after the race at the school with results and prizes presented as soon as poss - also at the school.

 For your safety, please be aware that much of the course is on rough, slippery or uneven ground with exposed tree roots, loose stones and comprises the best part of 1000ft of elevation. There will be a team of medics on-site to deal with any incidents that may occur. If you are unwell or not fit enough please don’t run - it will hurt.

 Do not wear headphones during the race. It is important to be able to hear instructions/warnings from marshals and the race director, before and during the race.

 Results will be published as soon as possible after the race on the Wye Valley Runners website and Ready Set Go home page

All staff on the day are volunteers giving up time to ensure your day is fab - give them a cheer and a wave.

We are unable to give refunds or hold over your number till next year. We ask for your understanding with our terms and conditions - we use them to keep the race viable and manageable.

These things cost a fortune to put on - we just couldn’t do this without the generous sponsorship of the team at Clear Storage Hereford - if you need to store anything you know where to go now.

Have a great race

Wye Valley Runners

Beginners Group One - the finale!

Thank you Kate for leading our first Beginners Group. Last night was the final session in the 10-week programme - but only the beginning!

On the club’s 40th anniversary, seeing it regenerated with such skill, enthusiasm and passion and with such a lovely group of new and returning members is very exciting and inspirational.

To all our new club members - congratulations on sticking with the programme through the winter months - we look forward to welcoming you as often as you choose to the club social and training schedule.

Enjoy every minute and well done all.

Well done to everyone from the club that came out and supported the group - it was really appreciated by everyone.

Our next programme starts on 27th April - details here.

Muddy Woody 6 Marshall and Volunteer briefing pack

 

●       To get to the race follow the signs from the Moon Pub in Mordiford. If using the satnav, the postcode HR1 4QX will get you to Race HQ. Parking capacity this year is extremely tight, so please car share wherever possible. Please note that the car parking area is some distance from the start so allow plenty of time.

●       Race Marshals please meet Dave Sherwood at 9.30 at the race start/finish – signposted off the Haugh Wood road

●       Car park and registration marshals please be on site by 9.00

●       Saturday prep. Meet Halo lock up to pack van 12.45 or at registration at Haugh Woods  at 2.pm to put up gazebos and layout course.

●       Wear plenty of warm clothing, layer up and bring waterproofs please.

●       Wellies or strong walking shoes with grip are recommended.

●       Please bring a fully charged mobile phone.

●       We can give you tea after the event and a doughnut – but please bring a hot drink flask if you can and maybe a few snacks.

●       Dave will brief you on safety measures and first aid cover on the day

Race Marshal list so far – if anyone else would like to volunteer they are very welcome – children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Kaleigh Ingram

Bailey Davies

Colin Baggot

Lisa Ruck

Martin Flowers plus Sat and set up

Nigel Jones

Jo Marriot

Lillian Istance

Ian Socket

Lewis and Olivia Hayde

Brent Lowson (also car park)

Paul Davies Ward

Bill Griffiths (also car park and Saturday)

Lorna Shaw

Steve Hart

Gail Colley

Kate Green

Andrew Humphreys

Kate Wargen

Dave Hider

James Vidler

Diane Thomas

Phil Smith

Lou Foti

Simon Oliver – sweeper & car park

Brian Symonds - Saturday

Ellie Bye – registration

Paddy Nugent – registration /Sat and set up

Michael Smallwood – Saturday Set up

Becki Ansfield – registration &running

Jane Hayde – registration – & running

Jo Ellis – registration &running

Laura Tootell – registration &running

Nicola Goodwin – registration and running

Peter Nugent – RD

Chris Smart - photographer

Muddy Woody 6 Runners Final briefing

This year's race takes place on Sunday 12th Feb 2023.Race starts 11.a.m sharp.

To get to the race follow the signs from the Moon Pub in Mordiford. If using satnav, the postcode HR1 4QX will get you to Race HQ. Parking capacity this year is extremely tight, so please car share wherever possible.

 Please note that the car parking area is some distance from the start so allow plenty of time. The race starts promptly at 11 am. It can be a 10/15 minute walk from the parking area to Race HQ, then another 5 minute walk to the start/finish area.

Please park as directed by the marshals along the forest tracks, follow the arrows and signs and observe the one-way system. Please note that after the race the forest gates will be locked at 2PM.

 Please note we will NOT send anything to you in advance. Your chipped race number and technical t-shirt will all need to be collected on the day from the Race HQ, before the race starts.

  Numbers will be distributed alphabetically according to surname, so please go to the appropriate table according to your name. Please collect your race number at least 30 mins before the start time. Toilets will also be located at Race HQ.

 There will be bag drop off but due to the remote location we cannot provide changing facilities - so please come prepared for the weather. Bags are left at the owner’s risk. The organisers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. It can rain, hail, snow or blow a gale, often at the same time so please keep an eye on the forecast and come appropriately dressed. Grippy trail shoes are strongly recommended! There will be toilets situated at Race HQ.

 

There is water at the finish only – bring your own if you need water on the route.

 

This year, we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary of the race. Part of the celebration, Beck’s White will be doing a pre-race warm up in the start/finish area at 10.40am.

 

The course will be clearly marked by arrows and marker tape and marshals will be positioned at regular intervals to keep you on track and offer encouragement.

 

There will be refreshments after the race back at Race HQ, followed by the prize giving presentations. Tea, coffee and donuts.

 

For your safety, please be aware that much of the course is on rough, slippery or uneven ground with exposed tree roots, loose stones and comprises the best part of 1000ft of elevation. There will be a team of medics on site to deal with any incidents that may occur.

 

Although not banned outright under the UKA Rules of Athletics because this race takes place off-road, we request that you do not wear headphones during the race. It is important to be able to hear instructions/warnings from marshals and the race director, before and during the race.

 

Results will be published as soon as possible after the race on the Wye Valley Runners website, Facebook group, Muddy Woody 6 Facebook group and on the AV Timing website.

We are unable to give refunds or hold over your number till next year. We ask for your understanding with our terms and conditions - we use them to keep the race viable and manageable.

Most important: Enjoy your run and try to manage a smile when you see Chris the photographer and when you cross the line.

Wye Valley Club Championship 2023

We welcome the return of the Wye Valley Runners Club Championship.

Here is the list of the 12 races

Muddy Woody – 12/02/23

 Brockleton - last race of winter cross country – 26/02/23

 Eastnor Magnificent 7 – 19/03/23

 Longtown Llantony Loop - 22/4/23

 Shobdon Wood – 07/05/23

 RUN Hereford 5k/10k and half – 14/05/23

 Crocodile 8 28/05/23

 Offas Dyke 15 – 17/06/23

 Summer xc – TBA

 Ross 10K – 03/09/23

 WVR Cross Country Bearwood – TBA

 Blaze the Biblins – TBA

Rules!

  1. You must be a signed-up club member or second-claim club member

  2. Registration to the races is your responsibility

  3. Choose as many as you like but you must run 6 to score at end of the season. The nifty spreadsheet will select your 6 highest scoring races if you race more than 6. We think.

  4. 50 points for the first Wye Valley person across the line in each category, 49 second, 48 for third and so on.

  5. Categories are male and female under 35 then vet categories for male and female from 35 plus in ten-year gaps - no gender discrimination here.

  6. Marshal at a Wye Valley event and pick up an automatic 50 points. One marshal event maximum to score ( i.e even if you kindly marshal 3 times you will only get the 50 points once)

  7. Run as fast as you can

  8. Jerry is in charge and his decisions are final - no complaining

  9. Prizes awarded at end of the season

  10. Please make sure your race registration includes your club and age so that the results pick up all the info we need

Peter Smith - R.I.P

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of much-loved club member Peter Smith.

Peter was just a lovely person and was hugely respected and admired by everyone in the club and by his many friends in the Herefordshire running community.

Peter was a fine athlete and served the club as Secretary for more years than many of us can remember.

Peter died a few weeks before his 75th birthday - we send our love and condolences to his wife Linda and all of Peter’s family.

Wye Valley Runners