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.

Free Places in the Muddy Woody 6 25th Anniversary Race 2023

MUDDY WOODY 6 2023 FREE PLACES

We are aware some people are having to prioritise their spending and perhaps choosing not to join us in Haugh Woods in Feb next year.

Wye Valley Runners are offering up 10 free places to those who would like to join us on the 12th of February 2023 but are finding times tough and can’t afford the race place.

If you would like to apply please follow the guidelines below:

  1. Send an email to wyevalleyracing@gmail.com before 1 Dec with the information below

  2. Your full name, address, gender, date of birth, running club name and URN number if you have one - or tell us you are unattached to a club

  3. Tell us in one paragraph why you feel you need a free place - we are trusting people to be honest. As a small community club, we can’t afford to give away places to anyone unless they deserve it and are genuine. Please respect this position.

  4. Once that date has passed the club committee will consider all applications and confirm entry to the successful applicants.

  5. There is no guarantee that you will be successful, you will not receive feedback as to why you were not successful.

  6. There is no right of appeal.

  7. No one will know to who the free places have been allocated. Your details are sent to us in confidence - you will be treated in the same way as the rest of the runners. You will still get a T Shirt and you will get covered in mud like the rest of them.

  8. Wye Valley Runners reserve the right to close this offer at any time, without warning and without any obligation

  9. The Muddy is tough - only enter if you are fit enough to run the race - if you don’t think you are fit enough you probably aren’t. That said if you are in reasonable shape it’ a fab event.

Bench in memory of Jan Edwards - informal unveil - run, walk, coffee. Sun 27 November

Join us on Sunday 27th November as we formally (in an informal way) unveil the bench bought by our community in memory of Jan. All welcome

Here is the plan:

Option 1 runners meet at 9.00 am for a 9.15 start from Burghill Valley Golf Club Tillington Rd, Hereford HR4 7RW. Run to the bench on Tillington Common led by Brian - pause for the unveil at 10.00 am then run back to the golf club for coffee. Around 6 miles - but feel free to stretch the distance.Nice n steady pace

Option 2 - as above - but walk to the bench and back following road - led by Dave - about 4 ish miles in total - then back to the golf club for coffee

Option 3. Arrive at Tillington Common HR4 8LX or W3W remain.lizards.newlyweds before 10 a.m Parking is almost non-existent so please bike, walk or skateboard. Short unveil then back to the golf club for coffee.

Thanks, Wye Valley Runners

Little Peterstow Orchards - Cross Country Sunday 20th November 2022 Hosted by Monross-Trailblazers Parking is incredibly limited at this fixture.

Full details here gang - but you really must car share and you really must follow the instructions as to where Wye Valley should park at the event. Please meet B and Q car park at 9.30 to car share with our Club and all Hereford Clubs. Please help the team at Monross to make sure we all have a safe and happy race day. Big thanks to Monross for organising

Jan Edward’s Bench unveil. Sunday 27 Nov 10.00. Tillington Common

View from the Top Of Tillington Common

Following a very successful Crowdfunding appeal, Wye Valley Runners are delighted that the bench in memory of Jan is now installed on Tillington Common near Hereford for all to enjoy.

To thank our community, we will be holding a short and very informal unveiling ceremony on Sunday 27th November at 10.00 on Tillington Common (HR4 8LX). Everyone is welcome - parking is rubbish so please car share, cycle, walk or hang glide. Unfortunately, we can’t do much about that as adjoining fields are too wet to use.

For runners, there is of course an option to join us for a run - meet at Burghill Valley Golf Club at 9.15.

Brian will then lead a gentle run to the bench - then pause for the unveiling - then run back to the golf club - between 5 and 6 miles ish - we think. Options to stretch it out on the way back if you are that way inclined.

For non-runners, there will be an option for a walk in the vicinity led by a few members of the club. We might even find a stove and offer tea!

Please do join us to celebrate Jan’s life - deep in the Herefordshire countryside she loved so much.

Bearwood Cross Country - Wye Valley Runners and Marshall Final Briefing

Well done all - we have 49 people registered to run in the winter series. Of course not everyone can make every race - but either way this is an amazing response. Go Wye Valley

Runners - a reminder to car share, please. Location, course map etc all here

Car share from John Wood Tyres at 9.15 a.m. Next door to fire station

Numbers are available on the day only - see Laura or Jeremy.

Please wear a club vest and bring some pins.

Team photo on the start line at 10.45 a.m.

Ralph, Harry and Laura E will be handing our tea and donuts in the shed after the run.

Marshalls

Car park marshalls on site by 9.30, please

Course marshalls by 10 ish if poss - map of the course and marshall position below