September Newsletter One Last Time!
Well, here we are. After a year of trying to inject a bit of humour, a few facts, and occasionally
something that resembled journalism into these newsletters, this will be my final one.
As many of you might not know, I’m stepping down from the committee, which means someone
else can now take on the challenge of turning a month’s worth of WhatsApp messages, race
results, rumours, and random photographs into a newsletter. Good luck to them…
I’ve genuinely enjoyed putting these together over the past year. However, if I’m being honest,
some of the criticism directed towards the committee over recent months became difficult to
ignore. Like many volunteers, I probably took it more personally than I should have. The reality is
that every committee member gives up their own time because they care about the club and
want the best for it. There is an incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes that
many members never see.
So before I disappear into the sunset, I’d like to say a huge thank you to every committee
member, past and present. The hours you put in organising races, championships, memberships,
social events, communications, finances, welfare, licenses, trophies, and everything else are
appreciated. You’ve all been brilliant.
A Big THANK YOU TO Grace Bevan For this months Spot Light
- What’s one running goal you once thought impossible but now feels within reach?
Answer: Running the Edinburgh Marathon. When I started Couch to 5K in 2023, I genuinely
never imagined completing a marathon would be possible. - Which Striders member has inspired your training the most and why?
Answer: Kayleigh Sutton. Since joining Striders, she’s shown exactly what consistency and effort
can achieve. She’s also become one of my best friends. - What’s a lesson running has taught you that you use outside of sport?
Answer: Someone has to come last. Not everything in life is about winning. Sometimes it’s about
turning up, doing your best, and finishing what you started. - What part of your training routine do you rely on the most when things get tough?
Answer: One foot in front of the other. Don’t think about the finish, just get to the next lamp
post… then the next one… and keep going. - What race or moment made you feel truly part of the Striders community?
Answer: Ras Dewi Sant 2026. Running up the cathedral steps with a sea of yellow Striders
cheering was an incredible feeling and a moment I’ll never forget. - If Striders had a “Worst Pre-Run Snack Choice” award, what would you win it for?
Answer: An Indian and four cans of cider the night before Newport Half. Looking back, it was less
“race preparation” and more “self-sabotage.” - What’s the most chaotic thing you’ve accidentally shouted mid-race?
Answer: “I CAN’T FEEL MY ARSE!” …to a lovely family who had just cheered me on as I ran past.
Their faces suggested they immediately regretted their support. - If your running shoes could talk, what embarrassing story would they tell about you?
Answer: At Ras Dewi Sant, I thought the timekeeper at the finish was reaching out to help me
climb the cathedral steps. I tried to hold his hand… twice. Unfortunately, he was only trying to
scan my race chip and eventually had to push my hand away. The shoes still haven’t let me forget
it. - What’s your most dramatic excuse for skipping a run that you absolutely didn’t need to
make?
Answer: I was fully dressed, ready to head out, and then the dog gave me the kind of
heartbreaking look normally reserved for war widows in Hollywood films. The run was
immediately cancelled. Some things are more important than fitness. - If you had to run a race carrying a random household object, what would you pick and
why?
Answer: A kettle. Hydration is important, but I also want the psychological advantage of arriving
at the finish line carrying my own kettle. Absolute dominance.
What a Month We’ve Had!
As usual, I’ve attempted to work backwards through a month’s worth of WhatsApp messages. If
I’ve missed your achievement, I apologise. There is only so much scrolling a man can do before
his thumb develops repetitive strain injury.
First up, massive congratulations to Sally Smart, who tackled the mighty Loch Ness Marathon.
Running 26.2 miles around one of the deepest lakes in Scotland while being constantly distracted
by thoughts of monster sightings deserves a medal in itself.
Anita Knill was representing Wales at the Autumn Half Marathon. Wearing the red vest is always
a tremendous achievement, and we’re all incredibly proud. A special mention also goes to the
support crew, Mike and Susan, because we all know athletes only function because someone
else remembers where the car keys are.
Agnes Asigo was flying the Striders flag at the Windsor Half Marathon, while plenty of Striders
were also in action at the Taigwaith races, proudly showing our colours.
Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Windos appear to be quietly attempting to complete every marathon
on the planet. Recent sightings place them somewhere between Sydney and Berlin, and I believe
New York may be next. At this point, airport security probably know them by name.
We also had strong turnouts at both the Cardiff 10K and Swansea 10K. For once, the weather
gods showed some kindness, the sun was shining, and Striders yellow sparkled across South
Wales like a high-vis running cult.
The BCRL season came to an end, but before everyone could put their feet up and enjoy a
biscuit, along came West Glam to remind us what running clubs do best… organise another race
series immediately.
A massive thank you to all the captains, marshals, volunteers, drivers, cake bakers, tea makers,
number collectors, finish funnel experts, and everyone else who helped make both competitions
happen. Running clubs survive because people volunteer.
Speaking of running everywhere, Sarah and Barney were out tackling the trails, proving once
again that mud is apparently something people choose to run through voluntarily.
We also had a group of Striders taking on Velindre Castle to Castle, while the Wright family
headed off to Copenhagen to run yet another half marathon. Not content with that, they also
managed to squeeze in a parkrun because apparently holidays are no excuse for a lie-in.
Shogun completed the Great North Run. I watched it on television and nearly developed a stitch
just from sitting on the sofa, so fair play.
Then there was Salvis, who casually popped over to Lithuania and completed an ultra-marathon.
When most of us say we’re going abroad, we mean sitting by a pool. Salvis apparently sees a
foreign country and immediately looks for somewhere to run 50 miles.
And finally, to everyone else who raced, trained, volunteered, supported, encouraged, cheered,
drove, baked, organised, and wore the yellow vest with pride this month, thank you. Every
achievement matters, whether it was a marathon PB, a parkrun PB, your first race, your hundredth
race, or simply getting out the door when the sofa was winning the argument.
AGM Reminder
Just a reminder that the Cornelly Striders AGM will take place on Tuesday 6th October.
This is your opportunity to hear about the club’s achievements over the past year, have your say
on its future direction, and help shape what comes next. The AGM is also where committee
positions are elected, so if you’ve ever thought about getting more involved with the running of
the club, now is your chance. The club only thrives because of the time and effort given by
volunteers, so please come along and support your fellow Striders.
Your club, your voice, your AGM.
BCRL 2026 Final Standings
What a fantastic BCRL season for Cornelly Striders, with runners featuring across the age
categories and bringing home three individual category titles alongside numerous podium and
Top 10 finishes.
Category Winners
Huw Beatty (Male 60+)
Carolyn Windos (Female 65+)
Peter Turner (Male 75+)
Podium Finishers
Tracey Bond (3rd Female 50+)
Steph Murry (3rd Female 55+)
Paul May (3rd Male 55+)
Just Missing the Podium
James Davies (4th Male 45+)
Paula Wilfort (4th Female 55+)
Lorraine Colton (5th Female 55+)
Top 10 Age Category Placings
Senior Male
6th Josh Powell
Female 35+
8th Bec Ryan
9th Grace Bevan
Male 35+
9th Ashley Smith
Female 40+
6th Ilze Briska
Male 45+
4th James Davies
7th Andrew Evans
9th Shogun-Li-Thomas
10th Chris Morgan
Female 50+
3rd Tracey Bond
9th Sarah Barrell
10th Sarah Heffron
Male 50+
7th Carl Feiven
Female 55+
3rd Steph Murry
4th Paula Wilfort
5th Lorraine Colton
7th Judy Murphy
8th Nikki Dowie
10th Rosa Thomas
Male 55+
3rd Paul May
9th Anthony Wilkinson
Female 60+
6th Anita Knill
8th Milly Cavaghan
Male 60+
Huw Beatty
Female 65+
Carolyn Windos
5th Wendy Wright
Male 75+
Peter Turner
Congratulations to everyone who represented the club throughout the season. Whether you
were battling for category honours, chasing a PB, or simply turning up week after week in the
famous yellow vest, every point counted. Another superb BCRL season for the Striders!
Good Luck, Striders!
This weekend sees another huge turnout of Cornelly Striders heading to the Cardiff Half
Marathon.
Whether you’re chasing a PB, tackling your first half marathon, running for a charity close to your
heart, or just aiming to enjoy the incredible atmosphere, we wish every Strider the very best of
luck.
Remember to trust the training, soak up the crowds, enjoy every mile, and when it starts to hurt,
just look around for a yellow vest and keep pushing forward.
A special shout-out to all the family members, friends, and supporters who’ll be lining the streets
of Cardiff or tracking runners from home. Your encouragement makes a bigger difference than
you know.
Run strong, run proud, and most importantly, enjoy it!
Go smash it, Striders!
“The finish line may be in Cardiff, but the stories and celebrations will be back in Cornelly!”
The Last Place Runner
At a local race, a Strider was having a tough day. His legs felt heavy, everyone seemed to be passing him, and by
the halfway point he was convinced he would finish last.
As he rounded the final corner, he saw a small boy standing by the barriers. The boy pointed and shouted:
“Mum! Here comes the man in the yellow vest! He’s still going!”
The runner smiled and dug a little deeper.
After crossing the finish line, he realised something important. The little boy didn’t care about his position, his
pace, or his time.
He just saw someone who hadn’t given up.
Sometimes that’s what running is all about.
“You don’t have to be the fastest runner to inspire someone. You just have to keep moving forward.”
A Month in Striders Rhymes
Sally chased Nessie round Loch Ness way,
While Anita wore Welsh red with pride one day.
Agnes flew the colours, the Taigwaith crew too,
Proving Striders yellow looks good wherever you do.
The Windos keep travelling from marathon to marathon race,
Airport security probably know them by face.
From Sydney to Berlin and New York in sight,
They’re collecting finish medals morning and night.
Cardiff and Swansea were blessed with the sun,
Which in Wales is rarer than a negative split run.
The yellow shirts sparkled, a wonderful sight,
Like a high-vis running cult glowing bright.
The BCRL ended, we all wanted rest,
Then West Glam arrived with another tough test.
Because Striders see “off-season” and think with delight,
“Let’s enter another race and train every night!”
Sarah and Barney found mud by the ton,
While Castle to Castle was tackled for fun.
The Wright family hit Copenhagen at pace,
Then squeezed in a parkrun… just in case.
Shogun ran Great North while I sat drinking tea,
And got a side stitch just watching TV.
Meanwhile Salvis in Lithuania went slightly insane,
Choosing fifty miles of ultra-marathon pain!
If there’s a start line somewhere to be found,
A Strider in yellow won’t be far around!
One Last Sign-Off
For twelve months now I’ve filled this page,
With race reports, results, and occasional rage.
I’ve laughed, I’ve joked, I’ve done my best,
To celebrate the runners in the yellow vest.
A heartfelt thanks to all who give their time,
The captains, committee, volunteers on the climb.
So much happens that members never see,
And the club is stronger because of your energy.
I’ve loved writing these ramblings along the way,
But now it’s someone else’s turn to have their say.
I’ll still be running, causing mischief no doubt,
But the newsletter editor is finally signing out!
Thank you for reading, thank you for laughing, and thank you for making Cornelly Striders
such a special club.
Phil
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