BRR Blog - 29 September 2025
(Most of) our fantastic football team
Howdie Road Runners,
We’ve had a good weekend of sport, both in the Club and outside. I have decided to break my own rule and have a non-running photo as the main picture in the blog. Our football team did a fantastic job on Sunday afternoon, even though the guys they were up against train together regularly and so had a distinct advantage. And, of course, we had the best supporters!
Elsewhere over the weekend, I may not have been impressed with the crowds at the Vitality 10,000 on Sunday, but it was great to see some of you taking part in the Westminster Mile while I was volunteering there on Saturday. The event featured 25 waves, including adults, adult masters, wheelchairs, children with cancer, families running and walking, Joe Wicks, the body coach, and a Roger Bannister wave attempting to break the four-minute mile (nobody did, but quite a few achieved under five minutes), and even a superhero wave. So many people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities, all coming together to enjoy running - what’s not to love?
Optimistic October
Wednesday marks the start of Optimistic October. I’m not sure I can be quite as optimistic as the table below requires, but I guess just taking forward a few of the suggestions will have a positive impact. Down with doom and gloom, up with optimism!
Boston Marathon Acceptance
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) began telling runners this week that they got into the 130th Boston Marathon, which will take place on April 20, 2026. Over 24,000 qualified runners received acceptance emails but, for the nearly 9,000 athletes who were just a few minutes short of being accepted, this year’s race will remind everyone how competitive the Boston Marathon has become.
The BAA had 33,249 applications from qualified runners during the 8-12 September registration period, but only 30,000 total spots are available. After saving places for charity runners, professionals, and para-athletes, 24,362 qualifiers were accepted. This means 8,887 runners who met the qualifying time did not get in, which makes it all the more fantastic that our very own Cristina and Belinda have both got places, thanks to their sheer hard work.
This year, runners needed to be at least four minutes, 34 seconds faster than their age- and gender-based qualifying standard to be accepted. For men aged 18–34, the actual cutoff time was 2:50:26 instead of 2:55:00. For women in the same age group, it was 3:20:26 instead of 3:25:00. Non-binary athletes also had similar adjusted times.
Runners from 120 countries and all 50 US states are in the accepted group. There are 13,823 men, 10,429 women, and 110 non-binary athletes, with ages ranging from 18 to 83. About 10,710 will run Boston for the first time, and 719 “streakers” got automatic entry – no, not people running naked but those who have completed ten or more Boston Marathons.
The Boston remains very popular, and more fast runners are trying to get in each year. The BAA hasn't changed its qualifying times since 2020, but demand keeps increasing, which means it is getting more and more difficult to get a place.
Runners who missed out can still apply through Boston’s charity programme later this autumn. The qualifying window for the 131st Boston Marathon has already opened, giving runners another shot at making the cut.
Style it Out
Harry Styles: boyish good looks, international pop star, multi-millionaire, and a good runner too. Makes you sick, doesn’t it?
Styles ran the Berlin Marathon on 21 September, making it two marathons in just over six months. Using the name ‘Sted Sarandos’, Styles completed the Marathon in 2:59:13. This is a big improvement from his time of 3:24:7 seconds at the Tokyo Marathon in March. There he ran at an average pace of 7 minutes and 47 seconds per mile. In Berlin, his average pace was 6 minutes and 50 seconds per mile.
What makes his achievement even more impressive is that the Berlin Marathon was held in hot and humid weather, with temperatures starting at 19°C and rising to 25°C.
Cathy Freeman’s Magic Monday
Cathy Freeman in her famous swift suit. Photo courtesy of WikiCommons
On 25 September, we marked the 25th anniversary of Cathy Freeman becoming the first Australian Aboriginal person to win an individual Olympic gold medal, at the 2000 Sydney Games.
The occasion was not just special for Freeman and her nation, but also for the sheer scale of the crowd that bore witness to her moment of glory in the women’s 400 metres. An astonishing 110,000 spectators packed into the stadium, making it the largest-ever assembly for an Olympic track and field event, dwarfing even the largest crowds of London 2012 by some 30,000 people. On that unforgettable night, as Freeman took to the track in her ‘swift suit’, the stadium erupted in a deafening roar that lasted the entire 49.11 seconds of her race.
It was not all about Freeman that night, though. Spare a thought for Michael Johnson, too, as he became the first man to win consecutive Olympic 400m titles. However, his event was slightly delayed and partly overshadowed as it took place 15 minutes after the women’s 400m.
A to Z of Running
Episode five in the A-Z of running, and this week it is brought to you by the letter ‘G.’
Gait: The pattern of movement of the limbs during locomotion. Runners often analyse their gait to improve efficiency and reduce injury risk, though it can be difficult to change.
Gaiters: A type of sleeve-like garment similar to legwarmers that a runner (or a hiker) attaches to their shoes and goes up the leg or ankle to protect the feet from the elements, such as water, sleet, dirt, pebbles, rocks, and other debris. Not really used by the casual runner but useful if you do a lot of trail running over rugged terrain.
Gel: A sweet and sticky carbohydrate-rich substance consumed during long runs or races to maintain energy levels. Make sure to test out a gel before you use it in an important race - some can upset your tummy!
Glycogen: Your body stores of carbohydrate in the form of glycogen to be used for energy. This is a form of carbohydrate storage found mainly in the muscles and liver and converted to glucose for energy during running. Running gels are full of glycogen.
GPS (Global Positioning System): Technology used to track running routes, pace, and distance. Found in most running watches and apps. GPS works by using a network of orbiting satellites to send signals to a receiver, such as a smartphone or watch. The receiver then calculates its distance from several satellites by measuring the time it takes for these signals to arrive. By knowing its distance from at least four satellites, and using the known locations of those satellites, the receiver can accurately determine its precise three-dimensional position on Earth through a process called trilateration. But, remember, there will always be a margin of error.
Ground Contact Time: The amount of time your foot spends on the ground during each stride. Shorter contact time is often linked to more efficient running.
Gradient: The incline or decline of a running surface. Running uphill builds strength; downhill can improve speed but increase injury risk.
Grippers: Traction-enhancing accessories for shoes, used in icy or slippery conditions to prevent falls. Fortunately, not needed very often in the UK.
Gear: General term for running equipment, including shoes, clothing, hydration packs, and tech devices.
Glutes: Short for gluteal muscles. these are a group of three muscles located in your buttocks:
Gluteus maximus – the largest and most powerful muscle, responsible for hip extension (e.g. standing up, climbing stairs, sprinting).
Gluteus medius – helps with hip abduction and stabilising your pelvis when walking or running.
Gluteus minimus – the smallest of the three, also assists with hip stabilisation and movement.
These muscles are essential for running power, posture, and injury prevention, especially in the lower back, hips, and knees.
Garmin: the leading brand of GPS sports watches in the UK.
On this Day in History
On 1 October 1977, The Complete Book of Running by Jim Fixx was published. Widely considered to have fuelled the first running boom, the book discussed not only the physical benefits of running, but also its psychological benefits: increasing self-esteem, acquiring a "high" from running, and being able to cope better with pressure and tension. It went on to sell over a million copies, but Fixx’s death at the age of 52 from a heart attack after his daily run led critics to question the links between running, health, and life expectancy, but the truth was that he was predisposed to heart problems (his father also died at a young age from heart disease).
Greg’s Race Report
Barking Roadrunners members ran in the Westminster Mile on Saturday including Ron Vialls who finished in first place for the gold medal in the over 70s race in a time of 6:51. Jason Li finished the adult’s race in 7:42 with Trevor Parking wrestling injury to finish in 20:34. Running in the family event was Greg Adams finishing in 14:37 just a second behind his 2-year-old grandson.
BRR competitors at the Westminster Mile
On the Sunday was the Vitality 10k with six members competing. Kevin Wotton 50:47 was the first BRR finisher followed by Belinda Riches 56:40, Lizzie-Beth Garraghan 57:34, Jason Li 57:39, Alison Fryatt 1:10:31 and Ken Summerfield 1:38:26.
Some of the BRR competitors at the Vitality 10k
Away from running, BRR fielded a football team for a charity match in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital, playing their part in a 10-goal thriller.
BRR parkrunners
Barking - Dominic Herring 20:25, Daniel Plawiak 21:33, Mark New 24:31, Sian Mansley 29:37, John Lang 29:39, Nikki Cranmer 35:13, Les Jay 42:21 and Alan Murphy 51:03.
Chelmsford Central - Gary Harford 29:07.
Dulwich - Rory Burr 22:47, Belinda Riches 25:30, Steve Colloff 31:30, Dennis Spencer-Perkins 34:39 Darren Graham 39:43 and Denise Graham 51:18.
Rory and Steve C at Dulwich parkrun
Steve C, Belinda, Denise, Darren, and Dennis at Dulwich parkrun
Flegg High - Stuart Mackay 20:39 and Jess Collett 23:13.
Ingrebourne Hill - Rob Courtier 33:45.
Rob and friend at Ingrebourne Hill parkrun
North Waltham - Paul Ward 25:37.
Perry Hall - Louise Chappell 30:03.
Louise at Perry Hall parkrun
Thames Path - John Mitchell 24:21.
Valentines - Kevin Wotton 29:58.
Highest BRR age gradings this week were Belinda Riches 69.15% for the women and Stuart Mackay 70.86% for the men.
BRR Diary – September/October
The highlights of the coming weeks are listed below but you can see the full diary of BRR events on the TeamUp app. Simply download the TeamUp app to your phone, then enter the calendar key: ks67p21gt8p5gzdo66 when prompted. If you don’t want another app on your phone, you can also find it under the ‘events’ tab on the Barking Road Runners website: https://www.barkingroadrunners.org.uk/calendar.
7.00pm, Tuesday 30 September - speed session. Jim Peters Stadium, Mayesbrook Park. This week Greg will be taking the session:
6 x (3 minutes at 5k (7/10 RPE) with a 10-second sprint at the end of each, 2 minutes recovery).
7.00pm, Thursday 2 October - Club road run. Castle Green Centre/Jo Richardson School. A road run, usually around four miles.
7.00pm, Friday 3 October - ELVIS presentation evening. Bancroft Rugby Club, Buckhurst Way, IG9 6JD.
9.30am, Sunday 5 October - Eastbrookend Country Park. Another trial run around the course for the Chingford League race the Club will be hosting on 1 November.
10.00am, Sunday 5 October - Southend 10k. Southchurch Park East, Lifstan Way, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 2XD. This is not an official Club race, but several of us have done it before, and it is an enjoyable out-and-back along Southend seafront (the Shoeburyness end). It is also an Essex Championships race. Enter at https://www.southend10k.com/.
7.30pm, Tuesday 7 October - Chingford League 01. Velopark, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Abercrombie Rd, London E20 3AB - note the change of venue!!!! First race in the Chingford League competition, around the outdoor cycling track at the Olympic Park. Senior Women and U15/17 girls start 7.30pm and Senior Men and U15/17boys start 8.00pm - please come along early to support the ladies! There is no charge for BRR members to take part, as the Club meets the cost of being in the League, but you need to let us know you will be running in advance, so we can allocate a bib number. Track is cancelled.
10.30am, Sunday 12 October - Tiptree 10 (GP08). Leisure World Tiptree, Maypole Road, Tiptree, Colchester, CO5 0EW. The eighth and final race in the 2025 Grand Prix competition, the Tiptree 10 is a very popular and multiple award-winning 10-mile road race held on quiet rural roads through scenic Essex countryside. Enter here
7.15pm, Thursday 30 October - Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025. Castle Green Centre/Jo Richardson School, Gale Street, Dagenham. More details to follow.
Cracker Corner
Don’t you hate it when someone answers their own questions? I do.
I know they say that money talks, but all mine says is ‘Goodbye.’
Chris just found out I replaced our bed with a trampoline. He hit the ceiling!
Quote of the Week
“Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s not the end of the world, and in many ways, it’s the first step toward learning something better and getting better at it.”
Jon Hamm
(US actor)
And finally…the Good Samaritan
After months of dedicated preparation, American marathon runner Jay Glidewell from St. Louis, Missouri, encountered every athlete’s worst fear just 10k into the 2025 Berlin Marathon: the right sole of his well-used Nike Vaporfly 4% Flyknits tore off, leaving him with no option but to drop out or continue the remaining 32k barefoot.
However, a good Samaritan came to his aid. A German supporter named Sven Hock stepped forward, offering Glidewell his own running shoes. Luckily, they were the right size. Glidewell accepted the right shoe and managed to press on, ultimately finishing the marathon in a respectable time of 3:10:33.
Hock had offered both shoes, but Glidewell only took the right. Unfortunately, this was the wrong decision. At the 38k mark, the left shoe failed as well, forcing Glidewell to complete the last 4k with just a sock on his left foot and Hock’s right shoe on the other.
Glidewell’s Strava profile reveals he had been pushing his Vaporflys to their limits, having first raced in them during a marathon in 2019. After more than five years and countless races, Berlin marked their final outing. Thanks to Hock’s generosity, the 30-year-old completed his third Abbott World Marathon Major and now looks ahead to his next challenge: the Tokyo Marathon in March 2026.
The story shows the importance of kindness and generosity to others. It also shows that a major marathon is not the best place to test the limits of your running shoes…
