BRR Blog - 1 September 2026
Cheers to you, Rob!
Hi there, Road Runners,
The blog this time of year would normally be focusing on our August Bank Holiday race. As always, the race was a fantastic end to the ELVIS competition, thanks to the great efforts of BRR members, friends and family - we couldn’t do it without you all.
But this year was bittersweet, with the very sad passing of our dear friend, Rob Courtier, after a short but brave battle with cancer.
Rob Courtier
24 March 1955 – 29 August 2026
Rob was a key part of BRR for many years and served in many Committee positions, most notably as Club Captain, a role he carried with the steady kindness and understated leadership that made him so widely respected. He encouraged runners of all abilities, celebrated every achievement, and helped shape the welcoming, supportive spirit that defines our club today. Rob was made a life member of BRR in December 2022, in acknowledgement of the significant contribution he had made to the club.
Beyond the many miles run and races shared, Rob brought warmth and a genuine care for the people around him. He was someone who made you feel included, someone who remembered your goals, someone who always had time for a word of encouragement before a run or a chat afterwards. The warm ovation that Rob received before our race showed the high regard in which he was held, not just by BRR but by runners across all ELVIS clubs.
We will miss him deeply — as a runner, as a captain, and as a good friend.
Our thoughts and love are with his family and all who knew him. Rest in peace, Rob. You will always be part of BRR.
Greg’s Race Report
As our race missed the cut-off for the Barking and Dagenham Post, Greg will cover it next week. It will also give Kronosports, the chip timing company, some time to sort out the issues they seem to have had.
Dennis, with his £10 prize, and Rob’s rainbow
Barking Road Runners had their final summer 5k Handicap race this year at Barking Park. First finisher was guest runner Wayne Latibeaudiere. As he isn’t a member he wasn’t eligible for points or prizes but it was a good run nonetheless.
This left Dennis Spencer Perkins as the winner of race 08 followed by Owen Wainhouse and Joyce Golder in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
The overall series winner was Martin O’toole with Barry Rowell in 2nd and Joyce Golder in 3rd. Well done to all the runners, both members and guests, who took part.
The crew at the handicap grand finale
A bit further from away Barking were Belinda Riches and Jean Bridgman, who travelled to Australia for the Sydney Marathon finishing in times of 4:18:39 and 4:36:01 respectively.
Belinda after the Sydney Marathon
BRR parkrunners
Barking - Joshua Ezissi 21:12, Paul Manson 25:47, Mark Odeku 26:06, Joyce Golder 27:34, Barry Rowell 28:06, James Sheridan 32:41, James Hall 34:11, Martin Mason 35:23, Nikki Cranmer 38:45, Astrid Effendi 38:46, Dennis Spencer Perkins 46:55, Alan Murphy 50:44 and Jason Li 50:47.
Birchall Playing Fields - Shantelle Keech 22:41.
Castle Park - Gary Harford 29:50.
Gary at Castle Park
Centennial - Belinda Riches 33:44, Jean Bridgman 33.45.
Jean and Belinda at Centennial parkrun
Folkestone - Paul Ward 26:36.
Jersey - Mark New 25:47.
Mark at Jersey parkrun
Maidenhead - Rory Burr 23:05.
Rory at Maidenhead parkrun
Oak Hill - Steve Colloff 33:38 and Louise Chappell 43:24.
Steve C, Louise, and her sister at Oak Hill parkrun
Raphael Park - Doug King 26:46.
Sheringham - Martin Brooks 31:58.
Thorney Bay Beach - Ron Vialls 24:29.
Ron at Thorney Bay Beach parkrun
Valentines - Kevin Wotton 25:54 and Andrew Gwilliam 55:44.
Highest BRR age gradings this week were Shantelle Keech 65.25% for the women and Ron Vialls 76.11% for the men.
BRR Diary - September
The highlights of the coming weeks are listed below but you can see the full diary of BRR events on the TeamUp app. Just 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 Runnerswebsite: https://www.barkingroadrunners.org.uk/calendar.
7.00pm, Tuesday 1 September - Speed Work. Jim Peter’s Stadium, Mayesbrook Park. This week we have the welcome return of John Lang, with his even and odds pyramid:
2 mins fast, 1 min rec
4 mins fast, 90 sec rec
6 mins fast, 90 sec rec,
5 mins fast, 90 sec rec
3 mins fast, 1 min rec
1 min fast, 90 sec rec
The bugs were out in force last Tuesday. If you tend to be bitten by mozzies and midges, make sure to wear repellent.
7.00pm, Thursday 3 August - Social Road Run. Castle Green Centre (Jo Richardson School), Gale Street, Dagenham. A gentle run of around 5k on local roads. Faster runners loop back, so nobody is left behind.
Sunday 6 September - The Big Half (GP07). Tower Bridge. You should have received your race number through the post and an email with start instructions by now, if you are participating.
7.00pm, Wednesday 9 September - Crown to Crown. Westley Heights Country Park (at the rear of the Miller & Carter – Crown Public House). A low-key, mainly off road, 5k. Enter at: Pitsea RC 5k Crown to Crown - September - EntryCentral
9.40am, Sunday 13 September - Fyfield 5k and 10k. Ongar Road, Fyfield, Essex, Ongar, CM5 0RF. Through fields, private roads and farm tracks, raising money for the local scout troop. Never done Fyfield before, but races seem a bit sparse in September, so it might be worth giving it a go. Enter at: Fyfield 5K and 10K 2026 2026 | Sun 13 Sept | Book @ Findarace
10:30, Sunday 13 September - Orienteering in Epping Forest SE. Loughton, England, IG10 4DZ. If you want to try ‘proper’ orienteering (without the safety net of a mobile phone app), here is a local event. More details here: https://www.chig.org.uk/events/260913-epping-se
Pedals vs Pavements
Running vs cycling: which one is better?
A lot of us cycle as well as run. But, as a endurance athlete, if you want to get fitter, leaner and healthier, should you choose cycling or running?
According to a recent Marathon Handbook article, both sports deliver excellent cardiovascular benefits, improve endurance, and can support weight loss. However, they each have their own strengths. Running typically burns 30-50% more calories per minute than cycling, making it a highly efficient workout when time is short. It also helps strengthen bones thanks to its weight-bearing nature.
Cycling, meanwhile, is kinder to the joints. With minimal impact on knees, hips and ankles, it allows many people to train for longer periods with a lower risk of impact-related injuries.
So, which is better? For BRR members, the answer is simple: running wins! But if a bike ride helps you stay active when injured, recover between sessions, or simply let’s you get from A to B while getting some extra execise in, there’s room in your training plan for both. After all, the best exercise is the one you’ll keep doing. 🏃♀️🚴♂️
Foam Rollers: Pain =No Gain
Many runners of us have a foam roller gathering dust in the corner, but used correctly, it can be a valuable part of your recovery toolkit. Foam rolling is a form of ‘self-myofascial release’, which simply means applying pressure to muscles and surrounding tissues to help reduce feelings of tightness and improve movement.
Research suggests that foam rolling can temporarily increase range of motion, reduce sensations of muscle soreness after hard sessions, and help you feel more mobile before or after running. Many runners find it particularly useful for calves, quads, glutes and the upper back.
However, more is not always better. One of the biggest mistakes is rolling too hard. If you're grimacing, holding your breath, or leaving bruises, you're doing too much. Current sports medicine advice is that foam rolling should feel uncomfortable but tolerable. Excessive pressure can irritate tissues and make muscles tense up rather than relax. If it feels like torture, ease off!
It's also important to understand the limitations. Foam rolling won't break up scar tissue, lengthen muscles permanently, or fix running injuries on its own. Think of it as a helpful recovery and mobility aid rather than a miracle cure.
A good rule of thumb is to roll slowly for 30 to 60 seconds on an area, breathe normally, and use moderate pressure. Combined with sensible training, strength work, sleep and good nutrition, foam rolling can help keep you moving well and feeling ready for your next run.
A Brief History of Barking Park
Barking Park lake, facing towards South Park Drive
Since July 2012 Barking Park has become known as the home of Barking parkrun, but the park's history stretches back more than 125 years. Opened in 1898 as the Barking Town Urban District Recreation Ground (catchy!), it was the first council-owned park in the borough and was designed as a classic Victorian park, complete with ornamental gardens, tree-lined avenues and a large boating lake.
The park flourished during the first half of the twentieth century. Its attractions included a popular lido, miniature railway, sports facilities and even a Mississippi-style paddle steamer, the Phoenix II, which carried passengers around the lake during the 1950s and 1960s.
Like many public parks, Barking Park experienced a period of decline in the late twentieth century, with the lido eventually closing in 1988. However, a major restoration project between 2010 and 2012 transformed the park, restoring some of its historic features and adding new facilities, including the splash park, café, and modern children's play area. Sadly, there has been no return of the lido or the paddle steamer, though we have unicorns instead.
Today, Barking Park remains one of East London's most treasured green spaces. Whether you're chasing a parkrun PB or enjoying a recovery jog beside the lake, you're running through a park that has been at the heart of the local community since late Victorian times.
Interesting fact: if you study the war memorial closely, you will find the name of one of our very own Rob Courtier’s predecessors - unfortunately spelled incorrectly when the memorial was refurbished a few years ago. Rob was too nice to complain.
Cracker Corner
I’ve developed a phobia of escalators. I’m taking steps to avoid it.
I’m under investigation by the police for stealing swimming pool inflatables. I think I’d better lilo for a while.
I was invited to a fancy dress party where the guests had to dress as their favourite item of kitchen equipment. I didn’t go - I’m not a good mixer.
Quote of the Week
“I never tried quitting, and I never quit trying.”
Dolly Parton
And Finally…
We all know that running was a huge part of Rob’s life. But I was still surprised when his sister, Lorraine, gave us a set of cones she had found…in his bathroom cupboard! Rob really liked to be surrounded by running at all times…
