May Notices
Howdy Ranelights.
After the excitement of April…
… you might have hoped May would offer a chance to pause and maybe even put your feet up. Not a chance. It’s shaping up to be one of the busiest and most exciting months in our club calendar.
And right at the heart of it all is our Ranelagh Half Marathon on Sunday 10 May.
Whether you’re considering a last-minute entry or volunteering, there’s still time to get involved. Enter @ https://in.njuko.com/ranelagh-half-marathon or volunteer @ https://forms.gle/DodAoSXJtZFngnm89.
And there’s more!
Andy Bickerstaff’s ever popular 3-series Wimbledon Trail Races kicks off with Race #1 on 6 May, our Green Belt teams are gearing up for their big weekend on 16/17 May, and the Coad Cup, our next club handicap, is on 26 May. Plus don’t forget our Sunday Coffee Club on 31 May.
Whatever you choose to do, it’s a month full of opportunities to race, support, and come together as a club.
Let’s do it! 💙💛
PRIORITY dates
FIXTURES
▪️Sun 10 May Ranelagh Half Marathon. 8.30am Ham, Richmond & Kingston. Sign up here >
▪️Tue 26 May Coad Cup handicap. 7pm Richmond Park. Sign up here >
▪️Sun 21 June Ranelagh 10K. 9am Ham & Teddington Lock. Sign up here >
▪️Fri 3 July Sunset Sprint 3K. 6pm Ham Avenues. Sign up here >
SOCIALS
▪️Sun 31 May: Ranelagh Sunday Coffee Club 8 to 11am. End - or start - your long runs with free coffee, warm croissants & great company. All welcome.
We also need volunteers to help to keep our monthly Sunday Coffee Club going.
Contact Maia or Rick via WhatsApp or email coordinator@ranelagh-harriers.co.uk
REMINDERS
▪️Volunteer: Sign up @ https://forms.gle/DodAoSXJtZFngnm89
▪️10 May Ranelagh Half
▪️21 June Ranelagh 10K
▪️3 July Sunset Sprint
COMING UP
FIXTURES
▪️Wed 6 May Wimbledon Trail Series 1 @ Wimbledon Common
▪️Sun 10 May Ranelagh Half @ Richmond / Kingston / Ham
▪️Sun 10 May Hogsmill 5 @ Epsom
▪️Tues 26 May Coad Cup Handicap @ Richmond Park
For entries and full details, head to https://ranelagh-harriers.co.uk/fixtures ⬅️
SOcial / community
▪️12 May - 7 July: Our ladies-only couch-to-5k running course, perfect for beginners aim to confidently run 5 km at their own pace. Details & signup @ https://ranelagh-harriers.co.uk/news/beginners-2026
▪️Tues 7 July: SAVE THE DATE. Ranelagh Harriers Annual General Meeting @ the clubhouse. Details, agenda and docs to follow.
RANELAGH HALF
We URGENTLY need your help
The Ranelagh Half is this Sunday on 10 May. If you’ve already volunteered - thank you. It makes a huge difference. If you haven’t yet, PLEASE step up to help our club.
We urgently need more marshals at Ham from 9:20 - 11.30am.
We could use a couple more marshals to support at Twickenham Church Street from 8:45 - 10:30am
We really need help at the start/finish with posting to social media. Support & instructions given.
We still need help BEFORE race day with:
From Thursday 7 May: Leafleting residents in Ham with flyers. Approximately an hour or less. Flyers & map provided.
On Saturday 9 May (pm): Marking the course from Half Mile Tree in Ham/Kingston (approx. Mile 2) along the Thames towpath until Richmond Bridge (just after Mile 5). Signs, map & instructions provided.
Sign up @ https://forms.gle/DodAoSXJtZFngnm89 or click the button below. Or contact Narissa via WhatsApp or email coordinator@ranelagh-harriers.co.uk ASAP.
Performance RoundUp
▪️Latest roundup of the Women’s achievements @ The Blue Wave >
▪️Latest roundup of the Men’s achievements @ The Blue & Amber >
Sunday 26 April | London Marathon
The London Marathon is never just a race.
For one day each April, our wonderful city becomes something truly extraordinary. From the first steps in Greenwich to the final stretch along The Mall, it turns into a moving celebration of human spirit, with thousands of individual journeys unfolding side by side, each driven by its own purpose yet carried by the same shared energy.
What makes it special is not just the scale, but the feeling. The roar of the crowds. The unexpected moments of connection. The quiet determination written on every face. It all adds up to something far bigger than 26.2 miles. Whether you are running, watching, or simply swept up in it as London comes alive, it is a day that reminds you what people are capable of, and why this race means so much to so many.
This year, 23 Ranelagh runners crossed the finish line, each with their own story and their own reason for being there. Every finish spoke of commitment, resilience and heart, with runners digging deep when it mattered most.
And yet, as ever, the true magic of the day stretched far beyond the clock. Because while the elites may have rewritten the record books (time to buy those Adidas shares!), what stays with you isn’t the time. It’s how you get there. That spirit was captured perfectly by Graham Weller:
“Is there a Ranelagh award for compassion? If so I’d like to nominate Jarryd Hillhouse for slowing right down to get me safely over the line… I was barely able to walk straight by then, let alone run. What a trooper.”
A moment that says everything about the kind of club we are.
In true Ranelagh fashion, some chose to take on the challenge a little differently. A big shout out to Adam Stephens, who completed his MyWay marathon - alongside our Reverse London crew of Candice Goddard, Sue Lear, Jon Lear and Narissa Vox (the latter joined by Verka Laffeuille, with Pete Vox and Mark Herbert crewing on roller skates).
Setting off at midnight and quite literally turning the race on its head, the Reverse London group ran the course backwards, finishing well before the official start. By all accounts, it was “the most ridiculously epic, hilarious and insane event ever. Highly recommended… until the uphill at Woolwich.”
Proof, if it were ever needed, that where there’s a will, there’s always a MyWay.
The finish line, though, is never the end of the story. It rolled straight into a brilliant Medal Sunday Social at the Fox & Duck, where stories were shared, legs were rested (or at least attempted), and the scale of what had just been achieved began to sink in. Huge congratulations to every Ranelagh finisher.
And just as importantly, a heartfelt thank you to the army of volunteers and supporters who made the day what it was. From the Old Deer Park marshals at Mile 9, to Maia Rushby, Gavin Hillhouse and Lloyd Camp behind the scenes, to Ed Perry and Rick Jenner clocking up their own half marathon as they went out to support, to Aoife Kilpatrick, Carol Aikin, Claire Warner and Alex Ring bringing the love at Mile 25.
Every shout, every cheer, every moment of encouragement mattered. It certainly dragged more than a few people through, Malcolm Davies included.
Because that’s what defines London, and what defines Ranelagh within it. It’s the moment you hear your name shouted from a crowd you didn’t know was there. It’s spotting a flash of blue and amber just when you need it most. It’s knowing that whether you’re racing, volunteering, or simply clapping from the roadside, you’re part of something bigger.
That’s the thread that runs through us all - not just the pursuit of a time, but the shared spirit of a club that shows up, lifts each other, and makes a day like this unforgettable.
club Subs are due
Please renew your membership subs for 2026/2027
Kindly make your payments as soon as possible using the account details below:
Beneficiary Bank: HSBC
Sort code: 40-23-29
Account Number: 81109847
Account Name: Ranelagh Harriers
For any other methods of payment, please go to www.ranelagh-harriers.co.uk/join-info
Where applicable, your payment includes registration with England Athletics, which will allow you to represent our club in official races. You will also receive a £2 discount on most other race entries, plus other benefits and discounts as offered by England Athletics.
Once you have paid your subs, we will register you with them. NOTE: By paying your subs you agree go to the England Athletics site, to accept and abide by the relevant codes of conduct relating to your role(s) within the club.
For all membership queries, please email the Membership Secretary
Ranelagh School Run
School Run is our outreach initiative, launched in 2023 to introduce and inspire under-11s to cross-country running. Delivered in partnership with Burdett-Coutts Primary School in Westminster, the programme has already had a huge impact, helping children build confidence, discover running and, for many, experience Richmond Park for the very first time.
Now in its third year, demand has grown significantly, with 57 children signed up for 2026, almost double previous years. It’s a hugely positive sign, but to help deliver a safe and high-quality final event, we’d love more club members to get involved.
Coaching
To support the Wednesday after-school sessions (3.30–4.30pm). Having club members involved helps build confidence, familiarity and a real sense of connection ahead of race day. If required, DBS checks will be arranged by the school.
Race Day
Help on race day (Wednesday 8 July TBC, approx. 12–3pm) with course set-up, marshalling, pacing, timekeeping and finish support. No experience is needed, just a willingness to get involved and help make it a brilliant experience for the children. DBS not required.
If you’d like to be involved, please email coordinator@ranelagh-harriers.co.uk or contact Narissa via WhatsApp Community.
100 Miles for Ruils
Anyone involved with Ranelagh will know just how much the Hillhouse family quietly does behind the scenes. From volunteering their time supporting and sponsoring club events, to being on our committee and maintaining our clubhouse, Robbie and co. are always among the first to step up when our club needs support.
Now it’s our turn to get behind them.
On 13 June, Robbie will take on the South Downs Way 100, a gruelling 100-mile non-stop race from Winchester to Eastbourne, to raise money for Ruils Independent Living and their SEND Family Matters service.
Paced by Gavin and crewed by Michele, Robbie is aiming to raise an incredible £10,000 to help fund workshops, one-to-one support and befriending services for local families.
To support his fundraising effort, he’s organising a Quiz Night at The Turks Head on Thursday 5 June at 7.30pm. Entry is £10. All are welcome. To attend, please contact Robbie via WhatsApp Community or email robbie.hillhouse@gmail.com.
And if you can’t make the quiz, donations via his JustGiving page would also be hugely appreciated.
Training
The days are getting longer and the evenings lighter. FINALLY!
With the warmer weather however, please remember to hydrate well, take it steady when needed, dress appropriately, and keep cool, not just during training but also when travelling to and from the clubhouse or track.
For Tuesdays’ sessions, please meet at our clubhouse for 7pm. Find the latest training schedules here >
For Thursdays’ track, please meet at Osterley track for 7.30pm. Find the latest training schedules here >
Notices
Club
1️⃣ CONDOLENCES: It is with great sadness that we share the passing of much-loved club member, Bronwen Northmore. Her funeral will take place on 14th May at midday at Holy Trinity Church Twickenham, followed by a reception at The Alexander Pope. All who wish to attend are warmly welcome. If you plan to attend either the funeral or the reception, please email coordinator@ranelagh-harriers so the family can plan accordingly.
2️⃣ ENTER: NONSUCH PARK RELAYS Tuesday 16 June @ 7pm, hosted by Epsom & Ewell Harriers. We’re looking for teams of four (each run approx. 3km). Fun and suitable for all abilities. Enter @ https://forms.office.com/r/VK2yxEV4Cj and Vice-Captain Dave Lawley will be in touch.
3️⃣ OFFER: Women’s Vice-Captain Suzy Whatmough is offering sports and clinical massage appointments on Saturdays at The Maris Practice in Twickenham, with 20% Ranelagh member discounts from May. Contact her via WhatsApp Community or book directly @ The Maris Practice: https://themarispractice.janeapp.co.uk/#/staff_member/65
4️⃣ DISCOUNT: Courtesy of local provider Beer Merchants who are supporting the Ranelagh Half with a FREE can of Lervig No Worries non-alcoholic beer, you can also enjoy 15% off across the Beer Merchants website using the code RANELAGHHALF26.
5️⃣ KIT: If you’ve ordered kit, please message our Kit Secretary Agnes Nagy via WhatsApp Community to arrange collection.
6️⃣ SHARE: Your running related celebrations & achievements in our ‘General Club Chat’ group - so we can shout you out!
Community
1️⃣ RACE: WOKING AC WEEKNIGHT MASHUP Thursday 28 May @ 5.30pm. 5000m and 2-mile, pacers provided and great opportunities for fast times. Entries and details here: https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2026/GBR/wac5000m-2mile/
2️⃣ RACE: DORKING TENS (10 MILE) Sunday 7 June @ 9am Dorking. Scenic countryside road race. £28 UK / £26 Non. Details @ https://www.dmvac.org/dorking-tens/
3️⃣ RACE: EPSOM ODDBALLS 2000 PERCH 10K Friday 26 June @ 7pm Epsom Downs. 10K summer trail race. Entries @ https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/EpsomOddballs2000Perch2026
4️⃣ RACE: SheRACES TRAIL SERIES Sunday 5 July @ Denbies. 50, 25 & 10K distances, women only, no cut-offs, perfect for beginners and experts alike. Find out more @ https://www.sheracestrailseries.com/
