July 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to the July Newsletter.

First of all, my apologies for not getting a newsletter put together sooner — this time of year is always a bit crazy for me. I’m a few months into being the chairperson and still very much getting used to things. I have, however, managed to get out running, and it has been great seeing the Silson colours at different events. The Facebook page has shown that so many of you have been just as busy out on the streets and trails. You are an inspiring bunch in so many ways.

I aim to keep this short and sweet, so this is mostly going to be a list of a few notes and dates you might need to know.

Training — Thank you to all of our coaches for running the training sessions. The new parking rules at Stowe have taken a bit of getting used to, but it is worth it to be able to train at such a wonderful location. Keep checking Facebook for any changes to training times or locations.

Silson Kit — A new order has just been put together, but if you have any questions regarding the running kit or hoodies, please email silsonkit@gmail.com. There are spares available if you need to borrow anything for an upcoming race.

Charity — Watermeadows Parkrun in Towcester recently put out a call for donations as they needed to replace their defibrillator. I was contacted by so many members of our club to see if we could help. We were able to donate £500, which was, at the time, the amount still needed to reach their target.

Chip Shop Challenge — One of the best events of the running year (the other being the Silverstone 10K) is due to be held on 7th August. Take part or volunteer to help — the details are all on the Facebook page.

Chiltern Cross Country League — After an amazing last season, the dates are out for 2026–2027, although the venues have not yet been confirmed for all fixtures. Because of this, the best place to stay on top of the where and when is to check https://chilternccl.co.uk/fixtures or keep an eye on the Silson Facebook page.

Thanks again for your continued support — see you out there running.

Bob Kellam

Chairperson

The next section has been put together by Graham and is some race results and news from May and June.

It’s me again doing the Silson Newsletter. This edition taking in 2 months as will August and September. We will go monthly again as for the 26/27 season. Plenty of road races to report including a cancellation, due to heat!!! Also a few words on a successful Silverstone 10k. On a sadder note we reflect on the passing of 2 of Silson’s very own. 

Grand Prix 10k - Wednesday May 6th

A dry but chilly evening greeted runners at the 41st running of the Silverstone 10k. With the race sold out two months ahead of race day it was set to be a busy evening. A close race ensued between the leading men with Will Beeston Tonbridge Harriers 32.03 heading Kenilworths Luke Morgan by just one second. Moly Blizard of Bedford & County had a comfortable win in the ladies race, timing 36.36. A total of 1699 runners completed the race.

Blisworth Friday 5 - Friday 15th May

A good turnout from Silson runners, for this local race one of the easier evening races to get to. Although not helped by the confusion of the 7pm start time. Not at all an easy race with a very downhill start, followed by the same hill in the opposite direction. A mention for a couple of newbies and a couple of returnees. In 252nd position was Cassie Cleaver in a  time of 40.46. Returning to racing for Silson Mel Bignell 45.00 crossing the line 314th. Closely following just 3 places and 14 seconds further back was Joanna Gregory. Returning to road racing after a very long time Sheona Smee was 372nd timing 52.01. Results 70th Chris Coghlan 31.28, 89th Helen Heley 32.29, 107th Toby Heley 33.33, 124th Charlie Purr 34.19, 135th James Spencer 34.40, 174th Michael Spencer 36.07, 183rd Richard Popiel 36.45, 197th Jakob Ebrey 37.23, 211st Nichola Green 38.28, 231st Louise Honeyball 39.38, 236th Emily Castle 39.54, 245th Rachael Coles 40.25, 248th Bob Kellam 40.39, 252nd Cassie Cleaver 40.46, 270th David Morley 41.51, 305th Sue Torrance 44.15, 308th Maddy Moutrie 44.31, 314th Mel Bignell 45.00, 317th Joanna Gregory 45.14, 325th Laura Torrance 45.53, 331st Rachel Gardener 46.40, 345th Hannah Torrance 48.32, 347th Dave Jarrett 48.46, 354th Marina Lister 49.26, 356th Sally Stephens 49.46, 371st Humphrey Marten 51.52, 372nd Sheona Smee 52.01, 378th Tina Morris 54.06.

Banbury 5 - Tuesday May 19th

The East Midlands Series was in Oxfordshire for the Banbury 5. On a damp breezy evening, with an undulating course that produces fast times. Recently transferred to first claim Silson Richard Francis went sub 6 minute per mile, crossing the line 19th in a time of 28.40. Helen Heley was first Silson lady 102nd in 33.03. Further down the field Sue Torrance and Maddy Moutrie had a right battle. Sue 286th in 43.57 one second and one place ahead of Madeleine. Results 19th Richard Francis 28.40, 102nd Helen Heley 33.03, 105th James Spencer 33.20, 141st Paul Holmes 34.52, 184th Richard Popiel 35.46, 193rd Jakob Ebrey 37.13, 230th Emily Castle 39.48, 256 Rachael Coles 42.06, 258th David Morley 42.09, 286th Sue Torrance 43.57, 287th Maddy Moutrie 43.58, 290th Brian Keers 44.16, 293rd Craig Hildebrant 44.48, 299th Hannah Torrance 45.55, 312th Dave Jarrett 48.43, 313th Marina Lister 49.09, 316th Sheona Smee 49.13, 318th Sally Stephens 50.01, 322nd Kim Froggitt 50.24, 327th  Humphrey Marten 53.37.

Weedon 10k - Tuesday June 16th

Silson’s largest turn out for an EMGP race this summer of 25 runners. A couple of Silson newcomers braved Everdon Stubbs and the Farthingstone Road’ placing 100th in a respectable time of 43.19 was Richard Wareham. With Will Knibbs timing 46.23 in 158th position. Results 20th Richard Francis 37.13. 53rd Chris Coghlan 40.10, 74th Helen Heley 41.36, 100th Richard Wareham 43.19, 134th Paul Holmes 45.07, 158th Will Knibbs 46.08, 163rd James Spencer 46.23, 184th Michael Spencer 46.23, 210th Rob Pardon 50.04, 215th Emily Castle 50.25, 226th Rachael Coles 51.10, 227 Cassie Cleaver 51.11, 239th Mary de Frates 52.10, 256th Louise Honeyball 54.09, 283rd Mel Bignell 57.28, 289th Maddy Moutrie 57.46, 317th Joanna Gregory 61.05, 323rd Dave Jarrett 61.45, 328th Sue Torrance 62.45, 335th Hannah Torrance 64.28, 341st Marina Lister 65.36, 342nd Humphrey Marten 67.19

Corby 5 - Wednesday June 24th

Cancelled due to extreme heat, not a common occurrence in GB maybe we have more of this to come.  This race will now not take place, rescheduling was considered, but decided against.

Milton Keynes 10k - Tuesday June 30th

Another warm evening for the penultimate race of the Grand Prix Series. Silson were led home by Simon Woodward, placing 112th in a time of 41.28. Followed by James Spencer 43.14 and 139th. First Silson lady was Mary de Frates crossing the line 244th in 49.41 Results 112th Simon Woodward 41.28, 139th James Spencer 43.14, 193rd Michael Spencer 45.40, 202nd Will Knibbs 46.19, 215th Richard Popiel 47.15, 244th Mary de Frates 49.41, 297th Craig Hildebrant 55.13, 301st Mel Bignell 55.54, 317th Maddy Moutrie 57.31, 338th Hannah Torrance 60.25, 342nd Rachael Coles 61,05, 343rd Dave Morley 61.05, 348th Joanna Gregory 62.40, 352nd Sheona Smee 63.53, 354th Humphrey  Marten 66.34.

Pb’s and Club Records

We can’t leave the May racing without a word about some outstanding running from one of our lady runners. There comes a point with most runners where a pb is on the cards each time you put on a pair of trainers. Izzy Hodgson is currently in this rich vein of form with an outstanding Milton Keynes 5k on May 3rd timing 18.46. To lower the club record by well over a minute. Izzy followed this with her first track race at Corby stopping the clock at 5.06 for 1500 meters.

Andy Hoare and Carol Debney

It with great sadness the passing of 2 excellent club members. Andy Hoare only 68 years old was part of the group fondly known as the Kettering Three. As the name suggest all three came from the east of Northants, But were definitely Silson runners and proud of it. Getting teams together was made easy as the 3 were always able to take part. Carol only started running in her 60’s but what a trier she was. Never missing a training session or race, although most of us were nearly half her age. Until quite recently when Carol became poorly with cancer, she enjoyed a walk with us. We also enjoyed her cakes what a good baker Carol was!!! I am pleased to say Silson was well represented at both funerals Andy’s at Kettering Crem and Carol’s was Ampthill. Rest peacefully both, you will be missed.