Reports of Our Wednesday Runs

January 12th

15 runners in attendance this week, who were greeted with the news that the club has successfully affiliated to the national body, and the new website was up and running.

January 5th

12 MJs started the year as they mean to go on, and it was nice to see new faces Ralph and Cath, who fitted in well with their new-found running chums.

December 29th

Nothing can stop the Malvern Joggers running, not even Christmas (a brick wall perhaps?). 8 MJs prised themselves away from Christmas with their loved ones for a run through the gaily-lit parts off Malvern Link and back up the Worcester Rd to the Splash.

December 22nd

The 1st annual MJ's 'Christmas House Lights Run'. For this we put on our Santa hats and the odd bit of tinsel and took a route past the best decorated houses in Malvern. To mark the occasion, the owner of the house we judged to be the best was presented with a festive prize, or rather we pushed it through the letter box and ran off!

December 15th

Christmas comes but once a year ......... and you need to be tough to survive it (all that booze, all that turkey), so 13 MJs were present to get into shape for the occasion and enjoyed their weekly spin under the street lights.

December 1st

!3 runners this week with new runner 'Ant'. Eric brought along the sample vests and T-shirts which attracted considerable interest from those who weren't at the AGM. The weather was cold and dry and the fast boys returned having raced each other while the rest of us stayed more or less in a group.

November 24th

A reasonable turnout of 11 runners for the day after the AGM which was attended by 15. We missed the rain which came on later in the evening. The previous day the Hash Harriers held their 1000th run whilst this was our 70th.

November 17th

9 guys and 4 girls ran on a cold but dry night. There was some concern at the end when one of the girls was late returning but we were relieved to see her in the company of Carl, our recent star of "Runners World".

November 10th

Running the same route as 13/10 this week's 12 runners included Becky, a sub 4 hour marathon runner having seen our advert in the Gazette's 'What's On' guide. The kerb-diver returned none the worse but regular runner Andy Milton was absent as he was recovering from running the New York Marathon.

November 3rd

10 runners this week, and as one runner tested new gloves in a 'kerb-diving' incident our route featured an unscheduled run back to the Splash before going back out and around the Link.

October 27th

11 runners this week, including a new runner called John, from the USA. The route was a tour of Malvern Link coming out in Lower Howsell Rd then back up Worcester Rd.

October 20th

Tonight was the night of our presentation to Malvern Town Council and in Chris' absence 15 runners managed to organise their own run!

October 13th

The same route as last week only in reverse. We welcomed Annabel back to the group for the first time since June 2003, and new runner David.

October 6th

No new runners this week. Graham Rd, Worcester Rd, Pickersleigh Rd, Barnards Green, Poolbrook Rd, St Andrews Rd and Avenue Rd was our route.

September 29th

Running the West Malvern circuit we had 15 runners this week, including a guest runner from the Worcester runners.

September 22nd

This week's run included Colin, a friend of Andy who joined us for the first time. On a route that could be called the 'Shopping Run', we made our way past Waitrose, down 'The Link' and past Kwik-Save. Then it was along Spring Lane and Sling Lane and back to base. No time this week to call in on Morrisons and Somerfield though.

September 15th

Whilst some MJ's were again perfecting their Beacon Race Routine, the remainder ran a flatter route around Malvern. Using the last bit of evening daylight, a bit of 'off-road' in the Poolbrook area was possible followed by some lesser known parts of Malvern previously known only to Chris and his footpath-exploring dog.

September 8th

Returning to our 'winter' home of the Malvern Splash, the numbers were down on last week although double figures were achieved despite the counter attraction of Beckham and co. on TV. New faces this week were Andrew, a 3'09 marathon runner and youngest MJ so far, Samantha C. As 2 weeks ago, we split into 2 groups, the majority this time choosing not to run up to the Beacon but to opt for something flatter in the shape of the Golf Course and the old railway line.

September 1st

It must have been a poor night on the telly because a record number of 24 runners turned up - easily beating the previous record of 17. Appearing for the first time were Ed and Julie from Worcester and our first ever international...........Josh from Australia. We took off in the Madresfield direction and enjoyed a varied round trip of about 5 miles. One section involved running across a ploughed field. I wouldn't say it was uneven but I did finish up with 3 twisted ankles. Unfortunately we came back minus 2 runners. As they were off the front and not the back it wasn't quite as bad as it sounds, and did mean that they got to the pub first.

August 25th

With the Beacon Race approximately 6 weeks away the Malvern Joggers decided that a little match practise mighht be in order. So, meeting in the Rose Bank Gardens we set off. Fortunately we had Stuart to guide us along the correct route. He must be a Beacon Race fan having run it the previous evening and he may have been planning to run it the following evening. If you've never done it, it could be described as 'a bit of zig-zagging, Earnslaw Quarry, the Goldmine, Beacon Summit, around the North Hill and past St Ann's Well (for the third time). One thing's for sure, it doesn't get any easier.

August 18th

Typically bad weather greeted the 14 Malvern Joggers who met at the Swan, Newland for this week's run. After an enlightening talk by Jane about pressure points in the knee, we moved off in the Deblins Green direction to the Old Hills. Rounding the Trig point it was back to Newland through some rather wet and muddy fields... in August!

August 11th

Meeting at the Bluebell Inn, Guarlford Rd, we welcomed Sam(antha) from Bosbury for the first time. The run took us on a figure of eight course, the farthest point reached being Hanley Swan. After swimming a length in the Olympic sized duck pond we came back to the Bluebell via Mill Lane.

August 4th

This was the Bugatti Beer Race night so look on our Races and Reports page for a report of the run.

July 28th

13 runners met at the still closed Swan pub, Hanley Swan, including newcomers Harry and Nigel. With a relatively high number of 'new' runners we spent a short while introducing ourselves to each other. We set off in the Blackmore direction to Malvern Common then past the big pool to the site of the old railway. Braving the stinging nettles it was across the Hanley Rd to Shuttlefast Lane and across the fields back to Hanley Swan.


July 21st

Jerry was the leader for this week's run, when we met at Lower Howsell playing fields. This was possibly the longest run of the summer to date, weighing in at 70 mins, but nobody was complaining as the weather was kind to us on this occasion. Immediately afterwards it was off to Carl's house for the first ever MJ's summer BBQ, featuring the host's homebrew. Thanks Carl! Note, a volunteer is required to host a BBQ around this time next year.

July 14th

A slightly lower turn-out this week at the Bank House, probably due to meeting outside Malvern. This run was the second led by Stuart and we saw the return of Sarah D-S after a long absence.

July 7th Birthday Run!!

Any excuse is a good one for a get-together in the pub, so why not the 1st birthday of the Malvern Joggers? A record number of joggers met at British Camp car park at 7.00pm and headed off in the Colwall direction. Weather conditions were as they normally are on Wednesday nights, which is cold, grey and threatening to rain. High winds had prevailed earlier in the day which meant that several trees had fallen - however, we used our high hurdling technique to overcome these obstacles. The run included a severe climb at Upper Colwall and it was at this point that the leader (Chris) 'wimped-out' and took a short cut with a few others following. Returning back to the start point in heavy rain we produced a sprint to get across the road to the pub, but unfortunately the Malvern Hills Hotel was in the midst of a power cut. It did mean that it was lit with a number of candles but the problem was that we couldn't decide which one to blow out. Some amusement was noted when Chris produced his spreadsheet of appearances over the last 12 months. Please note - it is not planned to introduce detentions for non-appearances or a kit inspection in future! Well, that was our 1st birthday and it was such a success that we are now thinking of celebrating the birthdays of individual members - all of them!

June 30th

Meeting at the Old Hills car park by the 'S' bend we ran south along the main road, left towards the river and left again towards Callow End. From there it was along tracks over fields and stiles, through Callow End alongside the Abbey and back to the Old Hills. A very varied and interesting run.

June 23rd

The weather couldn't have been more different for this week's run, and at one point we were left shivering at the top of the hills hoping the rain would hold off. In spite of this we had a good run from the car park, down the road towards Ledbury, turning off to go along the Ridgeway and across Eastnor Park to the Obelisk and then back across British Camp.

June 16th

Eleven of us met at Storridge this Weds for a run led by Stuart (thanks). We were led across fields, over stiles, through woods (and nettles!) and had an enjoyable time. Not the most energetic run for some of us as it was still very hot, giving us the excuse to walk and enjoy the scenery for a while. Another run to add to our list.

June 2nd

Thanks to Tracey for planning our route this week. We enjoyed it very much, especially our two doggie companions who cooled off in the pond at Hanley Swan afterwards! The run was just about 6 miles and took us along some lovely quiet lanes with one or two ups and downs which only served to add variety to the route. A good turnout again.

May 26th

This week we met at Welland Primary School for a Welland Stone loop. I can't be more specific - you'll have to ask Chris - but it was a lovely run where we saw only three or four cars but plenty of wonderful views. The rain held off until we had all returned and even the noisy dog along the way didn't give us any trouble. A route to be repeated, we all agreed.

May 5th

Back at the Splash this week for a change, and we bravely tackled North Malvern/West Malvern, rounding the hills before the long descent down the Wyche Rd. A cruel way to start a run - up, up, up for absolutely ages, but rather nice on the way down! A good turnout this week as well - I think I counted 13 or it may have been 14 runners.

April 21st

Our second week meeting at British Camp and although a run to Evendine was planned we had two of our London Marathon runners with us who preferred to follow the same route as last week, only in reverse. The weather really brightened up for us and although it was a little wet underfoot in places we had a very pleasant run. Sadly our numbers were down again, so come on all you others - make the effort!

April 14th

Back on the hills for the first time this year, and although we excuse our London Marathon runners (and praise the bravery of Roger!) where were the rest of you?? Nevertheless five of us had a good run in lovely weather with wonderful views to look at instead of dark pavements.

March 24th

13 must be the lucky number of the Malvern Joggers, as yet again that was the turn-out at the Splash for this weeks run. As an alternative to running the streets of Malvern it was decided after some debate to run a circular route through West Malvern. After discussing which direction to go in, we thought we'd tackle the Wyche first, thereby doing the really uphill stuff sooner rather than later. Although this involves some unlit roads through West Malvern, very few cars were seen and I'm pleased to say that all of our runners were back at the Splash within 52 mins.

March 17th

A total of thirteen runners - again - so our numbers are holding up well. It seems that our advert in the Malvern Gazette is being noticed!

March 10th

One of our usual runs, and we welcomed another new runner - Dave, who works with Roger.

March 3rd

Another good turnout tonight, and we got damp rather than soaked. After running as a group for the first mile we then split into two, the more energetic runners tackling Peachfield Rd, and the others opting out and turning down Longridge Rd. Unfortunately having run downhill we then had an uphill route back to the Splash, but that's Malvern for you - and don't we just love those hills!

February 25th

We welcomed another two new runners tonight, who had the honour of being included in our group photo - proudly on display in this week's Gazette. This was a week that saw our more moderately paced runners leading the way (for the first couple of miles anyway!). A decent run in good weather conditions and hopefully enjoyed by all.

February 11th

We have now settled into our weekly runs from the Splash and find that we tend to run wherever the mood takes us - sometimes one or two runners get carried away but generally we are back within the hour! This Weds we actually managed to stay together as a group, which was a treat for the slower runners and can only be attributed to the fact that our marathon-training members felt like a rest!

January 28th

Just to prove that we mean what we say, two runners actually met at the Splash on this snowy and miserable Weds evening. The rest of us thought they were mad but at least they didn't come to any harm!

January 21st

This Wednesday night's gathering at the Malvern Splash saw 2 'new' runners, Richard and Tim. (Richard has an entry in this year's London Marathon which gives the Malvern Joggers 6 runners in the 2004 event.) Leaving the Splash we ran along Priory Rd to Abbey Rd and the A449. After window-shopping at Brays we spotted another runner so we chased after him with a MJs card to find he was already aware of us. Running through Malvern Link, the name of which is probably derived from the Olde English word 'nlinc', meaning gently rising ground, we spotted 'Beagle', the British Mars exploration vehicle, looking decidedly lost on the common. So that's where it ended up! From there it was along Pickersleigh Rd and up Avenue Rd back to the Splash. Now it's off to Brays to buy that cravat, which will make a very good headband to go with my woolly legwarmers.

December 28th

For the second of our three Sunday morning runs, Malvern Joggers met at British Camp car park. A small but exceptionally good-looking bunch set off for a run in the Colwall direction. Things were going well until it started snowing. This was not the weather we had ordered but being the hardy and resourceful lot we are, we took this in our stride believing it to be good practice for the North Pole half marathon. Further on Peter shouted 'bullocks' as we came to a field last visited months ago which contained something with horns - and I don't mean Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but fortunately the field was empty. Then it was 'up' to Upper Colwall which is very 'up' indeed, past the Chase Inn and back to British Camp. Same again next Sunday but without the snow please!

December 21st

Malvern Joggers gathered at the British Camp car park amidst the ramblers and mountain-bikers for a Sunday morning run. The route taken was down the A449 and off at the Ridgeway towards Eastnor Park. On entering the park it was 'up' to the Obelisk, which made us think it could be the inspiration for the 4th film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy - 'The Curse of the Obelisk'. What is it? - well try running up it. I'm sure that Ferodo, Dandalf and Gimli and anyone else with a silly made up name would find themselves cursed as they tried to do this! At the bottom we thought we would make the turn for home but Eric had other ideas and we found ourselves at the top of Summer Hill. At the top there stood a lowly cattle shed and in it was......a plastic bag with some beer cans in it. Eric was clearly out for a whole day's running as we had to convince him that going back through Castlemorton, Little Malvern, Upper Welland, The Wyche and Colwall was not a good idea. We got back eventually!

December 10th

The Malvern Joggers gathered for their weekly run, a vision in lycra. Faster than a speeding bullet and more up-to-date than Paris fashions (I found this line in a cycling magazine in case you wondered!). On possibly the last night of meeting at Barnards Green Cricket Club we put our bats away for another scenic tour of Malvern by streetlight. Our 5 mile run took us past many places of interest such as Malvern Theatres, Holywell, The Priory, Malvern Colleges and Morgan Motor Cars and we whistled the Enigma Variations as we went past the Elgar Statue and Fountain. Not easy when you've just run up Church Street - phew! Join the Joggers and see the sights!

December 3rd

Yes, we did go out as usual this week and quite a few of us there were too, but this particular writer was far too puffed out to even think of writing a report!

November 26th

This week saw another good turn-out at Barnards Green Cricket Club with 'new' runner Neil joining us for the first time. Once again we avoided any wet weather, but visitors to our site please note we run in rain, shine or anything else that the weather can throw at us. This week we set off along Pickersleigh Rd running through Pound Bank to Barnards Green, then up Avenue Rd and cutting through on to Victoria Rd. We then headed to Malvern Link with the quicker runners returning up North End Lane whilst the remainder of us returned via Pickersliegh Rd.

November 19th

A record turn-out of Malvern Joggers assembled at Barnards Green Cricket Club for the weekly run, featuring 'new faces' Simon, Kay and Ian. Conditions were favourable for the time of year, the weather being dry and mild. The route undertaken was via Pound Bank and Poolbrook for all, then we split into two groups according to ability. The stronger runners enthusiastically tackled the summit of Peachfield Rd for a round trip of 6 miles, whilst the slower runners turned up Arosa Drive to St Andrew's Rd and back to the Cricket Club for a run of 4.5 miles.

November 12th

We started off in the same direction as last week but deviated left off the Worcester Rd at Queen Elizabeth Rd where we then joined Lower Howsell Rd and turned right up Church Rd. Turning off left at Albert Park Rd we came back to Worcester Rd and at the junction with Graham Rd divided into two groups. Remembering last week, the sensible runners turned off there and made their way back to the cricket club via Albert Rd North, Madresfield Rd and Pickersleigh Rd. Those with energy to spare carried on up the hill to goodness-knows-where, and presumably eventually returned safe and sound.

November 5th

From the cricket club we set off in the direction of Safeway, hopefully away from the firework parties and the risk of being targeted by bored youngsters. From Safeway it was up the Worcester Rd all the way to Belle Vue Terrace where one of us thought it would be all downhill from there. Big mistake, as others decided it would be good fun to go a little higher and headed up towards St Ann's Well. Fortunately a left turn was soon taken to go along Foley Terrace and from there it was down Abbey Rd, Church St and along Pickersleigh Rd back to home base.

October 29th

On a damp evening when it was harder to find the motivation to venture outdoors, eight of us met as usual. As several members were holidaying this week, this was a good number which enabled us to split into two groups, one going in the direction of Barnards Green, reaching Peachfield Rd before heading back, the other taking a tour around Safeway and then up the Worcester Rd to Graham Rd, down Madresfield Rd and back along Pickersleigh Rd. Both groups returned at about the same time and we were out for around 42 mins.

October 22nd

This week we set off in the opposite direction and made for Malvern Link, detouring around Spring Lane, and then Queen Elizabeth Rd, Summerfield Rd and Lower Howsell Rd, joining Church Rd and finally up Newtown Rd to Link Top. At this point we split into two groups, the first cutting down past the Vaults to Graham Rd (and wherever they felt like from there!) and the second running down the Worcester Rd, turning right into Graham Rd. Turning off left down Albert Rd North our leader decided that it would take too long to get back by the conventional route and so we turned left into Sling Lane with the intention of taking a short cut across the fields to Hayslan Rd. Had it not been quite dark by now, this would have been a good idea (next time we'll take a torch) but we managed to cross safely, our only difficulty being in trying to find the way out at the other end! Returning to the Cricket Club we discovered that the others had still got back before us.

October 15th

From the Cricket Club we ran along Pickersleigh Rd towards the Green, encountering a group of lads along the way who decided it was great fun to run alongside us heckling - until they decided that perhaps running is harder than it looks. Pretending they weren't there we ran on regardless, and from the Green went along Court Rd, turning right up Woodshears Rd, Priory Rd, and Abbey Rd until we reached Wells Rd where we turned back towards Malvern again. To save the route from becoming too boring we decided to explore the footpath beside the Town Club, crossed Waitrose carpark and from there down to Graham Rd. Encountering a lady shopper on the way we discovered that not everyone is as good-tempered as a Malvern Jogger, but wishing her a 'good evening' we travelled on. From Graham Rd it was back down Worcester Rd, turning off at Pickersleigh Rd and then back to North End Lane.

September 24th

The Malvern Joggers were lucky with the weather again, meeting at the Blue Bell Inn before Barnards Green Cricket Club becomes
our winter home. Staggering out of the Blue Bell worse for wear, we made our way across the fields of Madresfield dodging the pot holes and the odd dog. Then, running back across Townsend Way and along footpaths in the Spring Lane area, it was back to the Blue Bell for another jolly night's fun. Now where did I put my cricket bat?

September 17th

A record number of Malvern Joggers met at the Blue Bell Inn, Guarlford Rd, for our weekly exercise 'fix'. After stubbing out our fags and with the light beginning to fade, we abandoned the plan to do an ultra-marathon in favour of a jog around Poolbrook. Turning right into Mill Lane we ran over fields and jumped stiles to cries of "where the hell are we going?". Leaving Poolbrook we ran across Blackmore Park Rd past New Pool to the site of the old Malvern-Tewkesbury Railway. Having waited for a train to take us back we discovered that the line had closed in 1952 so we waited no longer. With the light fading further we ran through the Golf Course at Malvern Wells where I'm sure we saw a golfer with luminous balls. Finally we ran across the Common back to the Blue Bell. Just another Wednesday night for the Malvern Joggers.

September 10th

This week the Malvern Joggers met at the Blue Bell Inn, Guarlford Rd, on a very wet and dark Wednesday evening. Wearing trainers showing signs of mass-destruction but ready for action in 45 minutes the spiced-up runners set off down the Guarlford Rd. Turning off into Hall Green we ran in the Madresfield direction, coming out in North End Lane. Running across Townsend Way on another magical mystery tour we ran past Malvern RFC and into Pickersleigh Rd. After test-driving a new Morgan Aero 8 we made our way along various uncharted bits of Malvern, finally arriving back at the Blue Bell where we didn't need a shower as the weather had done the job for us.

September 3rd

This week the Joggers met at the Swan Inn, Newland, at the usual time of 7.00pm, to be greeted enthusiastically by the landlady. We then set off along the A449 for a short distance before turning left through Monksfield in the direction of Bransford. Making our way past Lodge Farm we crossed the railway line, and after vaulting acrobatically over a few stiles we came to Bransford Church and Cemetery, Following a short run along the A4103 we turned left running along the bridleway by the Hop Fields of Braces Leigh. This brought us back to the A449 where we ran back down to the pub for some liquid refreshment.

August 27th

Malvern Joggers, including special guest Brian Ward, met again, this time at Focus DIY, Roman Way. After popping in to buy some materials we made our way in the direction of Madresfield with the intention of running to the top of the Old Hills. Making our way alongside Madresfield Brook we ran through Woodsfield Coppice, finally arriving at the Old Hills which looked no older than they did the last time. After admiring the view from the top, and in particular the planet Mars which was invisible at the time, we constructed a nice Gazebo for our bovine friends - from materials previously bought at Focus. We finished it in a dramatic and very rich shade of red and were all agreed that it was very mooooving! We then made our way back past Upper Woodsfield Farm to Madresfield Court, across a footpath conveniently ploughed up by the farmer, and back to Focus where we almost came back with the same number of runners as we started with, which is good.

August 20th

Malvern Joggers gathered once again on a pleasant summer evening for a run around the Welland area. Meeting at the Primary School we set off running south in the Castlemorton direction from the Welland crossroads, taking the first turning right towards Little Welland. (Beware when running the Little Welland - Welland Stone Rd as the big Rottweiller behind the small fence on the LH side of the road will take more than a passing interest in you). Running through Welland Stone just before Hill End Court we were able to admire superb views to the left across Longdon Marsh and to the right the Malvern Hills range. Then it was back through Little Welland, left and back on to the main Malvern - Gloucester Rd and so back to Welland Primary School.

August 13th

On a warm and sunny evening the Malvern Joggers set off from the Wyche Car Park for our usual 5 to 6 mile run. A very scenic route was undertaken, running around the hill in a clockwise direction. After running up the Beacon backwards, a training method used only by the Malvern Joggers, we carried on to the North Hill. Rounding this, and now running south, some fine views were obtained and much appreciated by those of us who needed to catch our breath. Running past the Beacon again, a path along the Shire Ditch was taken and another step towards the qualifying standard for the Athens Olympics in 2004 was completed.