Rodway 10K

Q&A with Ashley Wright, Race Director

Congratulations on another highly successful Rodway 10k, how did you come to be the race director?

Thank you very much!

In the early days of Doynton, Pete Blanchard and I were on a recce, he mentioned that Neil Newman was looking for someone to take over as the Rodway organiser the following year. Pete thought that I would be suitable (maybe they didn’t have anyone else) ….a couple of weeks later I was booked in to organise the 2017 race. After being given some useful pointers by Neil (I shadowed Neil during the 2016 Rodway race) and also Gordon Robbins was a great help with his years of experience, here we are 3 years on.

What is the Rodway easy runner 10K and how would you describe it to a newcomer? 

It`s a multi terrain route with a challenge for all. Part cycle path, trail, grass and running track....it’s a varied, interested route that will keep the mind switched on. All runners get plenty of encouragement from marshals and each race seems to be competitive but with a friendly relaxed atmosphere. We try to provide value for money and keep things pretty straightforward. Local club races are always the best. Anyway, people keep returning so hopefully we’re doing something right.

 How long has the race been going for? 

The first race was in 2012 - it was organised by Gordon Robbins (Bitton RR) on behalf of Avon Athletics. I ran the first race and really enjoyed it, the route was slightly different and it was around 80 runners.

What was the race like in its first year compared to now? 

The original route used to break off the cycle path early then turn right into Hot Water Lane - Station Rd and Manor Road then the long cycle path to Warmley...Forest Park etc.  Neil changed the loop to go around the common with the steps thrown in, which was an improvement. This seemed to be a hit with the runners and was better for spectators also. Since I took over I`ve just made a couple of tweaks to the route and changed the water station position. 

How many entrants? 

200. Limited to this number by local council parking restrictions.

Who holds the current course record? 

Alex Hamblin from Westbury Harriers 36min 48s Helen Newbury Bristol & West 41m 6 secs. 

What is your favourite aspect of organising the race? 

Race day is great, it’s a really early start and can be a bit manic but by the time you get to 9am runners start arriving and the atmosphere starts to build. Finally you’re there after a few months of planning and to see everyone buzzing around before and after the race is nice.

What are the challenges of organising Rodway? 

Local council demands seem to create more work each year. Also arranging signs can be tricky – was very windy this year so everything took a bit longer to get ready. 

Also this year our Sponsor -  Easy Runner were unable to provide prizes/vouchers. I found out about this 3 weeks before race day. We thank Easy Runner for their sponsorship over the years but I think that the race will be now known as THE RODWAY 10k from 2020.  

Tell us about the volunteers – how many do you need for the event and how do you find them? 

Around 50 helpers are required each year. We have a gang from Bishop Sutton Cricket Club who kindly cover the Warmley Forest Park section each year. The rest of the course and HQ are covered by the excellent volunteers of EGRC, plus the odd family member if needed. This year we put a shout out online and had a fantastic response so if you did volunteer and I’ve not thanked you personally….a BIG THANK YOU!

Do you have any surprising or inspiring runner stories from the Rodway 10K?

I know a chap that entered his first Rodway and first ever 10k last year, at the age of 58. He returned again this year and improved his time by 6 mins.