We run to live, to keep fit, to lose weight, for friendship, competition and to add to the rocking chair moments. We do everything from run/walk to Ironman. Come join us.
We have word from our running affiliation regarding running in the COVID era. The guidance is sensible and we would ask you adhere to ensure the safety of all of our runners and members of the public.
Their guidance is listed here:
BEFORE THE RUN
Manage the risks by completing a risk assessment for each run. We have done so and you can read it here.
Ensure group size is limited to 20 people.
Provide information to runners ahead of the run (this will always be done via our Whatsapp group).
DURING THE RUN
Record who is attending the run and keep this record for 21 days to support NHS contact tracing (this will generally be Nigel or Jean and we would be grateful if someone would step up into this role in their absence).
The leader should be prepared to manage incidents by carrying a face mask
As a group - follow government guidelines on social contact and physical distancing
AFTER THE RUN
Continue to maintain physical distancing, including in any facilities where groups of people congregate.
Runners should carry hand sanitiser.
Try to avoid stiles and gates. If gates and stiles are used then runners should sanitise their hands after touching the gate or stile.
Try to avoid busy trails and narrow paths.
If meeting pedestrians, runners, horse riders and cyclists the group should move to the side to let them pass.
Be careful to maintain social distancing at the start and finish and at pinch points such as stiles.
Anyone with symptoms or in a household with someone with symptoms should self-isolate in accordance with government guidance.
We knew this moment was coming. We’ve done all we can to prevent it but alas, circumstances have caught up with us. So, the Woodman Five 2020 is now officially cancelled.
We’ve been in contact with Sportsystems. All entrants will be refunded in full and they will be in touch with you soon to make arrangements. We wanted to send huge thanks to Sportsystems for all their help and advice.
So what now? Well, let’s put our cards on the table. We had intended for 2020 to be the last year of the Woodman Five and then we got an offer that would keep it going. That has all been thrown up in the air with the current circumstances but we have agreed to come together in October to review the situation. Hopefully by then we’ll know where we are with lots of things.
For now, obviously we cannot confirm whether it will go ahead or not, but we do have a provisional date of 19 May 2021. Once we get to October, we’ll know more and will obviously let you know then.
Our charities for the race are Ashtead Common and North Surrey AFASIC. Click on the links to read more about their amazing work. As a club, we are in a position to donate some money to both of our charities and will make arrangements to so in the next couple of days. In the meantime, if you were planning to enter and have the means to do so, you might want to consider making a donation to the charities.
Finally it just leaves me to say a huge thank you to all of you who have supported this race over the years. It’s been a great privilege to host the event for you and we hope to see you out and about hopefully soon.
In a rapidly changing environment we wanted to update you on the Woodman Five 2020. The event is still scheduled to go ahead BUT we have temporarily suspended entries. The race is still listed on Sportsystems here. We have established a waiting list, so if you would like to enter the race but have not done so yet, you can register on the waiting list and we will notify you when the race re-opens.
We are anticipating an announcement from the government regarding gatherings and the use of public space in the next day or two. Once we have that information we will have a clearer picture of where we stand. We aim to get a final decision to you by the end of March and thank you for your patience at this time.
The 2019 Woodman Five results can be downloaded here. We’re just waiting for the last bills to come in but it looks like we’ll be in a position to split £1500 with the two nominated charities this year. Thank you to everyone who took part - it’s much appreciated.
Not long now until the 2019 edition of the Woodman Five, a beautiful low key old school run in support of Ashtead Common and North Surrey AFASIC. Click on the links to read more about their amazing work. Entries will remain open to the event until 9am on Monday 20 May 2019 (entries on the day are available - see race day instructions for details).
The lovely head marshal Jean could do with one or two more helpers. If you are willing and able to come along and donate an hour or so then please contact Jean via [email protected].
Download the 2019 race day instructions here or to see more, visit the event page here.
Jean first came to us on a Friday morning in May 2010. Her attendance on that day influenced my life to such an extent, I wish I could remember more details; the weather; other course participants; even the feeling in the room as we headed out to warm up.
‘Us’ was ‘Run to Live’, a specialist running shop based in Ashtead, Surrey. I had left my role as a police officer to open the shop two years prior. The shop, although a career was also designed to be a conduit to help and support our community. Part of that included hosting beginner running groups in the hope that we could introduce new runners into a sport that is part of me.
The course was originally designed in 2005 for my local running club, Epsom Allsorts. So by 2010 was well established. In those days it was a ten week course following a walk/run programme. Each week would see a decrease in walking and an increase in running. A forerunner of the NHS ‘Couch to 5k’ plan. In 2007, just prior to the shop opening, news came via the grapevine of a new thing called parkrun opening at Banstead Woods – approximately ten miles from the shop as the crow flies. It was obvious that as a celebration of the end of the course we would take graduating runners to Banstead. By 2010, we were well known by the management team there.
On that particular May day, as well as my husband, we had an extra helper called John who would sweep the back of the group. When we got back to the shop, John took me to one side. He mentioned the lady at the back who had struggled to keep with the main group and advised that she may need a little more attention. Undeterred, Jean came back for week 2 and 3 and 4. By then, I had taken her under my wing and while it was obvious that progress was slow, she was determined and neither of us could give up on determined.
Jean kept returning to the beginners for each new group but it wasn’t until the following January we plucked up the courage to give parkrun a go. She made her way around the Banstead course in 55 minutes and 1 second, smashing her initial target of an hour. We then returned to week one of beginners and continued that cycle for a few years. In the summers when beginners took a break we continued going out. As well as the traditional local routes, we built up the courage to attack the many hills that surrounded the area. Jean became a proud runner of the ‘Run to Live’ running club. We were equally proud to be able to call her one of ours.
One that very first day, Jean did not disclose the myriad of health conditions that had driven her to the beginners group. When we talked about it years later, I confessed that if she had, I would have had to turn her away.
Initially her breathing was so laboured I asked her to purchase a heart rate monitor, which she did. Just going up stairs sent it into the stratosphere, but with each step Jeans health improved significantly. She lost weight and the doctor removing much of the medication she had become reliant on before taking up running.
I remember one day she turned up and explained that her medication had reduced so much the doctor had declared her ‘cured’. It was a miracle and a worthy reward for someone who never gave in.
Gradually, we completed sections of local races away from prying eyes until Jean built up courage to have a go at some of the races. To date she has completed three Vitality London 10k; Ashtead 10k, the Great South Run and two Bacchus Half-marathons. When the shop closed in 2016 she found running friendswho continued to run with her. We also managed the odd ‘away day’, visiting hills further afield and Jean carried on going to parkruns.
Banstead obviously but then Nonsuch Park, Bushy Park, Reigate, Brighton, Peacehaven and Horsham before settling at Mole Valley parkrun. Mole Valley has been running for just under a year. It has a reputation for being tough; in fact, it snowed on the inaugural run. Jean waited a few weeks and then went along on her own to event number 5. She found the fearsome hill was not quite as bad as expected and so she carried on, a regular as both runner and volunteer.
Last year as we were plodding round Jean expressed the desire to complete 100 parkruns before her 70th birthday in March 2019 and on 26 January 2019 at Mole Valley park run she achieved it.
Sunday 16 December 2018, 10am, Leatherhead, Surrey, 5.25 miles
See the route here.
This is a ‘race’ the embodies inclusion not elitism. The winner is not the fastest, rather the person best able to predict their pace over the course. The route will be an abridged version of the newly rejuvenated Leatherhead Fire Station 10k and will start outside Leatherhead Fire Station at 10am. It will be roughly 5.75 miles. There will be no route markings but a map will be provided.
There is no charge but if you wish to give a voluntary donation, all donations will be given to Leatherhead Start, a homeless charity in Leatherhead. http://leatherheadstart.org/about/
Non club runners very welcome.
Meet at the entrance to Leatherhead Leisure Centre from 9.20am (race will start at 10am). We’ll celebrate in Clarke’s Cafe afterwards. Interested? Drop Nicky a line to let her know you are coming on [email protected].
Next Monday - 12 November - we launch our first six week ‘Run further with confidence group’. The format will be ‘structured guidance’ and is designed to guide runners who can cover 5k (running or ‘run/walk’) up to 10k. Perfect for someone who is targeting a more adventurous goal and would prefect to do it with others in a supportive environment.
There is no charge for the group - all we ask is that you are a member of the Running Club so you are covered by our 3rd party insurance. You can find details of how to join the running club here.
The course will start at 7.15pm meeting outside the Woodman Public House, Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead. There is no need to tell us you are coming - just turn up on the evening and introduce yourself. We look forward to seeing you there.
The Hallowe’en bumble is built on a traditional ‘predict-a-time’ format. The 3 mile route took runners onto Ashtead Common to enjoy the ambience of the woods on Hallowe’en night before finishing at the Railway Station. NOt surprisingly - most runners were a lot faster than their predicted time... The results are below:
1st Grant -predicted 32.15; actual 32.41; difference + 0.24
2nd Tina predicted 36.00; actual 33.26; difference - 2.34
3rd Nigel predicted 26.30; actual 23.44; difference - 2.46
4th Michelle predicted 37.00; actual 33.19; difference - 3.41
5th Carol predicted 38.50; actual 33.39; difference 4.11
Well done to all runners and thanks to Jean for helping out...
Last Sunday, a group of Run to Livers could be found having a fabulous time on Ashtead Common. For once, this had nothing to do with running...
... that’s not strictly true of course. We were there because the rangers of Ashtead Common have been supporting runs on the common for years. Runs specifically comprising of the Ashtead 10k and Woodman Five (it was telling that the Race Director of the Ashtead 10k, Rob McCaffrey, was there too. Telling but not surprising - Rob has a history of volunteering and outdoor activities and he informed me that it was also the anniversary of his Greensand Marathon - a sadly lamented race).
It was time to give something back to the common we have all enjoyed for many years.
We met with rangers Vicky and Penny in District 10. The tools they brought with them were appropriate for the ‘Hunger Games’ but happily today we would only be coppicing trees, not each other with them.
After a comprehensive safety briefing we split into groups and headed off to start our respective jobs. Ashtead Common is a designated Site of Special Scientific interest with many ancient trees. Grant and I were initially tasked with fire wood gathering. The other teams were set to coppicing the hazel that had grown up under the ancient trees. All product would be brought to the camp close to the fire. Here it would be sorted into fence posts; bean poles and pea sticks and the rest burnt on site.
It was blooming hard work but we loved it. Lots of cake was provided by Jean and Nigel and the rangers who also kept us supplied with tea and coffee. The threatened rain held off until lunch when we huddled under the gazebo, a comfortable, happy crew eating baked spuds and cheesy beans, all heated by the embers of the fire burning away behind us. There is nothing as satisfying as cooking and eating outdoors after a morning building up an appetite. Sated, we went back to work with gasps of appreciation when we saw how much we had accomplished in one morning.
It was a fabulous day - definitely recommended. Volunteers can work at Ashtead common on Mondays and Thursdays - apply at the estate office on Woodfield Road for more information.
Wednesday 31 October 2012, 7.15 pm for a prompt start at 7.30 pm.
In this event, the winner is not the fastest runner but the person who predicts most accurately the time it will take them to run the course.
Meet outside the Woodman on Barnett Wood Lane.
This event is a mix of on and off road, including a short stretch on Ashtead Common so a head torch or other light is essential. Have a look at the 3 mile route here. The person closest to the time they predicted - wins. Prize giving (and an opportunity for a pint) will be in the Woodman afterwards. The route will not be marked so make sure you know where you are going.
We’re heading to Ashtead Common on Sunday 28 October for a volunteer day to assist the City of London wardens with some clearance. We’re working at the end of Path 33 where is meets path 29 (on the Rushett Farm side). Meet there at 10am or at the railway station at 9.40am ready to walk over (approximately 15 min walk).
Snacks will be provided.
There is still a tick risk so all volunteers are requested to wear clothes that cover arms and legs and wear hard wearing boots or shoes.
Yay - the beginners running group is back for the last group of 2018. Starting on Monday 24 September at 7.15pm, specifically designed for those clambering off the couch, this eight weeks to 5k course will be the perfect introduction to your running career.
Lisa is leaving us - I would normally say to head for sunnier climes but..! She’s been an integral part of the committee for many years now and we will be sorry to see her go.
So, we’re having a last run for Lisa. Clearly not her LAST run (hopefully - otherwise think of the paperwork!!!) Anyway, the date for your diary is this Wednesday 18 JULY! The plan is to meet at Sainsbury's entrance in Leatherhead ready to go at 7.15pm. Two routes are on offer. The famous 'nomnom' route (one of Lisa's favourites) and the now defunct Leatherhead Fire Station 10k route, Beers in the 'Penny Black' afterwards from around 8pm.
The Woodman Five needs you! We are hosting the race on Wednesday 23 May 2018, start 7.30pm and to ensure a successful and safe race we need volunteer marshals to help out with the race. With assistance from Ember Inns Woodman Public House this event raises money for local charities, Ashtead Common and North Surrey AFASIC.
If you can help for a couple of hours then please contact Jean via e-mail at [email protected].
Every now and again we host an informal (and usually fun) orienteering event. The next one is this Monday 26 March at 7.15pm meeting outside the Woodman. The premise is very simple. A number of checkpoints are placed around Ashtead. You are given an hour (and a map!) to find as many as you can. Points are awarded for every checkpoint found (there is normally an image to write down to prove you've been there), Fines are given for time over the hour if you're late - it can make a difference to the final scores! Winners are normally presented with a small token.
This time there are extra points awarded for fancy dress (theme is Easter obviously :o) and you might find the odd bonus points at some of the check points. You can participate as an individual or as part of a group. It goes without saying we'll pop into the Woodman for a pint afterwards. Please come along and support the club. It's a great way to catch up and have fun at the same time.
Racing is an integral part of our sport and most importantly it’s fun! It provides an opportunity for route variation, to test yourself over a measured distance, and run with other like minded people. Going en masse to a race can help nervous firstimers, provide support and camaraderie and give you and your club mates a common goal to train for. So, we’ve put our heads together and come up with the 2018 list of target races for Run to Livers...
Your favourite not on the list? Then let us know what you would love to be included on our Facebook page.
Sunday 4th February - Winter Run 10k
Sunday 11th February - Valentine 10k
Sunday 13th May - Hogsmill Five (Ladies only)
Sunday 10th June - Mid Sussex Triathlon
Sunday 24th June - Harry Hawkes 10
Wednesday 4th July - David Davies Nonsuch Relays
Sunday 16th September - Run Reigate Half Marathon
Sunday 4th November - Ronhill Surrey Classic - Nonsuch 10k
Don’t forget, we attend monthly parkruns on the second Saturday of the month. See where we’re off to next here.
