News

Celebrating 40 Years of Avon Valley Runners (1986–2026)
In the heart of West Wiltshire, the Avon Valley Runners have marked four decades of community, camaraderie and the joy of pounding the lanes and trails together. What began as a small band of dedicated distance runners in 1986 has blossomed into one of the region’s most vibrant and inclusive running clubs. This year, members past and present are raising their shoes and glasses to the club’s 40th anniversary — a milestone rich with sweat, smiles and shared stories.

Roots in Friendship and Running
Avon Valley Runners emerged from the road running section of the Trowbridge and District Athletic Club when a handful of enthusiasts decided that the sport they loved needed its own home. In January 1986, AVR made its debut as a distinct club at the Melksham 15-kilometre road race, and its name was chosen to reflect the scenic River Avon and its valleys that so many members enjoy exploring on foot.

From those early days—where Sunday morning runs from Pound Lane and lively Tuesday group sessions forged friendships—to a club that now welcomes hundreds from all abilities, the ethos has been constant: run well, support each other and savour every stride.

A Tapestry of Achievements
Over 40 years, Avon Valley Runners have woven an impressive tapestry of accomplishments. Members have claimed club records across distances from 1-mile to ultras, and the club has tasted victory at county league championships on numerous occasions. Whether it’s smashing personal bests in the Wiltshire Road Race League, dominating cross-country events, or topping the titles of England Athletics South West volunteer awards, AVR’s story is one of growth and grit.

Landmarks include opening a dedicated running track at Trowbridge Rugby Football Club with local support and celebrated sprinter Danny Talbot cutting the ribbon; launching the club’s own Avon Valley Relay that now attracts dozens of teams; and nurturing juniors and triathletes alongside road and trail runners. 

Community Spirit Through Thick and Thin
The 40th anniversary is not just about results on paper but about a community that has stayed resilient through change. When the pandemic struck, AVR pivoted to online events, Zoom training workshops and “run together from afar” initiatives to keep spirits and legs moving. Volunteers and leaders earned recognition for going the extra mile, embodying the supportive heart of the club.

Fundraising has been another cornerstone of AVR’s identity, with social events and race series helping to raise money for charities across Wiltshire. From Air Ambulance support to local care groups, the club has made an impact far beyond the start line. 

Looking Forward
As Avon Valley Runners toast 40 years of collective footsteps, they’re also eyes forward. With a thriving membership, rich calendar of events and a reputation for fostering both competitive ambition and joyful participation, the next decade promises as much adventure as the last. From new records and trail conquests to first race finishes and friendships yet to be formed, the club’s story continues to unfold.

Here’s to 40 years of community on the run and to the many miles yet to come. 🏃‍♀️🥇🎉

Avon Valley Runners Win 2025 Wiltshire Road Race League 

We are pleased to be celebrating a major achievement after Avon Valley Runners have been being crowned champions of the 2025 Wiltshire Road Race League, for the second year in a row.

We secured the title through a strong team effort, with members of all abilities contributing points across the league’s events. From seasoned runners to first-time racers, we showed the strength of our inclusive community and commitment to local running - well done to all. 

The league also included our very own Westbury 5K Series, which proved more popular than ever this year with four sell-out events held over the summer. 

Vicky Bodman, our Co-Chair spoke on this exciting win for the club:

“We are extremely pleased to have won the League again for 2025. It is a testament to the spirit of our club and commitment of our members. 

“We’re proud of every runner who pulled on their AVR vest, got stuck in and helped to bring the title home.

“And of course, a special mention has to go out to all of the organisers, Race Directors and volunteers that work tirelessly to make the league possible every year.”

With momentum building and membership growing, we are looking forward to another strong year both on and off the road. 

Full results are available here: https://wiltshire-athletics.org.uk/road-running/wiltshire-road-race-league-wrrl-results-2025/

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The London Marathon has been a staple of the running calendar since its inception in 1981. It has become an iconic go-to event for all running abilities from the beginner to the seasoned athlete, raising millions of pounds for charities and becoming a tick on many people’s bucket lists.

Representatives from the Avon Valley Runners have attended for many years, and this year’s group are coming to the end of their training and looking forward to the big day on Sunday 27^th April, and certainly ‘doing it for the girls’ in an all-female group.

Diane Hier, who currently holds the club’s FV60 marathon record of 3:35:27 which she set in 2023 at London, will be running her 21^st London Marathon route this year. Tina Vivian ran at London for the first time in 2004 at the age of 48 and will complete her 11^th London Marathon this year at the age of 70. Izzy McNally qualified for her place by running a ‘good for age’ time at the Edinburgh Marathon in 2024 and is hoping for good weather to help her complete the course – “I’m very excited to run at London with my fellow AVR runners and am hoping it will be less rainy than Scotland was!" Gill Perry won her place in a competition organised by The Body Coach, Joe Wicks who personally phoned Gill to give her the good news, “I couldn’t believe it when I picked up the phone. I thought it was a joke at first but I’m so happy to be running!” Joe shared his phone call on his Instagram page in the New Year so you can watch Gill as she receives her news, here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEaPjJgsW50/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Gemma Rosewarn is raising money for the charity, Shelter while Sarah Waugh is the proud winner of the club’s ballot for a place in the event. “I’m so excited!” says Sarah, “I’m so grateful to have won the club ballot. My coach, Fiona Price, has been coaching me through every step of the way, helping with my training plan, giving advice, encouragement and moral support. Everyone has been very kind and it really means so much”.

If you’re inspired to run, you can try three free sessions with AVR when they meet on various nights at the Trowbridge Rugby Club – session information is on the website here: https://www.avonvalleyrunners.org.uk/training-sessions. Email enquiries can be sent to secretary@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk.

In the meantime, a very good luck to all of AVR’s London runners on the 27^th April.

On Saturday 28th September, the England Athletics South West region held its annual Volunteer Awards, hosted by the brilliant Jo Pavey - and what a night it was for AVR! 

The event aims to celebrate all the work of dedicated volunteers from athletics clubs across the South West and the evening saw our club bring home an amazing four trophies! They were;

• Winner in Coach of the Year - Fiona Price
• 3rd place in Club of the Year 
• Runner Up in Contribution to Athletics and Running - Sara Robert
• Runner Up in Newcomer to Volunteering - Katie Oliver

The night provided many stories of hard work and achievement from a range of different clubs, and it was also a great occasion to honour and remember the dedication and passion of the wonderful Sara Robert. 

A big congratulations to all our award winners, as well as all our members who help to make AVR the club that it is! What an achievement!

Club Update: New Chair Appointed

On Monday 5th August we held an EGM in order to appoint a new Chair for the club. 

Following the member vote on the evening, we are delighted to welcome Vicky Bodman and Tim Burrell to the position who will be taking on leadership of the club in a joint capacity. This therefore means that we no longer have a Vice Chair position on the committee. 

Congratulations to both Vicky and Tim for the appointment, and a big thank you for stepping forward for the position. There is no doubt that AVR will continue to go from strength to strength with you both at the helm.

AVR are pleased to announce the launch of a new addition to our training offering, free to all members.

From July 2024, members will be invited to sign up to weekly training sessions, commencing in August, that are specifically designed to enable you to take on a target 10 mile race or Half Marathon – or both - in the Autumn.

We will be training for two great races:

• The Great South Run (October 20th). A popular 10 mile course; flat and fast with a great atmosphere.  This is also an England Masters qualifying race.
• The Gosport Half Marathon (November 17^th).  Another popular race, this time a club organised run of 2000 participants, and like the Great South Run, flat and fast.   

This programme is designed to cater for everyone.  Whether you are nervously wondering whether you can achieve your first half marathon (you can!), or are an already proficient runner looking to achieve a PB in these distances, this programme is for you.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, read on.  And if you’re already sold on the idea, go ahead and book the races you fancy, and more details will be communicated to you soon.

Further information can be found here: AVR Autumn Target Races and Coaching Plan - For Website.docx

It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to inform you that our beautiful, brilliant and fun loving Chair Sara Robert, who gave her absolute heart and soul to AVR and in everything she did, passed away suddenly yesterday Sunday 24th March.

In the coming days, we know this will be hard for members to process as we are all heart broken. We encourage people reach out to their AVR friends and family for support.

Our thoughts are with her family at this time.

Please direct any correspondence to Dave Hyde and Vicky Bodman using the address, secretary@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk.

Sara pictured arriving at and then presenting the AVR awards earlier this month.

Entries are now open for the Avon Valley Runners Wiltshire Half Marathon.

This is the 10th year it will take place so it promises to be special!  Not only will you get a medal when you cross the line, but you'll also get a t-shirt!

Sign up here