John Roberts 5k – Series info and volunteer sign up for run 1 – 21 May 2026

17 May 2026 - By Jodee Mayer

For our newer members, John Roberts was a long serving member of WRC who sadly passed in 2018. For avid readers of the Club Records page he will be a well known name; he still holds

• three records in the 55-59 category; and
• three records in the 65-69 category

and held many more until Owen Dare and Mark Austin have taken them in recent years.

John was at one time WRC’s only qualified coach. You can thank him for over 30 years of Thursday evening speed sessions!

The series was named in recognition of his significant contribution and the introduction of regular internal 5k races and time trials into our training schedule. If you have a few moments you can read more here (and spot some familiar faces!): https://www.withamrc.org.uk/club-news/john-roberts/

The 5k series

The John Roberts 5k series (which you may hear called the JR5ks) consists of four 5k runs held across the summer. The final race is a handicap. Based on performance at the first 3 races, everyone is given a staggered start time. The runner recording the average fastest time in the first 3 races starts last. The aim is all of the runners crossing the finish line together.

Awards will be given to the overall series male and female winners (from runners who participate (1 run and 1 volunteer) in at least 2 races of the first three races and the handicap), but the handicap winner as well. WRC members will need to run at least 1 of the first 3 races and volunteer at another of the first 3 races to be eligible to run in the handicap.

And there are club champ points up for grabs for all WRC runners and volunteers!

Who can take part?

The series is open to all members of WRC and is free to all members.

When and where

The 5ks will replace the Thursday Speed Development Session on 4 dates over the summer. The races take place in Kelvedon, finishing at The Angel pub for a well deserved drink and some food if you wish.

The races will start at around 7.30, with registration beforehand at the Angel, on the following dates:

1. Race 1 – 21st May
2. Race 2 – date TBC – likely 04 June, but if not 18 June
3. Race 3 – 02 July
4. Handicap finale – 16th July

Volunteering 

As always these events wouldn’t be able to run without support from volunteers on marshaling, timekeeping, set-up etc. As above, WRC members will not be eligible to run in the handicap race unless you volunteer at least 1 of the first 3 races.

As a reminder, to qualify for the handicap (and therefore the trophies!) you need to volunteer at 1 of the first 3 runs and run in another of the first 3 runs.

Timings for the various roles  are as follows:

• Course Setup volunteers (3 people) – needed from 18:00 for course setup at The Angel
• Registration and Timekeeping (2 people) – needed from 18:45 for registration at The Angel
• Course Marshals (12 people) – need to be out on the course before 19:30

Course set up volunteers can also run in the race; roles will be allocated on a first come first served basis until volunteer positions are full. 

If you’d like to help at race 1 on 21 May, please fill in the form below by 12 noon on Wednesday 20 May 2025. Steven has made me a new form this year so you will need to enter your preferred role!

Volunteer sign up for future races will follow before each event.

As always, your support is very gratefully received!

Any questions reach out to me.

Jodee

• Ann Johnson (Marshal)

• Will Radley (Course Set Up, Registration, Marshal)

• Anthony Smith (Marshal)

• Jamie Davidson (Marshal)

• Jenny Layley (Marshal)

• Nadia Mcleod (Registration, Marshal)

• Heydon Mizon (Course Set Up)

• Beth Shippey (Registration, Marshal)

• Beth Pullen (sorry, I should be able to Marshall next time but I’m having to play taxi this evening) (Course Set Up, Registration)

• Cathryn Mills (Marshal)

• Gemma Thomas (Registration)

• Simon Handley (Marshal)

• Sian Tate (Registration, Marshal)

• James Goodey (Marshal)