Presentation Evening 2025
The annual presentation evening is held in the Autumn. In 2025 it was held on Saturday November 1, at Aston Wood Golf Club. Official photos from this event, with thanks to Liam Bradley and Jo Yarnall can be found here.
Historical records of trophy winners can be found here.
New trophies were introduced this year, with the Paul Sebastian and John Flloyd trophies retired and replaced by the Steve Benzie and Ron Reynolds trophies respectively, in recognition of the enormous contribution that both Steve and Ron made to the club, and the extent of our love for each of them. The Jane Buckerfield and Claire Heaven awards continue, but with new trophies from this year.
Trophy winners for 2024-25 are shown below:
Historical records of trophy winners can be found here.
New trophies were introduced this year, with the Paul Sebastian and John Flloyd trophies retired and replaced by the Steve Benzie and Ron Reynolds trophies respectively, in recognition of the enormous contribution that both Steve and Ron made to the club, and the extent of our love for each of them. The Jane Buckerfield and Claire Heaven awards continue, but with new trophies from this year.
Trophy winners for 2024-25 are shown below:
Steve Benzie and Claire Heaven Trophies (Members of the Year)
'Members of the Year' are chosen by a vote of the members at the Annual General Meeting. Starting in 2025 the Steve Benzie trophy is awarded to the male winner and the Claire Heaven trophy to the female winner.
2024-25 winners: Steve Benzie Trophy: Barinderjit Cheema and Claire Heaven Trophy: Anne Kelsall.
Barinderjit was not able to be present on the evening to receive his trophy but a statement of the reasons for the award was read out by Chris Sprules: "I think I'm right in saying that I met the person voted as male Member of the Year on his very first night at the Club and I said that night that he would fit right in; why? Because he was wearing a Newcastle football shirt with the name 'Usingh Bolt' emblazoned across the back!
Since then he has run thousands of miles, raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process and it was his fundraising efforts, and that this year he is running 50 x 50km to celebrate his 50th birthday, which coincidently is today, that saw him nominated by members, who also said that he inspires so many, whilst being so humble himself.
This year he has also picked up a Pointless trophy from the BBC! I can assure you, the Steve Benzie trophy is far from pointless".
Barry appropriately wore his Newcastle shirt the following Tuesday to recieve his trophy from Sue Benzie, the first member to receive this particular trophy.
Anne's nomination stated: "".
2024-25 winners: Steve Benzie Trophy: Barinderjit Cheema and Claire Heaven Trophy: Anne Kelsall.
Barinderjit was not able to be present on the evening to receive his trophy but a statement of the reasons for the award was read out by Chris Sprules: "I think I'm right in saying that I met the person voted as male Member of the Year on his very first night at the Club and I said that night that he would fit right in; why? Because he was wearing a Newcastle football shirt with the name 'Usingh Bolt' emblazoned across the back!
Since then he has run thousands of miles, raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process and it was his fundraising efforts, and that this year he is running 50 x 50km to celebrate his 50th birthday, which coincidently is today, that saw him nominated by members, who also said that he inspires so many, whilst being so humble himself.
This year he has also picked up a Pointless trophy from the BBC! I can assure you, the Steve Benzie trophy is far from pointless".
Barry appropriately wore his Newcastle shirt the following Tuesday to recieve his trophy from Sue Benzie, the first member to receive this particular trophy.
Anne's nomination stated: "".
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Ron Reynolds Trophy |
Jane Buckerfield Trophy |
Recipients of these trophies are chosen by the Committee for their commitment and achievements for the club.
Originally a single award, the John Floyd Cup, in 2011 two awards were given, with the Jane Buckerfield Trophy introduced for female club members.
The John Floyd Cup was retired in 2025 and replaced by the Ron Reynolds Trophy.
Originally a single award, the John Floyd Cup, in 2011 two awards were given, with the Jane Buckerfield Trophy introduced for female club members.
The John Floyd Cup was retired in 2025 and replaced by the Ron Reynolds Trophy.
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In 2024-25 the first Ron Reynolds Trophy was awarded to Carl Nicholls.
Carl has been a consistent and dedicated runner, regularly turning up to Tuesday evening sessions and always bringing positivity to the club.
He has gone above and beyond by supporting other runners - often looping back to check on those at the back of the pack, ensuring everyone is okay and gets back safely. His commitment doesn’t stop there; he has also given his time to volunteer at our club 10K day, the Remembrance parade, and parkrun takeovers. What truly stands out is his selflessness - even dedicating entire races to helping others reach the finish line, sometimes sacrificing his own goals to represent the very best spirit of our club. And despite taking on incredible endurance challenges - including 50- and even 100-mile events - he's done it all with an unwavering smile. 
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In 2024-25 the Jane Buckerfield Trophy was awarded to Jessica Jungklaus.
Jess was nominated for her energy and passion for running. She is always the first to strike up a conversation, especially with those who are new or feeling a little nervous.
Jess poured her heart and soul into training for a marathon this year, showing incredible dedication and perseverance. What truly stands out, and what why Jess was chosen, is her selflessness and commitment to others. Not only does she strive to achieve her own goals, but she’s also stepped forward to become a run leader, offering her time and knowledge to help others reach their potential. The committee felt that Jess embodies the spirit of the club in every way. 
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Volunteer of the Year
The Volunteer of the Year trophy, awarded for the first time in 2023, is awarded by the committee to a member who has contributed significantly, volunteering on behalf of the club.
The 2024-25 recipient of this award was James Nelson.
James' dedication and commitment have made a real difference to our club. He is always ready to lend a hand - whether it’s volunteering for different roles, stepping up to help others or taking time to guide members through the club app to make sure everyone feels supported.
What truly stood out this year was James' willingness to take on some of the club’s biggest responsibilities -volunteering as Chief Marshal at the Aldridge 10K and taking charge of the club’s handicap race. His reliability, generosity, and passion for helping others perfectly capture the spirit of what this award represents.
The 2024-25 recipient of this award was James Nelson.
James' dedication and commitment have made a real difference to our club. He is always ready to lend a hand - whether it’s volunteering for different roles, stepping up to help others or taking time to guide members through the club app to make sure everyone feels supported.
What truly stood out this year was James' willingness to take on some of the club’s biggest responsibilities -volunteering as Chief Marshal at the Aldridge 10K and taking charge of the club’s handicap race. His reliability, generosity, and passion for helping others perfectly capture the spirit of what this award represents.
Grand Prix
The Grand Prix is a set of races where club members can gain points according to their position within the club. More details can be found on the Grand Prix page and the full rules are here.
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2024-25 Women's winner: Lorraine Beesley
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2024-25 Men's winner: Ryan Noon
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Grand Prix – Age Group and category winners
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2024-25 Women's' winners:
Victoria O'Connor (V40), Sally Gordon (V45), Jo Stephens (V55) and Anne Kelsall (V60) |
2024-25 Men's winners:
Stephen Grice (V35), Leigh Sprules (V40), Nick Benton (V55) and Simon Hudson (V60) |
The pothunter trophies go to the members who have competed in the most races without qualifying for an overall or age category prize. The 2024-5 winner was Barbara Roberts.
Aldridge 10k
Every year, club members act as stewards and officials for the Aldridge 10k, then we hold our own competition around the 10k and 5k routes the following Tuesday evening.
2025 winners were:
10k: Alex Dicken (37.19) and Rachael Jones (46:58), with George Brizell (38:10) and Claire Boyes (47:09) in 2nd place and Liam Harrold (38.11) and Kate Southern (48.39) in 3rd.
5k: Jack Boden (20.03) and Victoria O'Connor (25.53), with James Nelson (20:59) and Vickie Baddeley (28:29) in 2nd place and Chris Sprules (23.36) and Louise Walters (30.09) in 3rd.
2025 winners were:
10k: Alex Dicken (37.19) and Rachael Jones (46:58), with George Brizell (38:10) and Claire Boyes (47:09) in 2nd place and Liam Harrold (38.11) and Kate Southern (48.39) in 3rd.
5k: Jack Boden (20.03) and Victoria O'Connor (25.53), with James Nelson (20:59) and Vickie Baddeley (28:29) in 2nd place and Chris Sprules (23.36) and Louise Walters (30.09) in 3rd.
ARC Race Series
James Nelson organised the summer race series, formerly known as the handicap/Ron Reynolds races, which were run monthly from April until August.
Awards were presented to the top three points scorers in the final table:
In second place was: Sarah Bishop, with Chris Boden in third place.
Chris Moon was the overall winner.
Awards were presented to the top three points scorers in the final table:
In second place was: Sarah Bishop, with Chris Boden in third place.
Chris Moon was the overall winner.
Season's Best
Starting in 2018 we award certificates to those who achieved the best results for 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon for the previous calendar year. The table of club records can be viewed here.
2024 record holders were:
2024 record holders were:
- M 5k: Adam Smith 16:07 (Walsall Arboretum parkrun)
- M 10k: Liam Harrold 33:29 (Telford)
- M Half marathon: Adam Smith 01:12:37 (Wrexham)
- M Marathon - Lee Harris 02:52:47 (London)
- F 5k Claire Crook 21:05 (Walsall Arboretum parkrun)
- F 10k Laura Hopcroft 45:45 (Wheaton Aston)
- F Half marathon: Laura Hopcroft 01:35:41 (Milton Keynes)
- F Marathon: Nanaki Bajwa 03:27:41 (London)
Distinction Awards
These awards are made by the club committee, in recognition of noteworthy achievements in running and commitment to the club. 2023-24 winners were:
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(pictured):
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also (not pictured):
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Cross Country
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The men's team had their best ever season, finishing in overall 6th place in Division 2. Bruce Fanshawe was our highest-scoring individual, coming 8th overall in the individual placings for the season.
Pictured: Harshad Patel, Pete Dimbleby, Liam Harrold, Toby Oury, Andrew Wood, Ryan Noon, Martin Wall, Peter Dimbleby (new team captain), Mark Shaw and Simon Hudson (retiring team captain). The 2024-25 team also included: Quentin Oury, Ben Dean, Luke White, Thomas Archer, Neil Day, Michael Morley, Chris Moon, David Roberts, Mark O' Rourke and Stephen Grice. 
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The women's team finished mid-table in 14th place, 7th in the Masters table.
Our highest placed individual was Claire Crook. Pictured: Maria Taylor, Rachel Antoine, Catherine Birkbeck, Barbara Roberts, Lynda Elmore, Sally Gordon, Claire Crook, Abigail Wright, Jo Yarnall, Lorraine Beesley, Angela Oury, Sarah Close and Anne Kelsall (team captain). The 2024-25 team also included Helen Beecham and Shelley Nicholls 
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Best of the Vest
Each year we hold a competition for the best photograph of an ARC vest (or vests) in an unusual situation/location.
The 2024-25 award went to Tom Glibbery for his photo from Everest Base Camp.
The 2024-25 award went to Tom Glibbery for his photo from Everest Base Camp.
Retiring Committee Members
This year saw a number of committee members stepping down, some after many years. Thanks were given to:
- Karen Waple (previous chair and vice-chair
- Claire Crook (treasurer)
- Abby Wright
- Lynda Elmore (ARC 10k race director)
- Lucy Baker
