This year’s 5 mile race at the Saxmundham Running & Fitness Club was a family affair – the current Race Director, Tina Church – has three sons and a daughter who have all been part of the club, along with other relatives.
Tina’s son-in-law, James Wilson, is Head Coach at the club and even his son Harley, aged 5, now takes part in the junior fun run on race day.
Blue skies and sun greeted almost 250 runners for the annual Five Mile Race at Carlton Park sports field on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Months of planning and hard work by the race committee and club members came together to bring an inspring day of sport, personal bests and a real sense of community spirit.
Tina first got involved with the Saxons in 2012, supporting her eldest son Jake when he joined the club. Jake’s older sister Shannen, who is now married to Head Coach James, was also a member.
“I joined because Jake needed an adult to accompany him as he was only 15 at the time,” Tina says. “It soon took over from football, and as time has gone on the club has just become more and more a part of our family.”
As well as acting as Race Director this year, Tina is also the club’s Secretary and a member of its coaching team. Her youngest son Kyle played a key part on race day: “Kyle is Sign Co-ordinator, Car Park Marshal, lead bike and anything else I can put his way!” Tina says.
Race Director Tina Church. Image: Phil Donlan
James and Kyle have both represented Suffolk in inter-county championships, as has Tina’s second son, Aiden. It would be hard to imagine the Saxons without the extended Church family!
The Saxons 5 Mile Race is open to runners aged 15 and over and is a chip timed, multi-terrain run on sports field, footpaths and off-road, fully marshalled and sign posted. With winner’s prizes and every finisher receiving a special race beanie, everyone went home happy.
The Junior Fun Run started at 10.15 am with more than 50 competitors taking in one lap of the field (1km) for ages 8 and under, or two laps of the field (2km) for ages 9-14. All finishers in the junior fun runs received a medal.
View the photos:
Senior race photos by Nick Boulter
Senior race photos by Phil Donlan
Alfie Bone male winner.
The race and club not only featured in local magazine the Tide Collection and Community News but also on ABC Community Radio, BBC Look East and BBC Radio Suffolk. The Saxons would like to thank all the 2026 race sponsors including My Mortgage Planner, Marshall and Lilley Opticians, Fairweather Law, Flick & Son, The Poacher’s Pocket, Fuller Fencing Ltd, Stay in Suffolk, Christies Care, Footsure Podiatry, Wag & Bone, Deben Physio and Reydon Garage Services.
Harry Taylor, Landlord of the Poachers Pocket said: “We were delighted to once again be sponsoring this fantastic local event. As a local pub we feel it’s important to give back to the community who support us so loyally! This race, that literally goes past our doorstep, is the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
Demi Winton from Christies Care said: “Christies Care is proud to sponsor the Saxons 5 Mile Race; a brilliant local event that brings people in Saxmundham together and celebrates everything that’s special about our community. As a family run homecare provider, many of our clients, carers and office staff live locally, so supporting events like this really matters to us. We see firsthand how staying active, connected and involved locally can make a huge difference to people’s wellbeing.”
Paul Gray, Director at Flick & Son, said: “As a business that has been at the heart of the local community for generations, we understand that a vibrant town is built on more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about the people and the activities that bring them together. The Saxmundham Running & Fitness Club does a wonderful job of fostering that local spirit. We are delighted to support the Saxons 5 Mile Race and celebrate the active, healthy lifestyle that makes our area such a fantastic place to call home.”
Katie King, female winner with Demi Winton of sponsor Christies Care
Jack Fairweather, Solicitor at Fairweather Law, said: “Gordon Merfield, the President of the Saxons, and my father Mark Fairweather know each other well and my father is a very keen athlete and a big advocate of a lifestyle that is based around sports. For us to be a sponsor and to support the Saxmundham Running & Fitness Club race event is a natural fit.”
Peter Crawley, Director of My Mortgage Planner, said: “The Saxons Five Mile Race is a fantastic community event and I see running as a brilliant way to bring people together – regardless of ability or experience. That’s one of the things I love most about the sport; it’s inclusive, accessible, and encourages everyone to challenge themselves in a supportive environment.”
Andrew Lamb, business owner and optician of Marshall & Lilley, said: “At Marshall & Lilley we are proud to sponsor the Saxmundham Running & Fitness Club in all they are doing to promote local health. Everything done to improve general health will have a positive impact on social wellbeing and the health of the eyes.”
2026 race results
Male
Alfie Bone Waveney Valley AC 27:00
Ross McGill Woodbridge Shufflers RC 27:38
Andrew Southwood Saint Edmund Pacers 28:18
Female
Katie King Saint Edmund Pacers in 31:40
Kirstie Gladwell Framlingham Flyers 35:08
Mia Plamer Kesgrave Kruisers 35:22
Team results
First place Male Saint Edmund Pacers
First place female Framlingham Flyers
All results can be found at https://my.raceresult.com/389876/#0_3EF1B7
Junior race results (download excel)
Junior fun run photos Courtesy of Phil Donlan. Congratulations to you all and we look forward to seeing you next year!
