Perivale 5: Event Report – 7th December 2025
Report by Armen Kanikanian
It was a damp day for the Perivale 5, though thankfully not as wet as last year, and 252 runners turned out to tackle the five-mile route through Perivale. The grassroots event continues to be a highlight of the running calendar for many, and this year was no exception.
Race Director Malcolm Woolsey had the mammoth task of arranging and organising the event from start to finish. His dedication was clear in the smallest of details, from sweeping damp fallen leaves on slippery sections of the route to ensure runners’ safety, to spraying paint markers at key points along the roads two days before the race. On the morning of the race, Malcolm, assisted by Mike Boucher and Martin Daoud, hung mileage and arrow markers along the route and oversaw the smooth running of proceedings throughout the day.
Last year’s Race Director, Shona Cowper, also played an important part in the preparations behind the scenes. Even after giving birth in late October, she remained on hand throughout the planning process to answer questions, flag potential issues, and offer solutions; including stepping in to advise Malcolm on a problem while he was on holiday. If anyone ever needed an example of ESM dedication, there it was.
Assisting Malcolm with the volunteers was Catherine Gunnewicht, whose excellent communication skills ensured marshals and helpers knew their duties and kept the race flowing smoothly. From marshalling corners to supporting key points along the course, the volunteers were key to keeping the event on track.
On the day itself, everything ran smoothly, with no major hiccups. P5 is clearly a popular event, which led one keen runner to turn up at 8:30 am asking where the start line was, despite the race not starting until 10:00 am.
In terms of results, Raif Serif of Belgrave Harriers stormed to victory in the men’s category with a time of 24.47, while Jodie Judd led the women home in 28.10. Notable performances included V55 runner Anna Critchlow of West 4 Harriers, who achieved a remarkable age-graded score of 94% with a finishing time of 31.33.
At the finish, runners were greeted with an impressive spread of cakes and tea, adding to the friendly, community atmosphere that has become a signature of the Perivale 5. Positive feedback from participants underlined the smooth organisation and welcoming environment, with many commenting on how well marshalled the course had been.
From start to finish, the Perivale 5 demonstrated the dedication, teamwork, and community spirit of everyone involved. Careful planning, excellent volunteer coordination, and the tireless efforts of all the marshals and helpers ensured that the event ran seamlessly. Once again, the race proved to be a highlight for club members and visiting runners alike, combining athletic challenge with camaraderie and plenty of post-race cheer.
