On Boxing Day I took part in the Clevedon Boxing Day Race organised by Clevedon Athletic Club. This annual event has become a staple in the South West racing calendar and this year saw the biggest ever field with well over 1400 participants. It is a fast 4 mile road race that attracts runners from across the region.

This prestigious race first took place in 1977 but it’s roots stem back to 1975. On Boxing Day in 1975, local Clevedon resident Geoff Hutton decided to go on a 4 mile run around Clevedon and the following year decided to do the same and invited a group of friends to join him. Clevedon AC was founded in the summer of 1977 and in the winter they hosted the first running of the event.

Kinisi Run Hub were proud to be involved as a sponsor for the first time. This is a race we have wanted to support since opening due to our family history with Clevedon AC. My mum, Carole Williamson (nee Bradford), was one of the founding members of the club and was involved in the many of the early editions of the race, even winning it multiple times and having the former course record.

The race takes place around Clevedon starting and finishing near the seafront. It is a road race on closed roads and fairly flat but there are some hills. The start line stretches across Elton Road next to the race HQ which is The Harp pub. The first mile is through the centre of town before weaving to the outskirts in the second mile. The start of the third mile is also the start of the famous Holly Lane hill which takes you back into town and towards the seafront. The fourth mile follows the coastal road back to the start and then down to the Salthouse Playing Fields where the finish is.

The conditions made for good racing. After the recent wet weather we have had, it was a crisp morning but clear blue skies which was a welcomed change. There was a cold wind but once you got moving you warmed up fairly quickly and it didn’t impact the race much.

The race is all on road so a quick surface and apart from the hill on Holly Lane is fairly flat so definitely a course for fast times (the men’s course record is 18:28 which was almost broken this year!). It was a quick and congested start but that is always the case in a race that attracts many of the area’s top club athletes. I knew that I’m not in top shape at the moment so set off somewhat conservatively, letting the boys at the front go.

There was a lead group of about 6-7 runners and I settled in a chase pack that consisted of about 5-6 of us throughout the race. The first mile was quick due to the adrenaline but also downhill nature of the start of the race. The second mile winds through town towards the school before the third mile starting at the bottom of Holly Hill which typically makes it the slowest mile. The final mile is a nice cruise down towards the Pier and along the coast.

Felix McGrath (Bristol & West AC) won in 18:33 followed by Ben Hamblin (North Somerset AC) in 19:06 and Daniel Fisher (Taunton AC) in 19:25. The women’s race was won by Deborah Bruce (Bristol & West AC) in 22:05 with Claire Hammett (Thames Hare & Hounds) second in 22:49 and Molly Thomas (Bristol & West AC) third in 23:06. In total there were 1458 finishers. Full results of the Clevedon Boxing Day Race here.

I finished 12th in 20:39 which was about 45s slower than I ran last year but I came into the race knowing I’m not in as good shape after a summer of injury and gradual build-up through the autumn. After a couple of tough races, I have now had two solid performances at the Weston Christmas Cracker and here in Clevedon which has given me confidence as we head into 2026. My plan is still to continue building back up through January and February before targeting some spring road races.

With it being a Christmas race, many participants take part in fancy dress and there were some very impressive outfits! The race organisers gave everyone a KitKat and bottle of water at the end of the race which was a very positively received treat after a hard effort. Kinisi Run Hub was also stationed at the end of the race with a free Purendure energy gel for every participant.

Well done to everyone who raced the Clevedon Boxing Day Race and thank you to Clevedon Athletic Club for organising a great event! Kinisi Run Hub were proud to support such a historic event!