The Purbrook Ladies 5 is our ladies-only road race, organised by our Race Directors Rachel Thomas and Naouele McHugh. Starting out as a 6 mile race back in 1984, the race has inevitably changed over the years. It is now a 5 mile route that takes in the lovely lanes and countryside around Purbrook, and has a reputation for some fantastic post-race goodies (if we do say so ourselves!). The race is a firm favourite amongst the female running community and sells out very quickly every year.
2026 Race Information
- Race date
- TBD
- Entries open
- TBD
- Training starts
- TBD
- Latest updates
- See Facebook and Instagram, or email questions to ladies5@pjc.org.uk
2025 RD's Race Report
Wow wow, wow....what a morning.
You ladies are absolutely awesome, inspiring and down right smashed that.
We ordered, and she delivered the sun just in time for race day. Perfect conditions? I think so.
You should be very proud. We are very proud and we honesty can't say it enough, you ladies are brilliant.
Usual shout outs..Marshalls and volunteers!!!
This year we saw a change in Head Marshall and it was Pete Birch who stepped up to the role. Thank you for everything you have done in getting this race delivered (it's been hard work this year) and sorting all the marshalls and volunteers.
Everyone is so supportive and we wouldn't be able to achieve what we do without a massive team behind the scenes #teampjc
Another big shout out to the fantastic Big G on lead bike. Every year without fail he is there, getting chased down by females.... no wonder he is first on our list.
We also had an amazing sweeper in Emma, making sure everyone got to the end safely.
This race is only as good as the support we get from each and every one of you, and you make sure this race is a success.
Final shout out is to my daughter, Isabel and her 2 friends who were our photographers today.
These girls are currently finishing their first year in college doing what they love, Photography.
In the process of working out how to download the hundreds of pics from 3 cameras to FB.....but they will be coming soon.
You guys make this special, and we THANK YOU and the privilege of allowing us to put on a fabulous race.
Lastly, an apology on the "water problem" at the entrance to the pavilion. It was less then OK and we will be feeding this back to the council. Good job our excellent support crew in Gary saw this as an opportunity to bring your refreshments al fresco.
For now, sit back and relax, knowing you have been bloody brilliant today.
Much love
See you in 2026
Rachel, Naouele and Birch
💙💙💙💙💙
Just after the start in 2024
Naouele has been a Jogger for over 15 years. She has enjoyed training for marathons and representing us at lots of local races. She and Rachel became race directors for the Purbrook Ladies 5 in 2018 and love putting on the race for the ladies in the local running community.
Rachel started with PJC back in 2017 when she completed her first Purbrook Ladies 5 (finishing 5th) and was hooked by the support of the Joggers. The following year, she became one-half of the PL5 Race Directorship and is still RDing today. Rachel has also completed a number of marathons and ultra-marathons.