Autumn has well and truly arrived in Taunton which meant some of our Club set off in search of somewhere sunny to run. They got as far as Bridgwater which wasn’t very sunny either (is it every) so continued on a bit further to Majorca. Ray Tutton completed the full 26.2 in 4.01 whilst Lucy Spring (2.23) and Paul Cooper (2.39) took the Half option. It was lovely to see them joining up with members of other local clubs (yes, other Clubs are available) for a few rehydrating pints.
Not quite so exotic but still a nice spot for a Marathon, four athletes travelled to Cornwall for the Eden Project races. I thought this might be 10 laps of the inside of the biodomes which is perfect for this weather but apparently it’s outside and quite hilly, still, I believe there was a free pasty for all finishers which was enough to lure our lot over the line. Lara Bolduc finished the half in 2.22 whilst Keith Thompson (4.14), Ian Jones (5.57) and Eliza Brodie (6.04) did the full distance. All got a PB for pasty eating which is what we expect from Club members!
Talking of wild and hilly, it was off to Dorset for Bev Collins and Rob Murr for the White Star Running Chase Marathon. This race didn’t disappoint those expecting wild and scenic but our duo were undaunted with Bev finishing in 5.09 to take 3rd place for female finishers. Rob crossed the line in 6.55 for this ‘marathon’ which turned out to be over 29 miles!
Those opting for just a short hop down the M5 took on the Exeter Half Marathon this weekend. A great Club turnout for this one, and some great times. Our first finisher was Simon Rowland in 1.52 with John Allaway was next with his 1.59 PB. Darren Purchase finished in 2.13 and Georgina Brice in 2.15. Next home was Emily Vining with 2.21. The Musketeers completed our contingent with Ali Wasey, Kirsti Nelson and Duncan Gordon taking 2.30, 2.35 and 2.38 respectively to collect their medals. Rumour has it that Duncan stopped to help a damsel in distress thus increasing his time but we don’t believe the rumour that it was Kirsti who had thrown a tantrum when she heard there was no prosecco at the finish line.
A couple of members travelled to London for the Royal Parks Half which is always a popular autumn event. Mercedes Thorne finished in 1.54 and Marina Tomsett in 2.28.
Brian Brown was back in Yorkshire this weekend for the Richmond Castle 10K which he completed in 1.11.
It doesn’t get much more local than North Petherton where a quartet of members ventured for the Petherton Plod 5K. Vicky Hanna was 2nd placed female with her 25.24 finish whilst Lisa Windsor and Sarah Holloway took 32.45 and 35.27 respectively. Sandra Greenway finished her first ever race as a Club member in 37.44, first of many we hope!
This weekend’s parkrun tourists went to Carrerick, Seaton, Hastings, Hove Prom and Gloucester North. Seventeen took part in the local Longrun Meadow event.