Running Forever athletes travelled far and wide in their search for medals this weekend, but none further than Helen Phillips and Marina Tomsett who were in Japan for the Tokyo Marathon. Having already completed the London, New York, Chicago, Boston and Berlin races, Helen crossed the line in 4.57 to collect her Marathon Majors medal as well as her Tokyo one. Marina was just a minute behind. An amazing achievement from Helen.
Gerry Hogg was in sunny Benidorm and had a great run, taking 2nd place in his age group with a 1.21 Half time.
Always ones for a challenge, a brave contingent set off to Slay The Dragon, the appropriately named 10K trail event in Hinton St George. First in with the kill was Ron Foord who finished it off in 52.25. Next to get their swords out were Sally Tuer (64 mins) and Steph Andrew (66 mins) with Joanne Toogood and Craig Moore just on their tail with 70 minute and 71 minute finishes respectively. Catriona Gullick was next home in 75 minutes with our final Dragon Slayers of Rachel Reid and Sarah Reed crossing the line in 84 and 89 minutes.
Peter Stretton was in Combe St Nicholas for their 10K which was a bit on the breezy side so well done on a 60.50 finish.
It was off to Bideford for a dozen members on Sunday for the ever popular Bideford Half Marathon. The crew were in good form with Jo Carritt and Sam Wharton taking 3rd and 4th age group spots with their 1.29 and 1.32 times. Next home were James Lewes and Tanya Lewis who both finished in 1.34. Scott Weech was hot on their heels with his 1.37 time, with Sarah Henderson and Chris Gunn both crossing the line in 1.41. Our next athlete home was Chris Reah in 1.44, Simon Roland and Helen Needs both beat the 2 hour mark with their 1.52 and 1.57 respective times. Final finishers for the Club were Paul Clowes (2.16) and Liz Williams (2.35).
Ray Tutton and Lucy Spring took a trip to Dorset for the Wimborne Dental 20 mile race. Both got their teeth into the race and finished in 2.49 and 3.39 respectively despite some very grim weather.
Peter Hall was in Cornwall to celebrate St Pirans Day and National Pasty Week by completing the Cousin Jack Classic 17 mile race, taking in a goodly number of hills and some stunning scenery before collecting his celebratory pasty in 5 hours.
Parkrun tourists ventured to Chipping Sodbury, Fire Service College and Haldon Forest. Twenty one took on Longrun Meadow where we were back to the original course.