Lots to talk about this weekend as Running Forever were out in force for the Taunton Marathon and Half Marathon. But first, other news …
Phil and Mike Parsons headed off to Prague for the Half Marathon and just possibly a bit of sampling of the local brewed products. Mike finished in 1.42 and Phil, who’s been plagued by injury, in 2.30.
Ben Timpson and Nadine Prouse completed the BHAM Trail 10K , Ben finishing in 51.30 and Nadine in 65 minutes.
Andy Staples and Georgina Brice traveled to Manchester for their marathon which takes in many famous sights in this city. It was an excellent 3.16 finish for Andy and a cracking 5.03 for Georgina.
Taking things a bit further were Dave Marshall and Alex Hughes who traversed 32 miles and 7000 feet of climb for their 8.01 finish in the Exmoor Ultra.
And so to Taunton, where there were awards a plenty for our members. For the full 26.2, Ali Bisatt was first member home in 3.00 which earned him 5th place overall, 2nd local male runner and 1st in the V50 category. Dan Talbot was next home in 3.06 making him 1st in the V45 class. Simon Malley (3.31), Simon Denson (3.41), Chris Gunn who was celebrating his 50th birthday (3.41), Sam Wharton (3.41) and Scott Weech (3.43) collected their medals next. Sam also earned a trio of awards as 1st FV40, 1st local female and a team award. It didn’t take long for our other runners Chris Reah (4.03) Bev Collins (4.07 for 2nd LV55), Helen Phillips (4.32 and 5th LV50), Brian Bandyszewski (4.32) and Chris Buckman (4.51) to cross the finish line. Sam, Bev and Helen also collected the female team award for their storming performances. Well done RFRC Ladies!
Club member Hannah Taunton was first female finisher in the Half with a 1.18 time. There were many PB performances by members who completed this distance and some great first Half times. Members who completed this distance were – Adam Crichton (1.27); Chris Brown (1.39); Caroline Norris (1.40); Dave Bullock (1.45); James Takle (1.46); Arthur Lewis (1.48); Simon Rowland (1.48); Richard Carman (1.48); Sam Stamp (1.52); Becky Coles (1.52); Lee Derrick (1.53); Mercedes Thorne (1.54); Duncan Gordon (1.54); Lisa Denson (1.54), Jamie Bousfield (1.54); Richard Mackrory (1.55); Rachel Mills (1.56); John Allaway (1.56); Emma Harris (1.59); Rachel Staunton (1.59 and 5th LU20); Richard Staunton (1.59); Sally Tuer (2.01 and 3rd LV60); Mark Always (2.02); Lin Lewis (2.06); Helen Moffat (2.06); Goff Welchman (2.09); Darren Purchase (2.09) Henry Cox (2.11); Nic Saint (2.12); Lucy Spring (2.12); Peter Stretton (2.12); Vince Jones (2.14); Paul Cooper (2.17); Tracy Marshall (2.22); Cathie Welchman (2.27 and 3rd LV65); Kirsti Nelson (2.31); Shelley Clothier (2.36); Eliza Brodie (2.37); Ryan Duffield (2.49) and Rachel Jones (2.48).
Parkrun tourists ventured to Minehead, Southwick, Forest Rec and Haldon Forest. Eighteen ran at Longrun Meadow where Paula Bisatt once again ran a new PB time. The Bisatt Clan were definitely on form this weekend!