That’s Lon-done for another year with some amazing performances by Running Forever members. We had seven members on the iconic course this year and lots more supporting. First runner home in RFRC kit was Gerry Hogg whose 2.47 time earned him 4th place in his age group, amazing when you consider there are over 40,000 finishers! There was a tussle for second member to get their medal with Dan Talbot and Ali Bisatt both notching up 3.03 finishes but Dan made it by 30 seconds. Heather Pearce chased them up the Mall and crossed the line in 3.49, and our first time marathoner Lee Derrick, who won the ballot for one of the Club places, was delighted with his 5.14 finish.
Two members who run in TAC colours also had excellent results. Kate Drew had a 2.45 run which earned finish in the top 20 for non-elite women, with Emma Kiernan completing in 3.21
It was a theatrical weekend the Densons who travelled to Stratford Upon Avon for the Shakespeare Half. Simon and Lisa weren’t put off by the threatened Tempest and finished together in 1.55.
El Perry celebrated her birthday with a 10K in Exmouth and finished in 63 minutes, earning an extra slice of birthday cake.
A race sponsored by a brewery is always going to attract the attention of Running Forever members so it was off to the Mendips for the Butcombe Ultra, which has 50 and 56 mile options. Martin Webb took on the longer option and finished in 11.08 to earn his beer. Adrian Edwards and Andy Burgess opted for the 50 mile route, taking 11.24; whilst Sarah Henderson and Robin Upton finished in 13.15 on the same route.
Two members travelled to Exeter for the Cupcake Caper on Sunday with Morwena Dunstan completing ten miles in 2.10 and Lorna Anderson, who was taking on the Half Marathon distance for the first time, had a 2.25 finish with a very nice cupcake waiting for her at the end as well as a medal.
Parkrun tourists ventured to Shepton Mallet, Worcester, Southwark, Burnham, Exmouth and Birkenhead. Twenty three took on the local course at Longrun Meadow where Lisa Windsor ran her 50th parkrun and Dave Bullock his 150th.
Hi – only a basic (and new this year) member and enjoying the Weds eve sessions – helped me to my first ever Marathon finish in London on Sunday @ 3:39:29. Congrats to the other Taunton members which completed the course! See you next Weds.
John Townend