It was Grizzly Weekend for a large number of Running Forever members. Ready to grin and bear it in this popular but tough 20 miler they set off for Seaton where 3000 feet of ascent and a lot of mud and water was waiting. First member home was Dean Bennett in 2.59, great time considering the conditions. Next was Ali Bisatt (3.25) closely followed by Martin Webb (3.26). Laura Chapman’s 3.34 meant she was our first female finishe. Andy Higham crossed the line in 3.51; Dave Marshall in 4.01; Heather Pearce in 4.06 and Mercedes Thorne in 4.17.
A small knot of runners, Ian Bawler, Damon Butler, Ron Foord, Joanna Gavins, Mark Wilson and Sam Wharton must have been holding hands as they all clocked 4.35. Alex Hughes was over the line in 4.40, Matt Blee in 4.44 with Lee Macklin being cheered home in 5.40. A great turnout from the Club and some cracking results.
In the Cub 10 mile race, Sam Cross, Rachel Mills and Joanne Toogood stuck together for a 2.10 finish with Rachel Nicholls crossing the line in 2.26.
Up in Dorset, it was Larmer weekend. This popular White Star Running event has 4 distance options and Running Forever members were keen to tackle the marathon and 20 mile distances. Bev Collins and Emma Perkins were first home in the Marathon with their 4.54 time, this earned Bev a 2nd in Age Group ranking with Emma 4th in hers. Next home was Brian Bandyszewski in 5.44, with Rob Murr (6.13) and Georgina Brice’s 50th Marathon being completed in 6.41.
Sally Tuer and Ann-Marie Crampton took on the 20 mile race and finished together in 4.20 which was a 3rd age group placing for Sally.
Down in Bideford, a quintet of members braved some rather nasty weather from Half Marathon medals. James Lewes crossed the line in 1.36, Helen Moffat was delighted with her 1.58 and Eleanor Perry made it home in 2.13. Peter Stretton and Eliza Brodie finished in 2.25 and 2.39 respectively.
Covering 33 miles round the edge of Salisbury Plain in the Imber Ultra was the destination for Peter Hall (6.44) and Sandra Moffat (7.18) to collect their souvenir mug.
Michael and Adam Turk took on the Thames Meander Half, finishing in 2.53 and 2.59 respectively.
Congratulations to Abi Perry who completed the Cambridge Half in 2.03.
Making his debut in Club colours, Robert Harris clocked 57.08 in the Channel Events Dark Skies 10K for a 3rd in his age group placing.
With Longrun Meadow still more suitable for kayaks than runners, our parkrun tourists took the chance to visit Minehead, Forest Rec, Burnham, Exmouth, Bolberry Down, Rothay Park and Bedock Reservoir in Singapore.