Sunday saw the 26th running of the Wellington Monument race which attracted a lot of entrants from Running Forever. This Taunton Athletic Club organised event sees runners running up to, round and down from the Wellington Monument making a distance of just over 10K. It provides a good cake table and cider in the goody bag, what’s not to like?
Adam Crichton was our first home in the red and white with his 40.20 time. Next back down was Sam Wharton who took second in her category with her 44.36 finish. Caroline Norris (45.54) and Tanya Lewis (47.02) hit the line next, followed by Gavin Clegg in 48.53. After a bit of a cake break it was Simon Rowland (52.49 and a massive course PB) and Richard Carman (53.09), just pipping Louise Lowry (53.55). Mercedes Thorne finished in 55.04, Sally Tuer (55.53); Richard Mackrory (56.20) before Rob Murr crossed the line in 58.29. Our final finishers were Vicky Hanna (60.26) and Brian Brown (64.57).
Big shout out to Hannah Taunton who was first female finisher in the race with her 39.10 time whilst running for the organising club.
Bev Collins took things a bit further with a marathon distance at the Plym Trail Merry Xmas race. Despite hills aplenty and some atrocious weather, Bev had a 4.19 finish.
This weekend’s parkrun tourists went to Minehead, Winchester, Chelmsford, Exmouth, Gloucester City, Henley Wood and Ashton Court. Fifteen took part in the local Longrun Meadow event.