Author: Ola

There were no big local events this week but members still kept themselves on the medal trail.

Goff and Cathie Welchman took part in the Dawlish Coastal Dash, a 4 mile mixed terrain run in the scenic coastal spot, finishing in 37.16 and 42.39 respectively.

It was a short trip up the M5 for Bev Collins and Rob Murr who took part in the Cheddar Gorge Marathon on Sunday. The weekend rain mean a late change to the course to avoid any danger of drowning in the water features and gave the runners a lot of challenging terrain in the 4 laps. Well done to Bev for her 5.56 finish and for having a cup of tea on hand for Rob when he crossed the line in 6.28.

Martock 10K saw Ray Tutton achieve 2nd in his age group with a 44.05 time and Peta Aspden finish in 57.05.

Simon Rowland travelled to Exeter for the Age Concern 10K and earned himself a nice course PB of 51.06.

We’re all avidly following the progress of Club member Tara Robertson as she and her fellow Mind Over Matter team take part in the Race Across America cycle race. Her team, all of whom have faced their own personal challenges, are tackling 3,000 miles of cycling covering 12 states and over 170,000 feet of climbing as they make their way to the finish in New York.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Plymvalley, Southsea, Minehead, Hackworth, Seaton, Blanford, Burnham, Severn Bridge, Malborough Common and Jersey. Thirty took on the local course at Longrun Meadow where Andrew Saunders achieved a new PB and Sam Wharton earned herself the coveted 100 parkrun tshirt.

If you’d gone down to the woods on Sunday you might have seen a mighty field of Running Forever athletes taking part in Hydro Harriers Piddle Wood Plod. This 10K hilly trail race starts and finishes at Thurlbear school, and is always well attended.

Our first runner back to the cake stall was Chris Brown in 41.26 which earned him 9th place overall. Dave Bullock was second RFRC home in 52.04 with Arthur Lewis (54.02) and our first female finisher Mercedes Thorne (56.28) not far behind. Our other finishers were Michael Glide (58.07); Tanya Herbison (59.12); Sally Tuer (59.45); Rob Murr (60.42); Ola Timpson (60.53); Steph Andrews (61.29); Lin Lewis (66.19); Pete Stretton (66.49); Rachel Nicholls (70.06); Lisa Windsor (80.07); Brian Brown (80.15); Rachel Reid (83.02); Sarah Holloway (83.55) and Sarah Reed (85.20).

Yeovil Marathon saw Georgina Brice finish in 5.06. There were 3 entrants in the Half option with Simon Malley completing in a speedy 1.32. Ann-Marie Crampton made it home in 2.07 with Eliza Brodie crossing the line in 2.39.

By far our furthest travelled this weekend were Adrian Edwards and Andy Burgess who completed the Centurion 100 mile South Downs Way race in 26 hours 27. An amazing achievement!

Parkrun tourists ventured to Swindon, Trelissick, Whitley Bay, Horsham, Mosman, Exmouth, Severn Bridge and Pony y Bala.. Thirty four took on the local course at Longrun Meadow where Paula Bisatt, Finton Murray and Tom Brodie achieved PBs.

There are some races which are legendary in Running Forever folklore and the Dartmoor Discovery, or DD as it’s known, is certainly near the top of that list. This 32 mile ultra starts and finishes in Princetown and takes in all the highs and highs of Dartmoor, with the occasional downhill thrown in just to fool the unwary.

An intrepid dozen runners set off well equipped for the trip and had even taken their own cheerleaders, who appeared at various places on the route for fresh injections of RFRC spirit when the tough hills and strict cut off times were taking their toll.

Completing the 32 miles with apparent ease in 4.22, Ali Bisatt collected trophies for fifth overall and first in his age group. Martin Webb was next back in 5.26 with Scott Weech and Jonathan Newby crossing the line together in 6.04. This is a race where the hills take their toll on the legs so well done to Sally Tuer who finished in 6.20 along with Peter Hall. Bev Collins, Richard Staunton and Chris Gunn trotted back in 6.24. There were great cheers when Rob Murr, who has been struggling with injury all year but who used the technique of a Club legend by ‘Emmagreiging’ the hills, finished in 6.30 along with Brian Bandyszewski, with Ron Foord hot on their heels.

This was Sally’s first Ultra Marathon, an amazing achievement for anyone but she only started running five years ago! Her time was speedy enough to earn her 3rd place in her age grouping.

Helen Moffat completed the 17 mile Culinary Coastal Canter off road race in a creditable 4.03, finishing on a golden sandy beach.

Andy Staples and Hannah Kirkman made the short trip to Crewkerne for their 10K, finishing this hilly race in 42.33 and 55.04 respectively.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Kingston, Barnstone, Minehead, Killerton, Fountains Abbey, Hastings and Lanhydrock where Claire Allison completed her 50th different parkrun. Thirty six took on the local course at Longrun Meadow where Simon Denson, Simon Rowland (yet again) and Luke Thorne achieved PBs.

This Spring Bank Holiday saw much activity from Running Forever athletes.

Joining Bishop Peter (minus his Mitre) to run the Wells 10k, our ladies stormed home taking 3 of the top 6 ladies spots with Joanna Carritt 1st in 40.34, Sam Wharton 4th (42.37) and Tanya Lewis (44.41). Following them in were Sally Tuer (54.44) Ola Timpson (55.00) and our sole male representative Peter Stretton (58.25)

Continuing the female theme Becky Coles, Bev Collins, Wendy Cruickshank, Sallie Durham, Emma Perkins and Lisa Rossiter showed the true spirit of the club – training together, running together and finishing together in a time of 5 hours 35in the #womencanmarathon in Sidmouth. Apparently the goody bag was well worth the 26.2 miles as it contained both gin and chocolate!

Louise Mills travelled up the M5 to complete the Great Birmingham 10k in seconds over the hour.
Running slightly further for her medal was Georgina Brice, who completed the Dorset Invader ‘Marathon’ in 7.01 which made her 3rd Senior Lady. It was actually a tough, hilly 27.8 miles so technically an Ultramarathon!

In Liverpool Ray Tutton took on the Rock and Roll Marathon, rocking home in 3 hours 52, having already run the 5k in 27.21.

Bank Holiday Monday saw the 7.1mile Bampton to Tiverton Race first run in 1946. None of our 5 runners were present at the inaugural race, however first back today was Ali Bisatt (46.10) followed by Simon Rowland (56.44) Helen Moffat (63.07) Goff Welchman (65.03) and Cathie Welchman (76.32) Goff and Cathie both recorded PB’s for this course.

Three of our multitalented ladies took on Taunton Triathlon on a sunny Saturday evening with Sarah Capstick completing the 400 metre swim, 21km bike ride and 5.7km run first in her category in 1.21. Also competing were Sarah Whiteman 1.25, and Nadine Prouse in 1.29.

Emma Greig travelled to Northumberland to take on the LDWA Hadrians Hundred completing the magnificent 100 mile walk in an eyewatering 37 hours and 46minutes.

Saturday morning saw parkrun tourists take on Roliston, Minehead, Catterick, Netley Abbey, Wotton, Penrith Lakes, Exmouth, Witney and the great named Tetbury Goods Shed.

Meanwhile Running Forever accounted for 10% of the 435 runners at Longrun Meadow parkrun with PB’s for Simon Malley, Simon Rowland, Carlos Ramos, Chris Adams and Claire Loader.

A contingent of Running Forever athletes took part in the Town Tree Trail 10K on Wednesday evening having made the short trip to Martock for this Somerset Series event. Ali Bisatt was our first runner home, with his 43.16 time earning him first place in the V50 category. Sam Wharton was hot on his heels and took first female finisher slot in 44.08. Ray Tutton and Tanya Lewis headed home in 47.15 and 49.16 respectively. Chris Reah (53.06), Mercedes Thorne (55.03), Lisa Denson (56.19) and Rob Murr (57.09) were next, with Sally Tuer crossing the line on exactly the hour mark.

Several members were on the Ultra trail this weekend with the Albion Running West Country Ultra races. Alex Hughes and Dave Marshall opted for the Flat Ultra 50 and finished in 13.10 whilst Adrian Edwards, Andy Burgess and Chris Buckman took on the Hilly Ultra 50 route. Andy and Adrian took joint twelfth place with their 11.52 time, with Chris coming home in 16.50 having stopped to help an injured runner make it safely off the course.

Chris Brown and Danny McWilliams had a nice coastal run as they took part in the Plymouth Half. Chris finished in 1.28 with Danny crossing the line in 1.56 on a hot Sunday afternoon.

Jamie Hill ventured a bit further afield for his Half, visiting sunny Cornwall for the Imperys Cornish Half. He completed this scenic trail run in 2.32.

Adding a swim and a cycle to her running, Liz Williams successfully took on the Outlaw 70.3 in Nottingham on Sunday and was delighted with her 7.54 finish.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Leamington, Plym Valley, Killerton, Eden Project, Wooton, Nepean River, Cirencester, Somerdale Pavillion and Littlehampton. Thirty three took on the local course at Longrun Meadow where Lisa Denson completed her 50th run and Rachel Nicholls, Simon Rowland and Mark Templeton achieved PBs.

Running Forever sent a large contingent up the road to Bridgwater for the popular Bridgwater Bolk 10K on Sunday. Our first man home was Chris Brown whose 39.51 earned him first place in his category and 10th overall finisher. Rob Simon (41.02), Simon Denson (41.39) and Caroline Norris (41.53 and 3rd AG) were next home with Tanya Lewis’ 44.20 earning her 2nd in her age grouping.

Our other finishers were simon Rowland (49.01); Lee Derrick (50.08); Sam Wharton (51.21); Lisa Denson (51.22); Mercedes Thorne (53.13); Darren Purchase (55.31); Helen Moffat (55.34); Peter Stretton (56.38); Phil Parsons (58.12); Charlie Sargent (61.07); Rachel Nicholls (62.27); Craig Moore (63.27); Richard council (64.04); Tracy Marshall (64.20); Carl Moppett (64.50); Cat Gullick (66.08); Rachel Reid (73.08); Gareth Parsons (73.49); Rachel Jones (71.14); Sarah Reed (79.01) and Tracy Yeo (79.31)

Ray Tutton and Lucy Spring took their running journey to the beautiful Stourhead estate where Ray’s 46.04 10K finish earned him 2nd place in his age category with Lucy finishing in 1.04.

It was a White Start Running weekend with RFRC athletes travelling to Dorset for both full and half marathons in the Ox weekend. Bev Collins and Rob Murr finished in 4.47 and 5.43 respectively in the full. In Sunday’s Half, Jamie Hill and Duncan Gordon completed the hilly course in 3.00 with Ali Wasey and Kirsti Nelson taking 3.44.

Down in sunny Bideford, a trio of runners ran along the Tarka Trail for the local 10K. Goff Welchman, Cathie Welchman and Pat Pike finished in 58.38, 68 minutes and 74 minutes respectively.

It was double bubble for Sarah Holloway and Lisa Windsor on Sunday as they not only ran the Bath 10K but also tackled the 5K challenge too. Both ladies finished in 73 minutes for the longer and 33.31 for the shorter distance.

Our sole entrant into the first running of the Minehead 10K was Danny McWilliams who completed the course in 53.58.

In the Beer Blazer 10 mile race, Georgina Brice ran off the effects of last week’s ultra with a 2.23 finish.

Ben Timpson was at the Wambrook Waddle, crossing the line in 51.57.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Minehead, Cirencester, Burnham, Jersey Farm and Helsinki. Thirty two took on the local course at Longrun Meadow including several of our graduates from the beginners running group.

It was off to Wales for a quintet of marathoners this weekend for the Newport race. It proved a very successful outing with Sam Wharton recording an amazing 3.17 time to claim 2nd place in her category as well as taking the Club female record for that distance! Next home were Adam Crichton and Scott Weetch in 3.29 and 3.38 respectively. Sally Tuer (4.25 & 3rd in category) and Ann-Marie Crampton (4.29) also enjoyed this popular race.

Chris Reah and Eliza Brodie went to Dorset for their weekend marathon, completing the North Dorset Villages race in 4 hours and 30 seconds and 5.47 respectively.

Georgina Brice was in Devon for the East Devon Round 100K ultra, with her 19 hour finish earning her equal 3rd placed female finisher.

Sunday saw a sunny day for the Bristol 10K which is always popular with members. Caroline Norris was our first finisher in 41.10, with George Sherwin (44.16) next over the line. Phil Parsons was pleased with his 57.10 finish and our next finisher, Paula Bisatt, delighted with her 1.07 which was a PB at the distance. Lucy Patterson and Sarah Pluckwell crossed the line in 1.09 with Rachel Jones (1.14), Gareth Parsons (1.15) and Carl Smith (1.16) completing the Running Forever contingent.

Glastonbury wove its magic on our runners this weekend too, with a group heading over the levels to take on the annual 10K round the Tor (thankfully not up it). Jo Carritt crossed the line in 40.09; followed by Pate Date (48.16); Hannah Kirkman (53.16); Ola Timpson (53.27) and Helen Phillips in 55.44.

Ray Tutton and Lucy Spring headed for Milton Keynes for their Bank Holiday run. Both finished in 28.57 in the Rocket 5K, following up with 3.49 for Ray for the full marathon and 2.18 for Lucy in the Half which were both run on Monday.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Tamar Trails, Plym Valley, Whiteley, Burnham, Killerton and Cirencester. Thirty two took on the local course at Longrun Meadow where Rachel Nicholls and Eleanor Perry had PB runs.

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.

There’s a very famous Giant in Dorset, he’s on a hillside at Cerne Abbas but he’s not wearing any clothes, he definitely needs a Running Forever vest! There’s another Giant there too, the Dorset Giant LDWA 55 mile ultra and it was this particular big fellow which eight of our members did battle with this weekend.

As a LDWA event it’s not billed as a race but our intrepid gang turned in some very impressive times. Sticking together for a 11.54 finish and 5th equal placings, Sam Wharton and Martin Webb conquered this particular giant for us. Adrian Edwards trotted home in 13.46 with Andy Higham and Matt Blee just behind in 14.04. Kathy Thompson and Peter Hall stuck together for a 14.31 finish with Emma Greig, using this as a training event for a long distance challenge (as if 55 miles isn’t long enough), our final finisher in 16.22.

Off for a day out at the seaside with a bit of a run, Ray Tutton, Jules Griffiths-Jones and Helen Needs were in Brighton for their popular marathon event. Ray completed in 3.44, Jules in 4.29, with Helen earning her post-run beer and paddle by collecting her medal in 5.13.

Jo Carritt and Ben Timpson were in Butleigh for their 10K trail race and finished with times of 46.14 and 48.39 respectively.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Catterick, Killerton, Weymouth, Fulham Palace, Burnham, Teignmouth and the home of parkrun, Bushy Park. We also had a trio of international tourists who took time out of their holiday to run the Krakow parkrun. Twenty eight ran at Longrun Meadow where Paula Bisatt and Richard Mackrory had PBs and Sarah Capstick notched up her 250th parkrun.

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!