Category: Weekly Roundup

It’s well known that the good folk of Running Forever love a party and this weekend gave them the perfect excuse to run amok with the cake, cider and celebrations as our Club Chair Peter Hall joined the 100 Marathon Club. From the balmy sunshine of London in 2007 through a further 15 road race, 34 trail marathons and a stonking 49 ultras the final chapter in this tale took him to the slightly damp environs of Bodmin Moor for the Cornish Marathon, and we didn’t let him go alone!

No less than 20 other club members and quite a few supporters joined Peter on the tough course to help him celebrate; including 18 hardy souls who left by mini bus far earlier than should be allowed on a Sunday morning and were subjected to a play list which could only be described as eclectic. I could name and shame the Club members who didn’t know the actions to Baby Shark and the one who was disappointed at the lack of Neil Diamond tunes …

Starting and finishing in the village of Pensilva, this popular race take runners over a lot of Cornish hills, provides some fairly stunning views and past the iconic Jamaica Inn. Our first runner in was Matt Blee who stormed home in 3.35 with Sam Warton hot on his heels a mere 18 seconds later to take the 3rd Female spot. Martin Webb finished in 3.39 to collect his medal and pastie. There was a short break where the hardy spectators could avail themselves of yet another slice of cake to keep out the rain (so much tastier than an umbrella) before Andy Burgess (3.55), Simon Denson (3.57) and John Martin (4.06) were home and not very dry.

As mentioned before, the route passes the Jamaica Inn and our next finisher, Chris Gunn, chose to avail himself of a 16 miles done celebratory pint which gave him wings for the next 10 miles and a 4.15 finish. Bev Collins was next over the line to take 3rd in her category with her 4.18 time. There was much cheering as Marathon Maestro Peter Hall collected his medal in 4.21 with Damon Butler (4.25) on his tail. Could have been a few minutes faster Damon if you’d not stopped to blag some of Chris Gunn’s beer …

Squelching over the line in 4.27 were Andy Higham and John Hunt, followed by Chris Reah in 4.29 and Ian Bawler in 4.30. Sally Tuer and Brian Bandyszewski recorded 4.34 finishes which earned Sally a trophy as 2nd in her category. Dave Marshall was next finisher in 4.35. Sandra Williams (4.50) must have felt like she was being chased down the hill by the Beast of Bodmin but it was only Rob Murr who finished a minute behind her. Lee Macklin was our final finisher in 5.08. Tanya Lewis also made the trip but had to pull up after 17 miles with a hip injury, happily she was still fit enough to party afterwards with many Club members who adjourned to their favourite hostelry for yet more cake and cider.

Amazing achievement Peter, the whole Club is incredibly proud of your achievement as our first member to hit this milestone.

A contingent of members headed for Bideford for their popular 10 miler which was also on Sunday. First over the line in our red and white kit was Scott Weetch in 1.14. Kate Reed (1.21) and Simon Rowland (1.23) were next with Trevor Stow close behind in 1.24. Luke Thorne collected his medal in 1.25, with Helen Needs (1.27) hot on his heels. Goff Welchman was home in 1.29, followed by Carl Moppett (1.34) and our final finisher Cathie Welchman in 1.46.

Club Members Hannah Taunton and Kate Drew (in their TAC kit) took 60 and 62 minutes respectively which earned Hannah 2nd Female finisher and 1st in her category trophies with Kate being 2nd in her category to round off an awesome weekend for our athletes.

This weekend’s parkrun tourists went to Plym Valley, Killerton, Weymouth, Buckingham, Burnham and Exmouth. Twenty six took part in the local Longrun Meadow event.

Saturday saw a trio of runners travel to the Doone Valley for the Exmoor Trail Ultra which is 30.4 miles of steep climbs and challenging terrain. Bev Collins and Andy Higham completed in 7.13 hours with Georgina Brice taking 8.53 on this tough course.

Peter Stretton was in Shepton Mallet for their 10K which he finished in 62 minutes with his granddaughter Kaya taking first female finisher in the junior 2K event. Following in grandad’s footsteps, well done!

It was off to the Black Mountains for a couple of members who took part in the OMM Marathon event. This is a self-navigated, self-provisioning 36 hour challenge where 2 man teams run between checkpoints and rack up many mountain miles with a little bit of camping in between. Ed Bailey and Adrian Edwards were part of different 2 man teams who completed this very challenging event.

Tanya Lewis took 1st place in her category in the Dartington Duathlon with a great 2.49 time for this run/bike/run event which was undulating, scenic and very windy.

The main event for Running Forever this weekend was the Herepath Half which is organised by the Club and runs along this ancient drove route. Most members are involved in organising and marshaling the event but we do let a few escape to take part. Our first member home was Daniel Talbot in 1.40 with Jo Carritt hot on his heels with her 1.43 finish which earned her the first female finisher prize. James Beach and James Nicholas had 1.45 and 1.51 times respectively. Lee Macklin trotted home in 2.16 with our final finisher Val Perigo crossing the line in 2.53 to collect her race souvenir; no medals, it was reusable coffee mugs this year.

This weekend’s parkrun tourists went to Eastleigh, Boston, Minehead, Upton House, Northala Fields, Croxteth Hall, Burnham, Street and Teignmouth. Thirty two took part in the local Longrun Meadow event where Tarun Solaki, Richard Mackrory and Darren Purchase had PB runs.

It has been said that Running Forever athletes enjoy a bit of a stagger, usually from the Kings Arms on a Wednesday night. However, it was a different sort this weekend as the Exmoor Stagger took them off road and up Dunkery Beacon in the quest for cake at Minehead Running Club’s popular event.

First home in Club colours was Dan Talbot taking 2.24 for this 16 mile course. Next was Ali Bisatt who collected his cake selection in 2.28. Following him over the line were Jo Carritt (2.41), Matt Blee (2.46) and Jonathan Newby (2.49). There was still plenty of cake when Heather Pearce finished in 3.04 and for Ian Bawler and Chris Gunn who both took 3.15. Staggering home as our final finisher was Rob Murr in 3.34. Club member Kate Drew (in her TAC kit) had a great 2.16 time and was first lady over the line.

Our regular globetrotting duo of Ray Tutton and Lucy Spring didn’t have quite such a long trip this weekend (nor as sunny) as they travelled to Portsmouth for the Great South Run. Ray finished this 10 miler in 1.16 with Lucy recording a 1.50 finish.

Intrepid ultra runner and Club Chairman Peter Hall took one step closer to his membership of the 100 Marathon club this weekend with his 99th race at the Plym Trail Marathon where he finished in 4.18.

This weekend’s parkrun tourists went to Bushy, Swindon, Winchester, Barnstaple, Dulwich and Teignmouth. Thirty three took part in the local Longrun Meadow event where Brian Bandyszewski completed his 50th run and celebrated a PB. Also setting their own records for the course were Emma Harris and Richard Mackrory.

Better get yourselves a cup of coffee (or a glass of cider) as it’s a long read this week what with it being Taunton 10K weekend.

We’ll start with the shorter distance events and Ali Bisatt who tackled a 100m challenge this weekend. That’s 100 miles! Without a break! Without a bus! The Two Moors Ultra was self-navigated and, the clue’s in the name, involved some pretty tough terrain. Our intrepid runner not only completed the race in 27.07 hours but earned joint first place! Awesome stuff Ali (and your support crew)

A quartet set out for North Devon for the Barnstaple Marathon which, unusually for this foursome, was a flat course with not a hill tall enough to test their quads. First home was Matt Blee in 3.39, Peter Hall (fast heading towards his 100th marathon) trotted home in 4.03; Rob Murr crossed the line in 4.45 with Georgina Brice completing the quartet with her 5.01 time.

Sue Lewis took on the LDWA Chagford Challenge on Sunday and was second female finisher for the 21-mile distance with her 4.55 time.

Off to Wales for the Cowbridge 10K was Louise Mills who managed to moo-ve swiftly for a 60-minute finish which left her udderly delighted. Sorry, promise not to milk this one for any more puns!

And so to the Taunton 10K which had 642 finishers, of which nearly 10% were RFRC members! When you take into account the number of members who marshalled the event or helped out in some other way, over one-third of our Club were involved in some way. Great support for a local event.

The first to wear our Club colours over the line was Dan Talbot and he was followed by 61 others many of whom were doing their first 10K or who recorded personal bests on what was a perfect day for a race. They’re too numerous to talk about individually but, as a Club, we’re incredibly proud of each and every one of them whether you smashed it or overcame your personal challenges to just get round in your red and white with a smile on your face. Many Runners; One Club.

All of our finishers:

Dan Talbot (37.18); Adam Crichton (38.03); Chris Brown (38.56);Rob Simon (40.07); Caroline Norris (41.48); Steve Gooding (42.20); Nick Williams (42.35);John Martin (42.48); Sam Wharton (43.48);Sam Stamp (44.01); Simon Lewis (44.44); Scott Weech (44.49); Brian Brandyszewski (45.17); Dave Loader (45.31); Duncan Gordon (45.43); Adrian Edwards (46.05); Chris Gibbs (46.24); Lee Derrick (47.00); Sarah Capstick (47.30); Roger Simon; (47.32); Steve Cooper (48.07); Simon Rowland (49.52); Pat Date (50.28); Mercedes Thorne (51.18); Michael Glide (52.00); Rachael Mills (52.14; )Sally Tuer (52.20); Phil Parsons (52.37); Tarun Solanki (52.51); Kate Reed (52.48); Robert Williams (53.03); Goff Welchman (53.10); Ian Jones (53.18); Steph Andrews (53.42); Lorna Evans (54.13); Richard Staunton (54.38); Pete Stretton (55.41); Helen Philips (57.00); Emily Vining (57.03); Ed Loat (57.12); Joanne Toogood (58.03); Charlie Smith (58.13); Peta Aspden (58.28); Amy Blowers (58.54); Carl Moppett (59.38); Craig Moore (59.36); Philip Kirkpatrick (59.42); Vicky Hanna (61.44); Ali Wasey (63.21); Cathie Welchman (64.40); Marina Thomsett.(65.51)Eliza Brodie (67.13)Lisa Windsor (67.16)Rachel Reed (69.27)Janet Silk (69.57)Kirsti Nelson (70.12); Pat Pike (70.45); Sandra Williams (71.44); Sarah Reed (72.07); Sarah Holloway (72.58); Tracy Yeo (73.04) & Yvonne Loat (80.58)

Two of the top 3 female finishers are also Club members but were running for TAC yesterday. Well done Hannah Taunton for your course PB and first place with 36.41 and Kate Drew with her 37.58 third place.

This weekend’s parkrun tourists went to Banbury, Brockenhurst, Bournemouth and Rome! Twenty-two took part in the local Longrun Meadow event.

It was over the hills and far away for an intrepid trio of Running Forever athletes this weekend when Adrian Edwards, Ed Bailey and Andy Burgess tackled the Summit of Snowdonia 50 mile ultra. As the name suggests this trail event involves climbing the third highest mountain in the UK within the 4,400 metres of climb in this tough race. The boys did us proud and with Adrian and Andy finishing the challenge in 23 hours 25 mins, hope there was a Welsh Cake or two at the finish line.

Ray Tutton and Lucy Spring headed off to Hull, currently City of Culture, for their marathon weekend. There was a nice bit of artistic bling as a reward for Ray’s 3.42 marathon and Lucy’s 2.16 half marathon finish. Well done!

The Bristol Half always attracts a lot of Club interest with many members making this their first attempt at the distance. It’s my PW course for the distance and my abiding memory of it is crying as a child explained he wasn’t giving away the millionaire shortbread to runners, he was selling it! Luckily his mum took pity on penniless me (I always carry an emergency tenner now) and gave me a hug and a free slap of the sugar boost which just about got me to the end without the death which I felt was impending. Happily, the Running Forever lot are made of much tougher stuff and the only tears were happy ones on the finish line.

First of our runners home were Emma Kiernan and Andy Staples with 1.25 finishes. Hot on their tail were Michael O’Neil (1.33), Caroline Norris and Sam Wharton (both 1.35). Duncan Gordon crossed the line in 1.44 to earn his medal. There was an outbreak of PBs next with Mark Alway (1.53), Jamie Archibald (1.56), Phil Parsons (2.00) and Craig Moore (2.22) all giving themselves a new target. Bryany Beale had a great first Half with her 2.28 time with Kirsti Nelson not far behind on 2.35. Our final finisher was Victoria Woods who was also making her debut at the distance and was happy to collect her medal in 2.53. Great performances from all of you and it stayed dry!

Sally Tuer took on the Mells Scenic 7 in Frome and completed this hilly trail event in 1.09.

This weekend’s parkrun tourists went to Plym Valley, Killeton, Burnham and Hensridge Airfield. Twenty-five took part in the local Longrun Meadow event, where Sam Stamp, Brian Bandyszewski and Robert Williams recorded new PBs.

In the past week Running Forever’s athletes have demonstrated that they are not only good at running, but they can also swim and ride bikes, taking part in races from 5k to 50 miles and orienteering, triathlon and swim events.

On Wednesday seven members participated in the final Yeovilton summer series 5k, showing that their track training sessions with club coach Sandra Williams had paid off. Chris Brown was first to finish in an amazing 17 min 12 sec, followed by Andy Staples (18:16), Steve Gooding (19:47), Nick Williams (20:57), Brian Bandyszewski (21:10), Mercedes Thorne (24:03) and Ann-Marie Crampton (24:08). Hannah Taunton was first lady, running in TAC colours, in 17:31.

At the weekend Lynn Cunningham competed in the Centurion Running’s Chiltern Wonderland 50 mile trail race. Unfortunately, she was ambushed only 1.5 miles from the finish, tripping and gashing her head open. Recover soon Lynn!

Trevor Stow travelled further to take part in the Berlin marathon, finishing in 4 hours 30 min, some distance behind the new world record holder, but a good result nevertheless.

Four members travelled to Swanage for the Purbeck marathon, taking in parts of the coast path, before returning through Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Hills. Alistair Bissat finished in a highly creditable overall 8th pace in 3 hours 48 minutes, followed by Matt Blee (4:17), Ian Bawler (4:50) and Peter Hall (5:19).

Another three took part in the Killerton 10k race around the hilly National Trust estate. Duncan Gordon finished in 1 hour 15 min closely followed by Alison Wasey (1:21) and Kirsty Nelson (1:28).

In the Langport Triathlon Kate Drew picked up the ladies winner trophy in a fantastic 1 hour 13 min. Other club members finishing were Emma Kiernan (1:18), Sarah Capstick (1:26), Chris Gunn (1:30), Sally Tuer (1:38) and Eliza Brodie (2:04).

Gavin Clegg was 5th supervet in the London Euro City league orienteering event, while Sue Lewis completed the 10k River Dart swim in 2 hours 46 min.

40 members completed Longrun Meadow parkrun, while tourists travelled to Killerton, Burnham and Tolka Valley.

This week we are back to being very active with a variety of events to report.

The weekend began with White Star Running’s Crafty Fox event. This Dorset-based event consisted of a full Marathon on Saturday and a Half Marathon on Sunday. First in for the club on Marathon day was Bev Collins with an impressive time of 05:04:19. Bev was 23rd overall, 3rd lady and 1st in her age category. Next in was Ian Bawler 05:09:43, followed by Rob Murr 06:45:44 and then Georgina Brice 07:04:00.

Our only competitor in the Half Marathon was Claire Allison who came in at 03:58:11. There can’t be many races that Claire hasn’t done – we are certainly very proud of all her achievements!

At 1610’s Chard Chaser 10k Simon Rowland was first across the line in 54:39, followed closely by Val Perigo 01:05:19 and Bryany Beale 01:10:11

In a final fling before disappearing off to university our very own Chris Brown WON the Ash Excellent Eight event organised by Yeovil Town Road Running Club. This is a challenging 8-mile multi-terrain race and Chris came home in 53:48. Our next club finisher was Ben Timpson in 01:05:31, followed by Sally Tuer in 01:18:47.

Five runners and one volunteer marshall from the club visited Tamar Lakes parkrun near Bude where they received a very warm welcome. Other parkrun tourists from the club visited Exmouth and Killerton, while 30 club members made it around Longrun Meadow.

Finally, mention must be made of Shelley Clothier who ran the iconic Great North Run in 02:47:49 and Tanya Lewis who completed the Tenby Ironman event after 13:04:44 of swimming, cycling and running!

We are immensely proud of all of our competitors. They range very widely in terms of age, speed and stamina but the one thing they all have in common is determination – lots of it!

A sizeable contingent headed for the exotic delights of Bridgwater on Sunday where Half, 10K and 5K options were on offer. The Half Marathoners were brought home by Andy Staples and his 1.26 finish. Emma Kiernan wasn’t far behind in 1.30 with James Beach clocking up a 1.39. Scott Weetch was next (1.45) followed by Trevor Stow and Lee Derrick with 1.56 and 1.58 respectively. Our final two at this distance were Sally Tuer with 2.05 and Ann-Marie Crampton crossing the line in 2.20.

Seven of our athletes took on the 10K distance with Nick Williams (44.05) and Dave Bullock (45.52) first Running Forever athletes home. Simon Rowland (51.37) and Goff Welchman (54.27) were next to collect their medals. Lucy Spring finished in 1.04, Cathie Welchman in 1.05 and Pat Pike completed the set in 1.15. Tara Sully had a 38.02 finish in the 5K.

On his quest to complete 100 marathons, Peter Hall headed for Dartmoor for the Marathon. Peter usually takes his own weather with him when he heads for the moors, but was pleasantly surprised this weekend and no kayaks were needed for his seven-hour finish.

Gavin Clegg was navigating his way around Bath in the British Orienteering Sprint Championships and finish 5th out of 161 competitors in his age category.

Heather Pearce tackled the Perranporth Surf Tri event in sunny Cornwall. This started with a 1.5K sea swim, adding a 38K bike leg and topping it off with a 7.5K run which Heather finished in 2.39. The only way I’d be doing this was if I was chasing Ross Poldark through the surf and then across the cliffs … now there’s a thought to keep me awake at night.

This weekend’s parkrun tourists went to Torbay, Catterick, Lymington Woodside, Eastville, Cheltenham (a very early start for Kate and Malcolm), Seaton & Burnham. Thirty-nine took part in the local Longrun Meadow event, where Ola Timpson celebrated her 100th parkrun.