Running Forever members ranged far and wide at the weekend. The Lions Share attended the ever popular Longleat 10k. On a quite hilly course, first club member home was Ed Herbert in 49:56 closely followed by Sue Lewis in 52:36. Then came Ann-Marie Crampton (56:35), Darren Purchase (56:48), Sandra Moffat (57:29) and Phil Parsons (57:32). Peter Stretton (61:05) was next followed by a group of Craig Moore (66:59), Val Perigo, Phil Wilson (68:25) and Steph Andrews. The rest of our pride followed shortly after with Lisa Windsor (77:12), Suzanne Templeman (77:20), Gareth Parsons (79:00) and Sarah Holloway (80:45) all performing well. Another large contingent headed south to tackle the Portland Coastal Marathon and Half Marathon. On a blustery day our first finisher in the half marathon (and first in her category) was Bev Collins in 2hrs 17 closely followed by Mark Wilson in 2hrs 19. Nadine Prouse was next back in 2hrs 37 with Liz Williams coming home in 3 hrs 12. In the Marathon, Sam Wharton was first club finisher and also won the ladies race in 4hrs 25. Behind her came Robin Upton (4hrs 49) Scott Weetch (4hrs 52) and Rob Murr (5hrs 57) with Georgina Brice overcoming recent illness to finish in 6hrs 32. In South Devon Dave Marshall completed the very hilly Endurance Life 34 mile Ultra in 8hrs 23 whilst Alex Hughes finished the marathon distance in 7hrs 13. Mike Turk completed the (also hilly) Half Marathon in an impressive 2hrs 55. In other races this week Yvonne Loat travelled to Minehead on Thursday evening for the first event in the Waves on the Prom 5k series, finishing in 37:03. Pat Pike headed in the opposite direction to take on the Bristol 10k winter warmer at Ashton Court (another hilly venue) completing the two-lap course in 81:30. As usual there were plenty of parkrunners out and about on Saturday morning with club members visiting Minehead, Maesteg, Burnham, Worthing, Heartlands and Berkeley Green parkruns whilst 24 took part in our ‘home’ event at Longrun Meadow and 7 members volunteered to help the event take place.

It was an absolute Beast of a weekend for Running Forever members who took on the Blackdown Beast 16 mile trail event. Billed as a social run, with no times issued for finishers, it includes a pasty stop and a couple of pub visits as the route meanders up and down and round the countryside. Our finishers were Sam Wharton, Martin Webb, Mercedes Thorne, Sue Lewis, Chris Buckman, Dan Carrington, Brian Bandyszewski, Tanya Lewis, Heather Pearce. Joanna Gavins, Sally Tuer, Jonathan Newby, Dean Bennett, Jo Carritt, Ann-Marie Crampton, Dan Talbot and Andy Higham.

Equally muddy but lacking the refreshment opportunities was the Exeter Epic Trail 10K which attracted a quartet of members. First home was Simon Malley in 48.25 with Michael Turk (1.01); Asbie Potter (1.14) and Lisa Windsor (1.25) following him over the line.

Up in Amesbury, Helen Needs took part in the 30K Stonehenge Stomp.

This week, parkrun tourists visited Minehead, Winchester, Chippenham, Hastings, Ellenbrook Fields Exmouth, Gloucester City and Salcey Forest. Seventeen kept things local at Longrun Meadow.

Running Forever members hit the Marathon trail again this weekend, Peter Hall completed his 110th marathon with a 4.22 finish at Plym Trail Marathon. Georgina Brice was on the Thames Coastal Path for the interestingly named Zeus and the Thunderbolt Marathon, taking 5.01 to complete her 46th run at the distance.

Going a bit further, Andy Burgess crossed the line at the Gloucester 50K event in 4.37 for 15th place overall and 2nd in his age category.

A quartet headed off to Braunton for the NDRR events. Paula Bissat clocked 1.08 for the 10K, with Ray Tutton (1.15), Sandra Moffat (1.32) and Lucy Spring (1.49) taking on the 10 mile event.

On the Exeter Quayside, Charlie Sargent crossed the line in the Exeter First Chance 10K in 1.01 with Liz Williams clocking up a 1.05 finish.

On Wednesday, a duo of Tauntons travelled to Weston for the latest in their 5 mile Prom Series. Hannah’s 28.56 was enough to earn her first female finisher prize, whilst her mum Gill was equally delighted with her 49.25 run.

This week, parkrun tourists visited Bushy, Lydiard, Minehead, Yeovil, Pomphrey Hill, Exmouth, Watermeadows, St Marys, Coole and Lands End. Twenty one splashed their way round Longrun Meadow.

A quartet of Running Forever members got off their sofas on Saturday night to tackle the hills and mud which were provided by Channel Events in their Storm the Fort 10K. First Club finisher was Dave Porter who crossed the line just ahead of Jo Hall, both getting a time of 1.03, with Jo also earning 1st place in her age category. Jo is still awaiting the result of the VAR to rule on an alleged infringement when Dave was storming towards the finish line to be our, let me mention this again, first Club member home. Our other finishing duo were Ali and Paula Bissat who both crossed the line in 1.22, Paula also earning herself a 1st in age category finish.

Jonathan Newby and Helen Moffat took part in the Dawlish Coasters Obelisk Half on Sunday and finished in 2.05 and 2.29 respectively.

This week, parkrun tourists visited Lydiard, Ross on Wye, Burnham, Exmouth, Mallards Pike and Tremorfa. Twenty five ran at Longrun Meadow, where Sophie Roberts earned herself a course PB.

Running Forever athletes had a flying start to 2020 with a great turnout at the Chard Flyer 10K. The ladies did particularly well, picking up two of the top 3 finishes as well as several age category placings.

First home was Dean Bennett with a 40.37 time, closely followed by Ali Bisatt in 41.24. Our first female finisher, Jo Carritt also took the overall female prize with her 42.38 with Laura Chapman collecting third in 44.06. Our other finishers were Tanya Lewis (45.18 and 2nd age group); Ray Tutton (46.06); Chris Reah (52.07); Sally Tuer (54.33 and 2nd age group); Rob Murr (55.50); Sandra Williams (56.50); Sophie Saint (58.52); Craig Moore (65.37); Lucy Spring (66.13); Paula Bisatt (66.25); Marina Tomsett (66.55); Helen Phillips (66.55). Tanya Gault (70.45); Eliza Brodie (71.57) and Pat Pike (76.02.

Sunday saw a huge field travel to Stoke St Gregory for the very popular Stoke Stampede. Once again, we were rewarded by some great finishes with the first 3 female finishers all being RFRC members! Hannah Taunton (in a TAC vest) took top spot with a 35.32 course record, Jo Carritt continued her excellent form with a 41.03 second place with Caroline Arckless claiming third in 41.11. Well done ladies!

Brett Gatward, a new member of the Club, was first in a Club vest to cross the line in 39.06 with Dean Bennett (39.34) and Chris Brown (39.51) not far behind. Our other finishers were Phil Parsons (41.46); Andrew Saunders (42.35); Martin Webb (43.03); Scott Weetch (43.07); Laura Chapman (43.15 and 3rd in age category); Sam Wharton (43.49); James Lewes (44.36); Fintan Murray (45.51); Dave Bullock (47.06); James Takle (47.53); Chris Reah (48.22); Andy Higham (48.21); Pat Date (48.44); Duncan Gordon (48.43); Don MacPhail (49.00); Hannah Kirkman (49.40 and 1st in age category); Simon Rowland (49.48); Mercedes Thorne (51.01); Lisa Denson (50.47 and 2nd in age category); Michael Glide (51.08); Richard Mackrory (51.32); Sam Stamp (51.43); Sally Tuer (51.55 and 2nd in age category); Darren Purchase (52.23); John Allway (52.30); Chris Buckman (52.35); Jamie Hill (55.07); Jules Griffiths-Jones (57.41); Pet Aspden (58.14); Eleanor Perry (58.45); Steph Andrews (59.30); Gill Taunton (60.44); Tracy Marshall (62.25); Mark Always (62.42); Liz Williams (64.24); Tanya Gault (66.02); Eliza Brodie (67.13);Cat Gullick(68.36); Rachel Reid (70.53); Kirsti Nelson (71.16); Ali Wasey (71.16); Lisa Windson (74.17); Rachel Jones (75.22); Vince Jones (75.22); Claire Loader (75.27); Sarah Holloway (73.03); Sarah Reed (76.39) and Kerry Anne Chapman (85.54).

This week, parkrun tourists visited Winchester, Yeovil, Clevedon, Burnham, Exmouth, Cirencester, Tetbury Goods Shed and Hamilton Island in Australia. Thirty one ran on a damp and muddy Longrun Meadow course with Ola Timpson clocking her 150th run.

If you’d like to be part of this amazing and supportive Club, our next Beginners session starts on Wednesday 15th January. The course is led by English Athletics accredited coaches and will last 8 weeks when you’ll be ready for your first 5K run. There is no charge for participation but you must register via our website www.runningforever.club/beginners

Running Forever members haven’t been idle over the Christmas period, with members collecting an impressive haul of bling to add to the rest of their presents.

Jolly Running provided a lovely festive medal for Half finishers Sam Wharton and Mark Wilson who crossed the line in 2.30 in this pre-Christmas event. Taking on the full Marathon distance were Peter Hall (5.42); Georgina Brice (6.24); Rob Murr who, following a shoe malfunction, dug deep and limped home in 7.00 and Eliza Brodie who finished what when described as her toughest marathon in 8 hours.

On a slightly flatter course, Emma Greig clocked 5.24 for the 31 mile Ultra and Ray Tutton 4.10 for the 26.2 distance at the Portsmouth Coastal Marathon event.

The dynamic duo of Hannah and Gill Taunton took part in the Weston 5 mile race, clocking 29.07 and 51.06 respectively.

Popular local race, the Wellington Monument 10K nearly succumbed to the awful weather of the previous days but happily Taunton AC managed to make it through the rain and it was a great success. First Runner home for RFRC was Adam Crichton in 41.53, closely followed by Dean Bennet (42.51) and Tanya Lewis whose 46.44 earned her 3rd female finisher trophy. Our other finishers were Andrew Saunders (47.18); Martin Webb (47.18); Jonathan Newby (47.45); Chris Brown (48.53); Hannah Kirkman (53.04); Simon Rowland (53.33); Rachel Mills (56.18); Richard Mackrory (56.20); Pete Stretton (62.26) and Louise Mills (67.41).

Ali Bisatt, Paula Bisatt and Morwena Duncan took part in the Selworthy Stargazer night run, survising the hills and grim weather.

Last Sunday Laura Chapman secured 4th place female finisher trophy in the Abdominal Snowman 10 mile event on the Isle of Wight. Not quite where you’d expect to find the Yeti but I believe even he likes a festive break!

Over the Festive season, parkrun tourists visited Minehead, Fareham, Burnham, Exmouth, Kingsway, Temorfa, and Boston with Simon Denson (50), Andrew Saunders (100) and Hannah Taunton (200) clocking up milestone runs.

If you’d like to be part of this amazing and supportive Club, our next Beginners session starts on Wednesday 15th January. The course is led by English Athletics accredited coaches and will last 8 weeks when you’ll be ready for your first 5K run. There is no charge for participation but you must register via our website www.runningforever.club/beginners

It’s a quiet time in the racing calendar so Running Forever athletes took the chance to squeeze in a bit of parkrun tourism with members taking part in Finsbury, Southsea, Dudley, Nonsuch, Minehead, Winchester, Wotton and Yeovil parkruns. Twenty six splashed their way round Longrun Meadow where Emma Greig hit a PB and Don MacPhail clocked up his 50 milestone.

It was a Cracker of a weekend for twenty-six Running Forever members who took the short trip up the M5 to play on the sand at the Weston Christmas Cracker 10K. Donning their fancy dress, Santa hats and tinsel our brave contingent dodged showers, sandstorms and a bit of a breeze. First home for us was Charlie Revell in 46.46 followed by Ray Tutton (52.35) and Don MacPhail in 52.57. Other finishers were Chris Adams (58.17); Ann-Marie Crampton (58.41); Phil Parsons (59.44); Michael Turk (61.00); Craig Moore (66.57); Nadine Prouse (67.28); Liz Williams (67.54); Janette Blair (68.33); Paula Bisatt (68.59); Lucy Spring (69.40); Carl Smith (77.05); Rachel Reid (78.01); Lisa Windsor (78.15); Sarah Holloway (78.19); Sarah Reed (81.12); Tracey Yeo (81.20); Caroline Webb (81.32); Cherry Harris (84.24); Pat Pike (85.09); Kerry Chapman (88.31); Kate Mackenzie (88.32); Karen Chapman (88.32) and Claire Loader (88.32).

Georgina Brice completed 11 laps of the Goodwood Race Circuit to take the chequered flag in 5.22 at their marathon event. No mention of any pit stops or shoe changes.

Rob Murr was back on the 26.2 hunt with a 4.47 finish at the Plym Trail Marathon on Saturday.

Simon and Lisa Denson were hampered by weather of a different sort at the Dubai 10K where, despite a very early start, the sun was beating down as they crossed the line in just under 52 minutes.

At the interestingly named Cockington Caper 7.5 mile event, Pete Stretton was crowing about his 1.56 finish.

This week’s parkrun tourists visited Bath Skyline, Killerton, Cranleigh, Cassiobury, Exmouth, Stratford Park and Severn Bridge. Twenty one tackled the Longrun Meadow course where Darren Purchase and Richard Mackrory had PBs.

It was a quieter week for Running Forever as we headed towards Christmas.

Andy Burgess headed over the border to Dorset where he completed the Endurance Life Ultra is 8.08.

Also over the border, but over the sea too was Michael Davies who was in Patagonia for the Pataonman XTRi Ironman distance triathlon.

Celebrating a great year in the Somerset Series were a quartet of our female runners. Jo Carritt topped the female finishers table, Sam Wharton took third place and Tanya Lewis made it 3 in the top 5. Sally Tuer was 3rd in her age group. Well done Ladies of RFRC; lads, where are you?!

This week’s parkrun tourists visited Eastleigh, Minehead, Stonehouse, Exmouth, Bethlem Royal Hospital, King George V Playing Field and Clevedon. Thirty splashed their way round the Longrun Meadow course where Don MacPhail, Richard Mackrory and Penny Watson had PBs.

A hot bank holiday weekend might mean lazing in the garden for some, but for our runners it simply means more time to recover from races.

Saturday saw Bev Collins and Rob Murr head down to Devon for the summer edition of the Plym Trail Marathon. They survived the hills and the heat to finish in 4 hours 35 and 5 hours 12 respectively.

Also that day, Louise Mills returned to her childhood town in Wales for the Llantwit Major 10k, which she finished in 1:08:18.

On Sunday, several of our runners couldn’t decide which side of the Welsh border to run on, and so ran across the Severn Bridge. Kirsti Nelson and Jamie Hill both completed the Severn Bridge Half Marathon in 2:34:03, with Ali Wasey (1:14:29) and Carl Smith (1:18:13) choosing the 10k distance.

Our biggest group of runners went to the Battle of Sedgemoor 10k in Langport. Battling their way through the heat were Chris Brown (36:56), Emma Kiernan (40:17, in Taunton AC kit), Michael Threlfall (41:43), Lee Derrick (51:12), Pat Date (51:59), Simon Rowland (52:02), Ola Timpson (57:33), Robert Williams (1:01:46), Peter Stretton (1:03:43), Lucy Spring (1:04:08), Craig Moore (1:05:02), Brian Brown (1:07:41), Rachel Reid (1:14:21), Lisa Windsor (1:14:07), Tracy Yeo (1:19:11), Sarah Reed (1:21:20) and Sarah Holloway (1:22:35).

This week’s parkrun tourists went to Barnstaple, Bexley, Darlington South Park, Minehead, Severn Valley, Southsea, The Old Showfield and Winchester. 30 runners stayed home at Longrun Meadow, where Rachel Nicholls got a new PB.

If you’re inspired to get running, we have a new Beginners Group starting on 18th September. Go to our Beginners Group page for details of how to sign up.