It was another great sporting weekend when Running Forever members refused to be eclipsed by some bloke driving in a circle or some other blokes with bats. For tales of truly epic feats, read on …

Massive congratulations to Helen Needs who completed her first Ultra at the Race to the Stones 50K event. Despite a tumble early on, Helen found the stones and a lovely bit of bling in 8.14.

Also on the Ultra trail were the intrepid trio of Ali Bisatt, Sam Wharton and Damon Butler who headed to Snowdonia for the very tough Trail Ultra. After a massive amount of running up, running down and wobbling on the edges Ali finished in 7.14 to take 4th in his age group, Sam swept up 5th female finished with her 7.44 and Damon slayed the dragons of last year to cross the line in 10.11.

A little trip in a boat and a bit of a run for Ian Bawler and Rachel Nicholls who travelled to Lundy Island for their 13.5 mile tour of this beautiful place, some beautiful views later Ian finished in 2.40 and Rachel in 3.26.

Making things just slightly trickier, Heather Pearce and Sarah Henderson had to forego the boat and swim between the run legs of the Breca Gower. A total of 37km of running and 5km of swimming, plus 18 transitions between the two, was completed in 9 hours.

The Blackdown Beauty isn’t really a race; it’s more of a scenic run with a cream tea and a few pub stops to break up the miles. These are some of the favourite things of RFRC members so well done to Simon Rowland, Chris Buckman and James Talke who tackled the 19 mile course and to Eliza Brodie who did the 13 mile route and all remembered that in RFRC rule that it’s red before white as far as club scone eating is concerned.

It was off to the Otter Rail and River 10K for Sally Tuer on Sunday where here efforts saw her crossing the line in 56.53 for a 2nd age group place.

Pat Pike took a run up Brean Down and her 1.13 finish in the 10K saw her take the top spot in her age group.

Eight members travelled to Tiverton for the Grand Western Canal Run 10K. There are no official times for this event but our members are well drilled and equipped with their own technology. Tanya Lewis was our first finisher in 49.00, followed by Simon Rowland in 56.42 (despite his 19 miles and 3 scones the day before at the Blackdown Beauty). Malcolm Hutchings (59.40) just pipped Dave Mackenzie (60.00), with Tracey Marshall crossing the line in 67 minutes. Rachel Jones finished in 1.23, with our final duo of Kate Mackenzie & Karen Chapman sticking together to collect their medal in 1.32

Gavin Clegg took 1st M60 place in the Marston Lodge Spartan Sprint 5K which also involved 19 obstacles including a barbed wire crawl and a rope climb!

A quartet of members travelled to Yeovilton on Wednesday night a race in their popular 5K series. Ann-Marie Crampton (24.53) set the pace with Ola Timpson (25.03), Sally Tuer (25.51) and Mercedes Thorne (25.57) hot on her heels.

Parkrun tourists travelled to Black Park. Poole, Winchester, Thornbury, Forest Rec, Burnham and Exmouth. Thirty two took on the local course at Longrun Meadow where Tanya Herbison scored a PB and the first male (Chris Brown) and first female (Caroline Norris) spots were taken by Running Forever members.

Running Forever took part in some Beastly activity up thanks to the Quantock Harriers and their annual Quantock Beast trail race. On a sunny Sunday, Dowan Kwon was our first runner home, his 38.40 earing him 7th place overall. Our Jo Carritt was first female overall in 41.32, with Tanya Lewis taking 2nd in her Age Group after crossing the line in 46.44.

Our other finishers were Dave Bullock (49.21); Nigel Baker (52.40); Lee Derrick (55.14); Simon Rowland (57.00); Mercedes Thorne (57.53); Phil Parsons (58.14); Emily Vining (62.04); Joanne Toogood (63.24); Rachel Nicholls (66.23); Peter Stretton (67.58); Vicky Hanna (67.58); Brian Brown (69.48); Nic Saint (69.49); Val Perigo (71.51); Lisa Windsor (74.17) and Sarah Holloway (80348).

Albion Running organised a nice trip to the seaside on Saturday as runners raced the 50K from Ham to Lyme. The promise of a cooling dip in the sea saw Dan Talbot finish the run in 5.03 in 8th place. Emma Perkins, Lisa Rossiter and Andy Burgess dipped their toes in the water in 6.55 with Chris Gunn and Adrian Edwards making a splash in 7.16.

Top distance effort this weekend from Peter Hall who completed the 104 miles of the 1066 King Harold way race from Barnes to Battle in 31hours 20 minutes with not an Norman in sight.
Also on the long distance trail was Andy Higham whose 100K effort on the Serpent Trail on the South Downs took him 15.35.

Distance travelled for an event was won by Simon and Lisa Denson who were in Austria for the Glacier Half Marathon in Imst. Simon won first in his age category with his 1.28 and Lisa crossing the line in 1.59.

A quartet travelled to the New Forest for their scenic 10 mile race. Ray Tutton came home in 1.20, Marina Tomsett and Helen Phillips in 1.47 and returning from a nasty injury, Lucy Spring was delighted with her 1.51 time.

The mythical unicorn was out in record numbers in Dorset over the weekend with Helen Moffat completing 3 laps (16 miles) of the Unicorn Frolic on Saturday. The Moreton Marathon was run at the same venue on Sunday with Bev Collins, Rob Murr and Georgina Brice finishing in 4.59, 5.43 and 5.54 respectively; both ladies taking 3rd places in their age categories.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Torbay Velopark, Nonsuch, Minehead, Killerton, Winchester, Forest Rec, Burnham, Exmouth, Jersey Farm and Rouen. Thirty seven took on the local course at Longrun Meadow where Pat Pike picked up her 100th run tshirt and Gill Taunton completed her 200th parkrun. There were PBs for Jamie Bousfield and Luke Thorne.

Running Forever were delighted to send a contingent of 22 to the inaugural Minster Milers 10K Mash, it’s always great to support new local events. The course promised lots of hills and it certainly delivered those along with bright sunshine and a great atmosphere.

Mike Threlfall was our first man home, his 44.13 time earning him first place in the V50 category. Close behind was Caroline Norris who took the first female finisher prize in 45.20. Dave Bullock tacked the hills to cross the line in 51.14, followed by Duncan Gordon (53.29), Simon Rowland (54.39) and Lee Derrick (55.55).

Other Club finishers were Jamie Hill (58.26); Steph Andrews (59.59); Ann-Marie Crampton (61.04); Phil Parsons (61.13); Nic Saint (65.50); Brian Brown (71.21); Val Perigo (71.58); Tracy Marshall (72.18); Lisa Windsor (73.57); Kirsti Nelson (75.24); Ali Wasey (75.24) Rachel Reid (77.34); Pat Pike (79.05); Tracy Yeo (81.10); Sarah Reed (81.11) and Rachael Jones (82.28).

Birthday girl Helen Moffat started off her celebrations with a visit to the North Devon AONB Half Marathon where her 2.27 time got the party off to a great start.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Torbay Velopark, Moors Valley, Hereford, Lacing Beach Green and Woolacombe Downs. Thirty one took on the local course at Longrun Meadow where Emma Harris completed her 50th parkrun.

It was off to sunny Dorset for several members this weekend for the Giants Head Marathon and it’s littler sibling the Sydling Hill Race. These White Star Running events are always popular as they provide the world’s biggest ice creams at the finish as well as a rather splendid medal.

Martin Webb and Rob Murr took on the Giant and defeated him in 4.51 and 6.39 respectively. Duncan Gordon and Jamie Hill were first back to the ice cream van in the 11K race in 1.17 with Peter Stretton (1.25), Carl Moppett (1.29) and Brian Brown (1.30) not far behind them in the queue. Hopefully there was still plenty of sprinkles left when Vicky Hanna, Doris Nelson and Ali Wasey finished in 1.41 and Eliza Brodie in 1.43.

Wimbleball lake provided a perfect venue this weekend for the inaugural Immortal 10K which Sally Tuer finished in 62 minutes to claim her age group prize. Adding a bit of a dip and a cycle to her 10K, Nadine Prouse completed the Immortal Classic triathlon at the same venue in 4.05.

James Nicholas went to the seaside for the Torbay Half which he completed in 1.33.

Taking things a bit further, Ali Bisatt and Robin Upton took part in the 30 mile Exmoor Perambulation, touring the sights of Exmoor in 6.37 to finish 3rd and 4th in this ‘not really a race’ event.

Distance of the weekend goes to Jonathan Newby for his completion of the Jurassic coast 100K race in 16.37.

Parkrun tourists ventured to South Manchester, Winchester, Southwick, Tamar Lakes, Burnham, Portsmouth, Exmouth and Somerdale. Thirty five took on the local course at Longrun Meadow where Tarun Solaki completed his 150th parkrun.

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.