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!

The clocks went forward and Running Forever members had to spring out of bed to make their weekend race schedules.

A trio headed for Dorset where the Dorset Oozer Trail Marathon was taking place. With just the right mix of hills, stiles and water features, Bev Collins cleared them all for a 4.57 finish. Floating home just behind in 5.03 was Peter Hall. Helen Moffat opted for the Half Marathon distance and collected her medal in 2.36.

No need to cross any borders to take on the Yeovil Half Marathon, so no need for passports for the six strong contingent of RFRC members. Last week’s holiday obviously sat well with Ray Tutton who was our first home in 1.37. Counting down the days until his holidays, Duncan Gordon crossed the line in 1.57. Lee Macklin was next home in 2.05 with Nic Saint (2.10) and Lucy Spring (2.14) not far behind. Final finisher was Kirsti Nelson who completed the hilly course in 2.33.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Torbay, Peter Pan and Burnham where Hannah Taunton got a course PB and the 5th fastest female parkrun time in the UK. Twenty five took on Longrun Meadow where Craig Moore ran a new PB time.

How do Running Forever members spend their birthdays? Some take the cider and cake option, some take the opportunity to have a well-earned rest but only the truly bonkers would decide that a birthday trip to the seaside should involve a half marathon. The first running of the Weston Super Half provided Kirsti Nelson with the perfect birthday day out and also a 2.27 PB before a reviving fish and chip reward. Duncan Gordon finished his day out at the seaside with a 1.52 time whilst Goff Welchman earned his medal in 2.21.

Not bonkers but probably a bit crackers were the quartet who took on the Cheddar Running Club Big Cheese race. They all loved this hilly trail run and who am I to diss a brie? Ali Bisatt wasn’t cheesed off with his 1.59 time, although both him and Sam Wharton (2.07) narrowly missed out on the cheese based prizes. Stilton finish was Bev Collins who made it back in 2.30. Saz Henderson picked up an injury so pulled out mid run. I camembert this any longer so moving on …

Georgina Brice travelled to beautiful Lulworth Cove for their Ultra on Saturday and completed the 33 miles distance with 7000 feet of climb in 9.15.

There may have been a march in London on Saturday but it was the London Landmarks Half on Sunday which sent seven of our members running to the Capital. This popular race takes in lots of the main tourist sights and it was a beautiful day to combine that with running. Simon Rowland was first RFRC home with his 1.53 time, with Helen Needs (1.55) hot on his heels. John Allaway crossed the line in 2.05, Darren Purchase in 2.13 and Sam Cross in 2.15. Lisa Windsor (2.46) and Sarah Holloway (2.49) enjoyed their run and also took the opportunity to raise money for their favourite charities.

Even holidays don’t stop the running duo that is Ray Tutton and Lucy Spring. They took a short break from their short break and ran the Deep River 10K at Castle Drogo with Ray completing in 52 minutes and Lucy in 1.12.

Nadine Prouse and Liz Williams got their bikes out on Sunday to ride 70 miles in the Great Somerset Cycle in aid of St Margarets Hospice.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Plym Valley, Halifax, Penrose, Exmouth, Clapham Common, Teigmouth, Haldon Forest and the beautifully named Pocket parkrun where pocket sized Kate McKenzie assures us the course isn’t any smaller! Twenty two took on Longrun Meadow where Karen Chapman and Paula Bisatt earned themselves new PBs.

Running Forever sent a sizeable contingent to the ever popular Bath Half Marathon last weekend. Some members chose to run for favourite charities with the Bath Rugby Foundation, Parkinsons UK and Send a Cow being popular choices.

Mike Parsons was our first runner home in 1.40, though Ed Herbert (1.44) was only minutes behind. John Allaway made it home in 1.59, whilst Sally Tuer finished on the 2 hour mark. Next back were Duncan Gordon (2.01) and Emily Vining (2.10) whilst Phil Parsons crossed the line in 2.13 despite sustaining an injury early in the event. Kirsti Nelson (2.30) and Morwenna Dunstan (2.47) were final RFRC finishers.

Heather Pearce took on the Fission 20 mile race, finishing in 2.39.

Ray Tutton ventured to Gloucester for the same distance where he completed his run in 2.44.

Taking on a shorter distance was one of our unofficial members, Border Terrier Scruff Moffat, accompanied his running partner Helen. They enjoyed the Hestercombe Doggy Dash 5K and Scruff was rewarded with a bandana for his efforts.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Newbury, Conkers, Peter Pan, Cheltenham, Yeovil Montacute, Burnham and Mountbatten School parkruns.. Seventeen took on Longrun Meadow where Lisa Windsor and Tracy Marshall earned themselves new PB times.

It was a busy weekend for Running Forever members which saw distances from 10K to marathon tacked by the red and white brigade.

It was a trip to Dorset for eight members for the White Star Running Larmer Races. Our contingent split themselves equally between the hilly marathon and the equally hilly 20 mile option. First home in the marathon for the Club was Andy Burgess in 4.37. Bev Collins’ 4.47 time was enough to earn her second age group place. Brian Bandyszewski finished in 5.35 with Georgina Brice crossing the line in 6.33.

In the 20 mile race, Simon Denson’s 3.11 made him RFRC member home. Emma Perkins and Lisa Rossiter completed the distance in 3.56 with Jules Griffiths-Jones making it home in 4.27.

The original running of the Longleat 10K was postponed due to weather. The snow held off this weekend but there were still enough hills and wind to make this a challenging run. Ed Herbert crossed the lion (I have been waiting 3 weeks to use that) in 48.37. Lucy Spring collected her medal in 60 minutes with Vicki Hanna hot on her heels with a 61 minute time. Sarah Holloway and Lisa Windsor also outran the wildlife to record 69 and 79 minute finishes respectively.

We’ve all heard about what bears do in the woods but what did the fearsome bunch of Running Forever athletes do when then tacked a Grizzly at the weekend? They took on a very challenging course with shingle beaches, cliff path climbs and enough mud for Ron to get his socks just a little bit grubby. Dan Talbot made it back to civilisation in a very creditable 2.54 with Sam Wharton, our first female finisher, following in 3.13. Keith Thompson was next with a 3.40 time with Ron Foord (4.09), Dave Marshall (4.11) and Alex Hughes (4.17) behind him. Lee Macklin beat the Grizzly in 4.26 with our final finisher, Jamie Hill, making it back home in 4.45. Rachel Nicholls completed the Grizzly Cub in 2.29.

There were no bears or lions to be seen in London where we had a quintet tackling the Vitality Big Half. Jo Dodson Hall and Dave Porter both finished in 2.01 but Jo just pipped Dave by 11 seconds to take our first finsher position. Ann-Marie Crampton completed the course, which took in lots of London Landmarks, in 2.04. Charlie Sargent was next in 2.11 with Louise Mills crossing the line in 2.20

Parkrun tourists ventured to Market Harborough, Long Eaton, North Shore, Burnham and Haldon Forest. Twenty six took on Longrun Meadow where Karen Chapman had a PB run.

Running Forever athletes travelled far and wide in their search for medals this weekend, but none further than Helen Phillips and Marina Tomsett who were in Japan for the Tokyo Marathon. Having already completed the London, New York, Chicago, Boston and Berlin races, Helen crossed the line in 4.57 to collect her Marathon Majors medal as well as her Tokyo one. Marina was just a minute behind. An amazing achievement from Helen.

Gerry Hogg was in sunny Benidorm and had a great run, taking 2nd place in his age group with a 1.21 Half time.

Always ones for a challenge, a brave contingent set off to Slay The Dragon, the appropriately named 10K trail event in Hinton St George. First in with the kill was Ron Foord who finished it off in 52.25. Next to get their swords out were Sally Tuer (64 mins) and Steph Andrew (66 mins) with Joanne Toogood and Craig Moore just on their tail with 70 minute and 71 minute finishes respectively. Catriona Gullick was next home in 75 minutes with our final Dragon Slayers of Rachel Reid and Sarah Reed crossing the line in 84 and 89 minutes.

Peter Stretton was in Combe St Nicholas for their 10K which was a bit on the breezy side so well done on a 60.50 finish.

It was off to Bideford for a dozen members on Sunday for the ever popular Bideford Half Marathon. The crew were in good form with Jo Carritt and Sam Wharton taking 3rd and 4th age group spots with their 1.29 and 1.32 times. Next home were James Lewes and Tanya Lewis who both finished in 1.34. Scott Weech was hot on their heels with his 1.37 time, with Sarah Henderson and Chris Gunn both crossing the line in 1.41. Our next athlete home was Chris Reah in 1.44, Simon Roland and Helen Needs both beat the 2 hour mark with their 1.52 and 1.57 respective times. Final finishers for the Club were Paul Clowes (2.16) and Liz Williams (2.35).

Ray Tutton and Lucy Spring took a trip to Dorset for the Wimborne Dental 20 mile race. Both got their teeth into the race and finished in 2.49 and 3.39 respectively despite some very grim weather.

Peter Hall was in Cornwall to celebrate St Pirans Day and National Pasty Week by completing the Cousin Jack Classic 17 mile race, taking in a goodly number of hills and some stunning scenery before collecting his celebratory pasty in 5 hours.

Parkrun tourists ventured to Chipping Sodbury, Fire Service College and Haldon Forest. Twenty one took on Longrun Meadow where we were back to the original course.