RFRC go crackers!

An impressive 23 of our members turned up at the pier in Weston-Super-Mare to take on the Weston Christmas Cracker 10k on Sunday. Organised by Weston AC this festive spectacle of speedy santas and sprightly elves was a lot of fun despite the tricky conditions. The race takes place mostly on the beach which was very sploshy and squelchy underfoot and the final half mile saw competitors running straight into a very strong headwind… bits of discarded tinsel everywhere! First across the finish line was Trevor Stow (52:40) followed by Richard Staunton (54:12), Louise Lowry (55:23), Ann-Marie Crampton (56:20), Goff Welchman (57:23), Jamie Hill (1:00:21), Peter Stretton (1:00:55), Craig Moore (1:05:27), Cathie Welchman (1:09:04), Cat Gullick (1:09:10), Bev Collins (1:07:27), Philip Kirkpatrick (1:10:07), Shelley Clothier (1:10:36), Lisa Windsor (1:13:46), Rachel Reid (1:16:32), Sarah Reed (1:16:38), Sarah Holloway (1:18:45),
Pat Pike (1:23:54), Karen Chapman (1:24:30), Kerry Chapman (1:24:30), Paula Bisatt (1:28:12), Kate Mackenzie (1:28:14), Cherry Harris (1:30:41).

In other news Lisa and Simon Denson completed the Midwinternachtrun 10k in Ghent, Belgium. Simon finished in a very respectable 40:10 and Lisa was not far behind finishing in 52:08.

We had parkrunners scattered all over the place this week at Burnham, Henstridge, Minehead, Torbay Velopark, Guildford, Aylesbury and Peter Pan near Hull. Longrun Meadow attracted 24 of our members including Hannah Taunton who was not only first over the line but she also managed to clock the 8th fastest female time in the UK this week!

It was a quiet weekend for Running Forever, this may be due to the fact that many members were attending the club Christmas party at the county ground and would not be in a fit state to race on the Sunday!

However Heather Pearce managed to get around this problem by attending the Endurancelife Dorset coastal ‘half marathon’ on Saturday. This is a tough race on the coast path, starting at Lulworth Cove and Heather did well to complete the 16 miles in a time of 3:21 and then carry on to party!

John Martin travelled to Spain to take part in the Valencia marathon, completing the course in a good time of 3:53:43. The organisers provided bananas and dried apricots on the course, but surprisingly oranges did not seem to be on the menu.

Members travelled far and wide to parkruns, taking part at Glasgow (Pollock), Leicestershire (Conkers), Burnham, Exmouth and Henstridge Airfield; of particular note was Sarah Capstick who was first lady at Clitheroe Castle. Another 24 members stayed local at Longrun Meadow.

It was a step over to the Dark Side for many Running Forever members this weekend. Nothing to do with Star Wars or even triathlon but all to do with the Moonlit Meadow races which had their first running at Longrun Meadow on Saturday night.

Five took the 5K option with Shelley Clothier (36.50) first to navigate the puddles. Hot on her heels was Kirsti Nelson (39.41) with Karen Chapman (45.04), Kate ‘Sprint Finish’ Mackenzie (45.34) and Paula Bisatt (45.36) also collecting medals.

Simon Denson was first RFRC athlete home in the 10K event in a time of 42.34. Another Simon, Rowland this time was our next finisher in 52.00, followed by Carl Moppett (54.16); Phil Parsons (56.16); John Allaway (56.18) and Vicky Hanna (56.28). Jamie Hill was well pleased with his 57.21 time, John Martin wasn’t far behind with his 57.47 finish. Ian Jones crossed the line in exactly 60 minutes, Ali Wasey and Duncan Gordon must have been frightened of the dark as they stuck together for a 66 minute finish. Eliza Brodie came home in 68 minutes, with Morwenna Duncan our final finisher in 71 minutes.

Chris Brown took part in the Run from the Romans night event in Ham and evaded them comfortably with his 55.20 finish in this 5 mile race.

A good contingent headed for the Exmouth Harriers Bicton Blister 10 miler on Sunday, this off roader is always a popular race. First home was Andy Staples in 1.12. Next finisher was Emma Kiernan (1.17), closely followed by Heather Pearce in 1.21. Dave Loader enjoyed his first time on this race and crossed the line in 1.28 with Ron Foord (1.30) and Damon Butler (1.31) chasing him down. Bev Collins finished in 1.32; Rob Murr in 1.41 with Lisa Denson our final finisher in 1.42.

The Magnificent Seven took the M5 to Brent Knoll for the Burnham Harriers trail race, the final race in this year’s Somerset Series. Chris Brown had obviously recovered from being pursued by the Romans the night before as he stormed home in 41.42 to take the JM category win. Ali Bisatt crossed the line in 44.09; Matt Blee completed in 45.52 and Sam Wharton taking 3rd the female finisher title in 46.41. Next home was Brian Bandyszewski in 50.28 with Ben Timpson (50.40) and Sally Tuer (58.22) completing the posse.

This weekend’s other parkrun tourists went to Torbay, Winchester, Tamar Lakes, Burnham, Exmouth and Henstridge Airfield, with a bit of extreme tourist activity from Lindsey Haigh who took in the Geographe Bay parkrun in Western Australia. Twenty took part in the local Longrun Meadow event.

Never ones for taking the soft option, Running Forever members took on some unusual challenges this weekend which involved high Welsh mountains and cute jungle animals – we’re like the love children of David Attenborough and Bear Grylls!

On the jungle trail was Louise Lowry who took part in the Lemur Loop Ultra in a lemur costume. Fifty hilly kilometres is enough of a challenge without having to cope with a tail so well done on that one. Nadine Prouse also took part in this race but minus the furry onsie on her 42K distance.

Seven members headed for the Brecon Beacons for the Brecon Ultra and Trail Marathon races. Despite taking in Pen Y Fan and several other high places these tough races were no match for our not so secret seven. First home from the 46 mile ultra route was Matt Blee in 8.16, beating Ali Bisatt by about 40 seconds; Martin Webb was a mere 10 minutes behind them. Jonathan Newby crossed the line in 9.58 with Adrian Edwards just on his tail with a 10.15 finish. Chris Buckman was our final finisher in 12.52. Chris Gunn took the marathon distance option which he completed in 6.19.

Lara Bolduc also headed for Wales but for the seaside and the Conwy Half rather than the hills, completing this popular event in 2.13.

Brian and Chris Brown were in Plymouth for the first running of the Lopwell Loop 12K race. Cracking finish from Chris in 49.24 to take 5th place, leaving him enough time to get a cup of tea and a slice of cake before his dad finished in 90.36.

This weekend’s other parkrun tourists went to Plym Valley, Killerton Conkers, Somerdale and Upton House. Twenty eigh took part in the local Longrun Meadow event with a nice PB for Nic Saint.

It was a quieter weekend for Running Forever but there were still a few hardy souls out there earning medals. Lucy Spring and Ray Tutton headed north to Bath for the well named Hilly Half. Ray completed the full hilly 13.1 in 2 hours 10 whilst Lucy took part in the 8 mile option and finished in 1.35.

How do Running Forever members celebrate their birthday? Whilst most involve fizzy stuff and cake, Kerry-Anne Chapman took some of her family to Parke parkrun to mark her latest milestone. Both Kerry-Anne and her mum Karen are graduates of our Beginners Running Group, if you want to get involved our next group starts on Wednesday 14th November at 6.30pm from the Belvedere Car Park. It’s free and qualified coaches and run leaders will be with you all the way.

This weekend’s other parkrun tourists went to Plym Valley, Braunstone, Barnstaple, Burnham, Malborough, Teignmouth and Hay Lodge and Exmouth. Twenty two took part in the local Longrun Meadow event.

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.