Despite the clocks going back, and the weather becoming less predictable, that has not stopped members of Running Forever having a productive November. At the start of the month Sarah Henderson participated in the Beacons Trail Marathon, a very challenging course with over 4000 feet of elevation gain and 95% of trail running.

Sunday 17th November saw 7 members head for the Starcross shuffle, a challenge event which runs for 7 hours, and participants can if they wish see how many of the 10km loops they can do. Peter Hall did 4 loops and in doing so completed yet another Marathon. Ali Bisatt, Paul Parmenter and Bev Collins opted for 3 loops, whilst Dan Devlin and Mike Turk did 2 to complete the Half Marathon, Lou Mackley completed 1 loop at the 10km distance.

On the 26th November the final race of the Somerset Series was held, the Brent knoll multi terrain race. It is approximately a 6-mile course which can be challenging in the mud, 6 members took part with Tom Dymott and Jo Carritt finishing 2 seconds apart with times of 47:11 and 47:13 respectively, Dan Devlin was then next back followed by Anne-Marie Crampton, Sally Tuer and Sherri Dingle. At the end of the race Jo Carritt was presented with the trophy for the leading female over the Somerset Series which started back in January.

Special mention must go to Darren Purchase who embarked on a month-long challenge to run a half-marathon every day in November to raise money for the Lily foundation which raises money to help families affected by mitochondrial diseases, he has already raised over £2000. What has been incredible is that on everyday he has been joined by a member of the running club, which shows how supportive members of the running club are, and that he is now carrying on until the 17th December as so many people have offered to run with him.

This weekend our walking group enjoyed a 12mile walk from Combe Florey to Watchet followed by a bus ride back.

On Saturday four members of the club participated in Sportiva Events – Devon Trails – 10k/Half Marathon. The forecast bad weather luckily stayed away but conditions were still wet underfoot with many flooded sections. As with many trail events the four enjoyed a good selection of snackage on route and had some cake at the end of the race. Not only did they enjoy cake but Rachael Mills, Andrew Phillips and Helen Prescott won the Club competition, well done.

On Sunday 23 members ran the Bideford 10 miler, a new distance for many. Again, the weather forecast was not great but luckily the rain stayed away, there were still some headwind to contend with on the return down alongside the river. First home was the Gazelle (Simon Denson) with a time of 1:06:35, second was Andrew Saunders in 1:10:29 and third was Sam Wharton in 1:13:54. Incredibly 13 of the runners recorded Personal Bests, well done all.

Again massive thanks to those members who came to support and take pictures, it really is appreciated.

On Saturday Dean Bennett participated in the Track 100, which is exactly that, a 100-mile race on the running track. Despite having no elevation gain this is a particularly tough event due to the distance and the repetition of the scenery. Dean finished in an incredible time of 16:42:14 and finished 3rd overall

On Sunday, 6 members of the club participated in the self-proclaimed gruelling “The Stickler” race. The Stickler is a 10.1 mile multi terrain race and takes in the Dorset three peaks which involves over 1500ft of ascent. First home was Fintan Murray with a chip time of 1:28:34, followed by Sam Wharton in 1:34:03 and closely followed by Paul Parmenter.

Further afield Ann-Marie Crampton earnt herself a Guinness by completing the Dublin Marathon in a time of 4 hours and 21 minutes. This was all the more impressive due to her returning from injury and having to train solo for the event.

Dave Marshall was the sole entrant from the club to take part in the Potter around the Otter 50 miler. The course starts on the Coast path heading west from Sidmouth and passes through Exmouth before heading up the river Exe and then looping back inland for the evening. He finished with a time of 15 hours, very impressive given all of the elevation gain.

On Saturday seven RFRC members took part in the Mendip Muddle Fell race, conditions were described by some as perfect despite the muddy conditions under foot. As usual many of the runners ran together and had a good chat along the way.

Staying more local 19 members enjoyed the local Parkrun at longrun meadow, again conditions were wet underfoot but that didn`t stop many of the runners meeting up for a well-deserved coffee and cake afterwards.

10 Miles – Marathon

Lots to report on what has been another fantastically busy weekend for the club.

Chris Adams ventured to Portsmouth to take part in the 10 mile race and looked like he had a good time, finishing in a time of 1:33. Another ten miler was the Colyten multi terrain race, Fintan Murray stormed home in 33rd place (1h25h and 1st in age category. Daniel Devlin followed hot on his heels in 64th place (1h34), Michael Turk next in 76th place (1h36) and Emma Biswass 104th (1h42).

It was again another big local Half Marathon this weekend with the Bath Half happening on Sunday, in near perfect conditions. Nick Brazicliffe was first home in 1:38 followed by Sam Harrod Booth with a time of 2:21:03. Not only did she run an amazing race but also raised over £3000 for Cancer Research. Sherri Dingle was 3rd home and achieved a new PB with a time of 2:21:56.

Further afield, in not PB conditions four members took part in the Palma Half and full marathon. The race is advertised as Sunny but on the morning of the race heavy rain erupted, delaying the start by 1 hour. Despite this setback Ron Foord ran the full marathon in 3:55 followed by Damon Butler in 4:22. Running the half were Karen Chapman and Sam Cross who finished in 2:29.

Yet again a really busy week for members of Running Forever Running Club, seeing members participate in 5km all the way up to Ultra Marathon distance.

Lots of members were present on Saturday morning at Longrun Meadow to help celebrate its 10th Birthday, some even donning fancy dress of their favourite decade. Special mention to Dan Devlin who smashed his PB. Sam Wharton was in Singapore to compete in a slightly more exotic Parkrun.

Next up was the Burnham Half Marathon which forms part of the Somerset Series. Tom Dymott came in 1st with a time of 1:34 followed by Sally Tuer who received an impressive medal for winning her age category.

Locally several members supported the Quantocks 10km and half marathon event, judging from the photos they had a great time.

Further afield Nicola Kelly unperturbed by the extreme weather completed the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon which was 56 miles. Well done Nicola.

More locally Ali Bisatt and Joanna Gavins complete the North Devon 110km trail run which follows the Coast path, a really challenging and technical route, as usual they were supported by other members of the club who kept the pair fed, watered and motivated.

Club legend and 100 Marathon club member Peter Hall ventured to Cornwall for the Atlantic Coast ultra, a 39 mile route again over coastal paths and with massive elevation gain, he finished in a great time of 11 hours and 22 minutes.

For the 2nd week running, members of Running Forever running club donned the famous red and white racing tops and headed for the Welsh Capital. As always, the atmosphere was absolutely fantastic in Cardiff, and local people made everybody feel extremely welcome cheering on the runners. There were lots of children watching, and hopefully they will be inspired to take up the sport.

There was a massive 32 runners from the club, some who had been in previous years and many who were experiencing the event for the first time. As always, a group picture was organized and everybody got to have a chat and a catch up before heading off to the various starting pens.

The top 3 male finishers were Ali Bisatt in 1:31:27, Simon Denson only 7 seconds behind in 2nd place and Fintan Murray in 1:41:32. For the females Sam Wharton was 1st over in 1:45:50, only 4 seconds behind was Vicky Stancer and 3rd female was Sam Cross in 1:54:02.

As always, the support from the non-runners was superb with a Running Forever Flag placed at the 13-mile mark, cheering on the runners to a strong finish, and also taking some lovely pictures of the runners on the course.

Red and White

Taunton 10k was awash with Red and White running tops from 50 members of running Forever RC, this was a really good turnout supporting a really popular local event. Many other members were dotted along the course offering words of encouragement and in some cases sweets.

The first male back was Rob Gittoes in 38:43, second male was Ali Bisatt in 43:23 and third male was John Townend in 45:21. The first female was Sarah Capstick in 45:58, second female was Heather Macklin in 46:50 and third female was Vicky Hanna in 47:44.

There was also some success with Vicky Hanna, Sarah Capstick and Rob Gittoes all picking trophies for wins within their respective age categories.

Last weekend also saw the Conquest of Avalon taking place with 4 members tackling the 30-mile race which starts in Castle Cary and finishes in Glastonbury. Again, this was well supported with several members running aid stations to help facilitate the safe running of the event.

This Sunday is the Cardiff Half Marathon and again a large contingent of the club will be there to participate in one of the biggest half marathons in the UK

BEGINNERS GROUP 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃‍♂️

4th October: 8 weeks

Feeling inspired by the London Marathon?
Wanting to increase your fitness?
Hate running, but fancy being a bit more sociable?
Looking for a new hobby?

There are so many reasons to give it a go, and hardly any reasons not to 😇

Find out more and sign up here:
https://runningforever.club/beginners/