With lots of people going on holiday August is usually a quieter month than normal for organised races and events, and with the hot weather some people have been (sensibly) cautious about what they attend.
However nothing keeps GBRC runner’s from getting out and about and there have been some great performances throughout August, and a great turnout at club training sessions and events.
Early in the month there was Ekiden a day which, in my memory, always seems to be baking hot and this year was no different. GBRC had 60 members running in 10 relay teams and we occupied our normal space near the start of the area where runners snake their way through all the club gazebos, and clearly set the standard for how to encourage runners round in such tough conditions. The fastest GBRC team on the day was ‘The Centurions’ but only just, and more important than who won was the great atmosphere and fun had by all on the day.
On Saturday 10th was the Stour Valley Path (SVP) 50km. With temperatures expected to hit 34 degrees and the route being very exposed this was going to be a tough one. Four GBRC runners completed the course, with Doug McGillivray running strongly to finish 2nd overall in 4 hours 15 mins, just a minute behind the winner. Great runs also from Adam Toyne (6hrs 49mins), Simon Leggett (7hrs 9mins) and Tim Clifton (7hrs 49mins).
Roll on another week and again a great turnout for a lovely trail run to remember Davina. It was one of Rodger’s excellent courses, and runners were treated to cake (of course!) and tea in the village hall after. Generous contributions resulted in over £1000 being raised, which we will pass to Davina’s family to present to Acorn village.
Another trail run a week after, this time hosted at the Davison’s and supporting Paul’s 7 marathons in 7 days fundraising for St Helena Hospice. Lovely to see so many people there, and more importantly the wonderful instructions resulted in nobody getting lost (based on the feedback Rodger needs to watch his back😊!). A massive thanks everyone for your support, pencil it in your diaries for the same time next year……
A shout-out for a couple of Parkrun milestones this month as well. Rob Dyer did his 100th (the day after his wedding, that’s dedication for you) and Paul Hollidge has now totalled a massive 250 parkruns spanning just over 9 years and covering 42 different locations, I’m assuming the next milestone is to hit 500?
Upcoming events
Essex Way relays takes place this weekend on Sunday 4th September, a great route stretching 82 miles from Epping to Harwich being run in 10 legs of varying distance between 5 and 11 miles. Thanks to Fraser for co-ordinating the men’s team and good luck to everyone who is running, supporting the logistics, and cheering in those on the last leg.
Essex XC relays take place on 24th September at Weald Country Park. Lisa Briggs has kindly stepped forward to organise, so if you want to take part – and haven’t already spoken to Lisa, then please let her know; lisabriggs416@gmail.com.
Rodgers’s trail run series continues and you have until 7th September to run number 3. Number 4 starts on 8th September – so keep an eye on the website for the instructions being posted.
Please also keep an eye on your emails and the FB page for details of future events and dates to put in your diary. These include the XC races and the Awards Night.
So, to Runner of the Month (ROM) for August. Considering the conditions on the day any of our SVP 50k runners would have been worthy winners, but one person stood out for the number of miles he has been running in preparation for London Marathon and (I only found this out the other day) the 895 day running streak that he has been on…yes, 895 consecutive days going out for a run!
What a legend!
Well done Tim Clifton you are this August’s Runner of the Month.
And finally, congratulations to our Men’s captain Rob Dyer, who married fellow club member (and now fellow Dyer) Caroline Talbot on a beautiful day at Jimmy’s Farm on the 5th of August.
All of our best wishes to you both for a long, healthy, and happy marriage
Great Bentley Running Club 