Thankfully as I write this it appears that Summer has arrived which brought lots of you out in force for some top racing over the last couple of weeks. Hopefully the report will make better reading than the rejection email from the London Marathon ballot! Happy reading!
15th June- Stour Valley Half and Marathon.
The skies were blue and the vests were blue and they were certainly all out in action at the Stour Valley Half and Full Marathon. This is a predominantly self-navigation route which covers 27 miles of tracks, trails roads and byways along a combination of the St Edmunds Way, Stour Valley Path and the Essex Way
Half Marathon
Judging by the following finishing times on the Half no one got lost and you clearly all have exceptional navigation skill. Results were as follows: Yolande Arnold 2:33:58, Kathy Bishop 2:33:59, Hien Hoang 2:34:00, Anna Lyon 2:34:00, Tom Higgins 2:34:01, Andrea Markwick 2:58:37 and Rachel Rodgers 2:58:28. Congratulations to you all and just look at the size of that medal!
Andrea Markwick with her medal
Marathon
Meanwhile whilst all the above were enjoying their well-earned rest, cakes and drinks these 3 incredible athletes took on the 27 miles. Huge congratulations to Tim Clifton, Larina Marsh and Malcolm Statham for completing the marathon. Amazing achievement coupled with fantastic running guys. Malcolm Statham 4:53:33, Tim Clifton 6:26:56 and Larina Marsh 6:55:14.
Tim Clifton with his sister Katie
Craigs Events- Summer Solstice Challenge 20th June
This is a relatively new event organised by Craigs Events and looked very popular. Held on the longest day and with lovely weather we saw lots of you completing a number of laps and huge distances around Abberton Nature Reserve.
Our Vice Captain Jon Mann (aka Rocket Mann!) completed a staggering 10 laps totally 33.60 miles in 5hrs 24mins and was the male winner also achieving a PB in the 50K. There is just no stopping him currently!
Also taking part was Magdalena Komorowska: 8 laps, 26.88 miles, 5hrs 29 mins, Tom Higgins: 8 laps, 26.88 miles, 5hrs:29mins (this is Toms longest distance to date) Paul Davison 6 laps, 20.16 miles 2hrs 55mins, Sue Wright 3 laps 10.08 miles, 2hrs:17mins and Karen O Grady 1 lap, 3:36miles 50 mins. Well done guys superb running.
High Easter 10k- 16th June
We had 4 runners representing the club at this race which is described as a fast flat course held on quiet Country lanes and looking at the results below it certainly lived up to its name!
It starts and finishes in the lovely village of High Easter. This race also forms part of the Essex Championships which brings me nicely onto a huge Congratulations to Magdalena Komorowska who was awarded a Bronze medal. I would love to take a peek at your trophy cabinet one day Mags!
Another amazing run from Charlie Keitch 39:10 who was first Bentley Blue home closely followed by Stephen Bullen 39:53, Magdalena Komorowska 47:24 and Inga Hayden -Cooper 48:58. Well done Ladies and Gents.
Sudbury Tri 16th June
GBRC saw its very own Milly Presland in action at the Sudbury Tri. OH, AND SHE ONLY WENT AND WON IT!!
The Sudbury Tri is one of the most competitive yet inclusive events in the Region. It consists of a 400-metre swim in an open air pool, a 23km cycle loop following the Stour from Cornard to Bures returning via Assington and Newton Green. Finally finishing with a 5km off road run through Great Cornard Country park. I am exhausted just typing this!
This triathlon is described as Probably the best triathlon in the Stour Valley, well we have not probably but definitely got one of the best athletes in the club that won it! Well done Milly, huge congratulations. It clearly “runs” in the family!
Milly with her winners trophy
Studland Swim/Run
Staying on the subject of swimming and running our lovely Leoni Harvey completed the Studland Swim/Run last week which is located in the National Trust Village of Studland near Bournemouth. This event consisted of a 9.3km of running and 1/8km of swimming. Leoni finished in a very impressive time of 2:05:46. Well done Leoni, awesome medal too.
Another athlete who is improving month on month smashed her PB last week at Marks Hall Estate park run in an incredible 28:14. Well done Bee. She is currently looking for anyone to help her get in under 28 at the Geoff Day run next month which no doubt she will achieve. Step forward any pacers!
And finally I finish this report with a warning! Should you ever receive a late night text from Rob Dyer it will no doubt be asking if you fancy “doing a marathon” in the morning!! If you say yes like our Chairman, Paul Davison did you will find yourself running the Orwell Challenge which took place on Sunday 23rd June. Both Rob and Paul completed this distance which incorporated mainly woodland trails in an incredible time of 4:35:37. Well done guys!
Great Bentley Running Club 