Where It All Began!

Bushy Park Run

The wheels on the GBRC bus were turning yet again for another organised park run outing and this one was where it all began- Bushy.

In October 2004 the first ever park run was organised by Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE with just 13 runners growing from there into a global phenomenon. It is considered a pilgrimage for many park runners, and it is where the concept of free, weekly timed runs was born, originating near the Diana Fountain.

There was a huge turnout of Bentley Blues (33) on this park run making a total of 1696 finishers. 343 were first timers and 142 gained new PB’s. Well done to all our Bentley runners who took part and to Martin Cotton for a course PB.

I am an RD at Clacton Park run and I could not begin to imagine delivering the First Timers speech to 343 people and despite some people’s opinions (Scott Young!!) I would certainly require a megaphone!

Stowmarket Scenic 7

This race is organised by The Stowmarket Striders and having previously completed it myself I can say that it is a relatively flat 7-mile course with only a couple of undulations. The course starts at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and heads out through Onehouse and Harleston then makes a 3-mile loop back to Harleston before returning along the same route through Onehouse and back to the finish.

Father and Daughter Martin and Laura West took on this race together joining over 450 runners on a beautiful sunny morning. This was Martin’s longest run this Year due to him being out of action for a while so huge congratulations to you both and judging by their smiles, they obviously had a great race together. Well done “Team West” we look forward to seeing you both at many more races in the future.

Stebbing 10

This award-winning 10-mile race is organised by Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners and is a fantastic course which is mainly on gently undulating and scenic North Essex Country lanes. The race itself starts outside Stebbing Church where there is a 2-minute silence held before the race starts to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.

Our Men’s Vice Captain, Jon Mann was in action at this event coming in 16^th with a course PB of 1:04:25. Amazing running Jon, Well done and lovely to see your Mum and Son joining you at the end.

NESS XC- Brentwood

Apparently, it was a “Mud Fest” at XC on Sunday which is not surprising based on the amount of rain we have had recently. However, a bit of mud did not deter the below hardy runners. Well done team GBRC, excellent running.

Both the Men and Women came in 4^th and we are currently 5^th overall which places team GBRC in a very strong position and not forgetting our Juniors, Angel Jasper and Charlie Sharp who are currently 7^th out of 9 teams. Superb running guys.

Performance Standards- London Marathon Places

At last Wednesday’s club night, we saw 2 brand new performance standard certificates awarded to Andrea Markwick and Barbara Law. Congratulations Ladies very well deserved and what lovely certificates they are too.

The draw was also held for the two London Marathon places, and the lucky winners were Martin Cotton and Paul A Smith. Congratulations to you both and good luck with your training.