This fortnight, we continue the theme of rain, wind, sleet and everything in-between! Had the weather not prevailed over the last couple of days, I could have been forgiven for forgetting what the sun looks like. However, GBRC members show yet again that a dreary, drizzly February does nothing to hamper spirits and they power on through regardless. It seems fitting to kick things off with the huge achievements of Meera Rajoo-Oakley and company who wrapped up the latest NESS XC season clinching a joint 4th in the overall results despite the torrential weather reducing the ground to what can only be described as trench warfare conditions. Well done to everyone who took part! If, like me you enjoy a table with numbers, feel free to peruse below at your leisure – it’s hard not to feel a swelling sense of pride looking at those points!

Special shoutout to Charlie and Angel who ran their last GBRC XC race as juniors coming in at 12th and 11th place respectively. Excellent work!

Heading back to 14/02/2026, I took part in the ZigZag Valentines Challenge run at Suffolk Running Centre, clocking just shy of 20 miles. I was hoping for a nice leisurely jog on what seemed to be the only sunny day last week, but little did I realise how hilly the route ended up being, and my quads took a few days to recover afterwards! I don’t normally submit my own races for the reports, but I deem it a public service to remind you all to check your GPX routes ahead of your races where possible! Ouch!

Moving onto 15/02/26 to the Cancer Research London Winter Run where Mary Ann Taylor fought against the elements and won with a 10km PB of 59:47. Awesome work in the face of some very difficult and wet conditions!

Also representing GBRC at the London Winter Run was Donna Parker-Evans who made the most of a very wet day getting to know the local wildlife! Brilliant effort to all who took part in an event raising money for a truly worthy cause.

Running concurrently on 15/2, a little closer to home this time, Tim Clifton smashes out a marathon with a time of 5:35, despite the unforgiving rain and sleet. We hope you’ve managed to warm up since, Tim!

Fast forward to the weekend just gone, and we return to the Tarpley 20 where the machine also known as Magdalena Komorowoska flies the GBRC flag solo as the only representative of the blues with an outstanding time of 2:46:25. Nicely done!

To round off today’s report, we have a couple of Parkrun endeavours, and Donna Parker-Evans makes a double entry with her visit to Sandhurst memorial Park traipsing through the muddy puddles. Superb!

And finally, Rob Dyer smashes Felixstowe Parkrun in 30:42, despite recently recovering from illness. What a way to kick start the journey back to fitness. Stellar work!

That concludes this fortnight’s report – thank you for making this an interesting one with plenty to write about. February is a tough month for any kind of outdoor pursuit, but GBRC members continue to show the rain the middle finger salute and power on through regardless. Here’s to warmer days ahead!