Here is the latest instalment of the GBRC race report please sit back and prepare to be inspired!
The Grizzly
Going now for 38 years and named after a chocolate chew bar this not so sweet multi-terrain beast is not to be taken lightly nor is its smaller counterpart ‘The Cub’
The Grizzly at nearly 20 miles long sends runners across pebble beaches and along lanes, roads, trails and tracks that cross cliffs and fields, go over some heartbreaking hills and pass through woods, thigh-deep bogs, at least one river and a pub garden. If that all sounds a bit too much, The Cub is a 9-mile race that still offers plenty of elevation, pebbles and a river crossing.
From what I can gather 12 brave Bentleys or the ‘Dirty Dozen’ as they shall now be known took on both the Grizzly and the Cub, lived to tell the tale, and despite how punishing the races were everyone had a great time
Essex 20 and 10K
Deep in North Essex is RAF Debden a former Royal Air Force station which was used heavily during World War II and now is a preserved historical site and home to the Essex 20, 10K and 5K races.
The 20 mile course is made up of five, four mile laps and the 10k and 5k are just two and one laps respectively of a similar route. As race day approached the wind and rain that was forecast slowly went away, well the rain did, the wind well and truly remained. Although parts of the course were quite well sheltered some were extremely exposed as the day went on the wind increased in speed and boy did we know about it!
Undeterred by this 14 of us threw ourselves into the elements with more than pleasing results as most came away with PB’s. Mark Harris was one sensible member of the group who decided to enter 10K race and was more than please with his time.
Stowmarket 10K
After hearing that this race contained hill’s Leoni Havery, in anticipation of elevation adjusted her expectation of a 65 minute finish time to a more achievable 70 minutes. It was not just the hills that made her think twice as she had nearly passed out during a Bootcamp session in the week leading up to the race so it made sense to be cautious. Leoni need not have worried as she got round in a fantastic time of 59mins 13 secs
Malaga Half Marathon
Anthea and Holly Colsell took themselves of to the coast of Southern Spain to run in the Malaga half marathon, this was Holly’s first half marathon, talk about doing it in style!
Holly did herself proud going round in a time of 2hrs 11mins 6secs closely followed by her mum with a time of 2hrs 12mins 31secs, going round that quickly meant that you both had plenty of time to go sightseeing afterwards which is great as I’m sure you’ll agree Malaga is a gorgeous city, well done on your times ladies.
Wymondham 20
Deep in the heart of the Norfolk countryside is the village of Wymondham and the is where Chris Warren went for more than a wander.
The Wymondham 20 is a two lap 20 mile road round the lane of Wymondham, I couldn’t find out much about this race other than it boasts having the most enthusiastic and supportive marshals along its route, I can only assume that the author of that statement has never participated in a race hosted by GBRC. Having said that they must have been fairly encouraging as Mr Warren whipped round the Wymondham course in a superb time of 2hrs 23mins, nice one Chris.
Rome Marathon
The phrase “When in Rome” means that when abroad or in an unfamiliar environment you should adopt the customs or behaviour of those around you. Well the Rome marathon carries the hashtag #RunLikeAGladiator and that is exactly what Dan Palmer did not just shaving but chopping a staggering 46 mins and 46 seconds of his previous pb which now stands at fantastic 3hrs 38mins 57secs are you sure you weren’t dragged along by a chariot Dan, great running!
Dave Wright 7.5 and 15 miler
This popular event put on by GBRC’s very own Craig Mitchel starts and finishes at Langham village hall and winds round the lanes of Langham and Boxted. I am sure that Craig has hills especially shipped for this event as I never remember the route being as hilly as it is in the race, it is, however a really nice course to run. Being as it is a lapped course there are two options to run on the day 7.5 or the full 15 miles here are the results of the Bentley runners (the great eight) that entered,
7.5 miles 15 miles
Magdelena Komorowska: 1hr 31secs Malcolm Statham: 1hr 59mins 22secs
Tim Clifton: 1hr 18mins Tomasz Komorowski: 2hrs 6mins
Debbie Smith: 1hr 20mins 55secs Anna Lyon: 2hrs 14secs
Sue Wright: 1hr 27mins 56secs Mary-Anne Taylor: 2hrs 38mins 15secs
Essex Road relays
Before I move onto the Parkrun round up it’s nice to finish the main report with another fantastic team event the Essex road relays. Organising the event lay firmly on the shoulders of Lisa and Meera (mainly Lisa) who organised the teams for this event and were backed up on the day by Lou and Bev.
A total of seven teams entered the event, and everyone had a great day as the sun was shining and spirits were high. Well done everyone who entered there were some fantastic finish times from all the runners.
Parkrun round up
Andrea James secured 1st place at Highwoods Parkrun
Paul Smith completed his 63rd Parkrun at Chelmsford Parkrun and making it his 10th different consecutive Parkrun.
Donna Parker-Evans went off to Haughmond Hill Parkrun.
Tiger Tim
To end this race report I would just like to mention Tim Clifton who has raced four consecutive weekends completing the Southwold half marathon, Colchester half marathon, the Essex 20 and the Dave Wright 7.5 mile race and as of the 22nd of this month has run every single day for 6 years, unbelievably impressive Tim, long may it continue!
Great Bentley Running Club 