Here is your fortnightly race report for GBRC highlighting an exceptional two weeks of multi- discipline endurance, seaside road racing, and gruelling marathons locally and in Europe! Enjoy.
Clacton 10k and Half Marathon- Sunday 16th Aug
The coastal elements always provide a stern test and this year’s running of the Clacton 10k and Half Marathon brought the classic mix of seaside sunshine and testing winds along the promenade.
Malcolm Statham continued his legendary muti marathon odyssey, adding another superb half marathon to finish his skyrocketing lifetime tally. (1:53:55)
Andrew Lanham flew round the 10k course finishing in 11th place (39:10)
Daniella Harris continued her brilliant racing streak delivering a powerful and another PB performance along the seafront running the 10k and her first sub – 60.
Bee Harris continued her current Bee-rilliant running streak finished the 10k in 1:25:08.
Park Runs
It was a weekend of celebrations and quirky challenges on the parkrun circuit.
Tom Komorowski hit a truly magnificent milestone by completing his 300th parkrun- an incredible testament to years of Saturday morning dedication.
Magdalena Komorowska completed her converted “Pirates Challenge” (running seven Rs and once C) in style at Chelmsford parkrun to round off a brilliant family double.
Charlie Keitch travelled to the beautiful Forest of Dean to take on the Mallards Pike parkrun. Navigating the scenic, undulating forestry tracks, Charlie put in a fantastic performance to complete the picturesque 5k course in 21:21 finishing in 7th place.
Ironman Copenhagen
Over in Denmark, Kathy Bishop stepped up to the ultimate test of endurance at Ironman Copenhagen. Tackling a choppy 2.4 mile open water swim, a fast but relentless 112 mile bike course through the Danish Countryside and a full 26.2 mile marathon to finish. Kathy dug incredibly deep. Her focus and months of dedicated training paid off in spectacular fashion as she crossed the line to officially hear those iconic words “You are an Ironman”. Well done Kathy what a truly fantastic and inspiring achievement.
British Aquathlon Championships (including The English Championships)
Freshly welcomed into our club, Martin Spencer made an immediate impact on the national multi-sport stage. Competing at the prestigious British Aquathlon Championships hosted during the Blithfield Triathlon and incorporating the English Championships. Martin went head-to-head with the Country’s top athletes navigating a crisp 750m swim followed immediately by a rapid 5km run on part gravel and part tarmac terrain. Martin showcased superb transition skills to complete the national championships and receiving a bronze medal in both events. Wow Martin well done and welcome to the club.
Colne Valley Marathon
Closer to home, the club’s trail- blazing endurance crew tackled the beautiful but unforgiving terrain at the Colne Valley Marathon. The route follows the Colne Valley path heading through Great Yeldham and the mighty oak. It is renowned for its rolling elevation, navigation challenges and ploughed fields.
The Bluebelles Donna Harris, Larina Marsh, Andrea Markwick and Lou Balfour showed incredible teamwork and camaraderie as they all conquered the distance (28:3 miles!!) There were blisters, tumbles, swearing (lots!!) then finally collecting another memorable Hare & Tortoise medal. A big thank you to Mark Harris (Parker!) for getting up early on a Sunday morning and delivering us to Halstead and coming back for us at the finish (Colchester). Also special thanks to Martin and Sammy Cotton for popping up at one of the check points and supporting us and coming back to cheer us over the finish, which was a huge and much needed moral boost.
Tim Clifton also completed this marathon and led the blue vests with another phenomenal run, setting a blazing pace all the way to the finish line. Well done Tim another marathon to add to your incredible achievements.
It was a fantastic day with some superb individual efforts and proving once again that camaraderie, grit and determination certainly helps you over that finish line wEA a smile!!
Admiral McHilly- Essex Trail Events
Sunday was obviously a day for trail running as Phil Presland, Vicky Presland and Debs Hollidge headed into the hills for the aptly named Admiral McHilly Race (16.2 miles) organised by Essex Trail Events. Known for its relentless elevation and challenging off road terrain, this event tests the legs and lungs of even the most experienced trail runners. The trio showed fantastic determination and teamwork even running a slightly longer route (17.2 miles) with Vicky and Debs still managing a joint 3rd place and Phil a top 10 finish. Well done guys, great running. I bet that 20p a pint went down well Phil?!
Good luck to anyone taking on any races this weekend and have a great bank holiday weekend.
Great Bentley Running Club 