Eynsham 10k - 26 November
After a night of torrential rain and with more than 200 flood warnings in place over the South West, there was a palpable sense of relief looking at the Eynsham Roadrunners website on Sunday morning; “The Eynsham 10k is on!” is all that was needed for more than 550 athletes to make their way to the Oxfordshire Grand Prix and Bourton Roadrunners (and supporters) were out in force for the final event of its six from 10 club competition.
Darren Long was first BRR home. His 38:37 was good enough for 55th overall and 16th MV40. Steph Lane was first BRR lady and 3rd overall in 40:51. Ali Lane was 3rd FV45 in 45:00 and – with the day’s stand-out performance - Liz Hulcup was 1st FV55 in 47:18.
Other BRR finishers were: Claire Harrison, 43:11; Rob Humphris, 44:05; Andy Peaston, 44:15; John Gibson, 44:46; Chris Dry, 44:56; Brian Hulcup, 45:29; Steph Holton, 47:14; Peter Carrick, 47:45; David Pyne, 48:10; Gill Carrick, 48:31; Shirley Creed, 51:39; Lynn Hudson, 54:03; Gary Holton, 1:01:10.
Highlight club performances include a new PB from Claire Harrison who managed a PB despite disappointment that missing her target of sub-43 minutes, and Chris Dry who achieved his first sub-45 minute 10k and in just two races has knocked a massive 3.24 minutes off. “I had made it clear to everyone before the race that I was going for sub 45 and was a bit worried about blowing-up and looking foolish,” said Chris. “And I needed the help of three coaches to get me there” he said. ”While Dennis and Norm shouted their instruction from the side-lines, it was John Gibson’s influence that made the difference on the day. He picked me up at about 4k when I was struggling and quickly helped to settle me into the pace I needed. It was touch and go throughout with the sprint past Ali Lane at the end sufficient for me to reach my season’s goal!”
Threshold Winter Series: Race 2 - 25 November
When Susan Hunt was woken early on 25th November by the sound of wind and lashing rain, she was momentarily relieved to be injured and therefore not running in the Ilmington 10k. Then she remembered that, in her quest for a season’s hoody, she had volunteered to marshal. Happily, by the time the race started, conditions had improved. Niamh Shoemark and Jan Short had both returned to tackle the monster hill in reverse (the race is run in alternate directions each month).
Niamh was 18 seconds quicker than last month, finishing 5th lady in 49:08. Jan finished an impressive 1 minute and 46 seconds quicker than in race 1, scooping the FV45 prize in 53:13.
The Bourton ladies’ improvement was clear testament to the hard training they have put in since last month, and also perhaps, partly due to the enthusiastic and heart-felt support that they received (in 3 different positions on the course) from a certain race marshal.
Highlights
Darren Long is first Bourton man home at Eynsham 10k.
Liz Hulcup get 1st FV55 in 47:18
Claire Harrison and Chris Dry both snatch a p.b. again, with Chris going under 45 minutes.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.