Humph’s Hilly Half - 15 June
The 2013 Humph’s Hilly Half marathon, took place in Bourton on the Water on a cool and (miraculously) dry evening. Over 160 runners took part, with some aiming to win points in the Gloucestershire Road Race Series and (for those eligible) to compete for the gold, silver and bronze county medals available for each age group categories.
Gary Bailey, from Cheltenham & County Harriers, won the race for the second year running in 1:18:10, just 4 seconds ahead of Bourton’s Mike Smith, with David Cantwell from Woodstock Harriers finishing third. Bourton’s Shona Crombie–Hicks won the ladies’ race for the 3rd consecutive year in 1:27:14, with Michelle Carroll from Almost Athletes second and Jayne Parker (Swindon Tri Club) third.
A small and select group of Bourton roadrunners, in addition to Mike and Shona, took part in the race. Darren Long was 2nd MV40 in 1:24:35, leading a charge of sub-90-minute runners to the finish which also included Tim Heming (1:25:11), Ewen Smith (1:25:40) and Andy Chapple (2nd MV50 in 1:26:18) and speedy Shona, (1st lady and 1st LV40). Mike Hobbs ran 1:30:34, Rob Humphris 1:42:47 and Chris Dry 1:52:56. Catherine Wheeler and Lynn Hudson ran together, finishing in 2:01:06 and Norm Lane was 2nd MV65 with 2:08:26.
Gold County medals were awarded to Mike Smith, Andy Chapple, Norm Lane and Shona Crombie-Hicks. Silver medals went to Tim Heming, Darren Long, Ewen Smith and Rob Humphris. Bronze went to Catherine Wheeler, Lynn Hudson and Liz Hulcup (despite that fact that she was the official race “back-marker”, so running behind the last runner).
Enigma Back to Front Marathon - 22 June
Steve Edwards was slightly nervous at the prospect of running back to back marathons on the same day as it was new territory for him and he was worried as to how he would fare. The first one started at 9am, running the Caldecote Lake course in the opposite direction to normal. Steve set out to do around 7:50-7:55 minute miling and it went pretty much to plan as he finished 2nd in 3:26:26, although his legs still felt as tired as they normally would! The guy who came in ahead of Steve, John Errington (a previous 10-in-10 finisher), ran 3:21 but was unsure as to whether he’d be running the 2nd marathon.
Then a 3 hour 30 minute gap in which Steve had an ice-bath, lie down, warm shower, plenty of refuelling and rehydration before the second one started at 3:30pm.
Again the plan was to try and maintain the same kind of pace as before, John Errington had in fact pulled out, so Steve started the 2nd marathon in 1st place with a 3 minute advantage over the 2nd placed guy, Rik Verkoe, who won the 10-in-10 earlier this year. With 5 miles gone, Steve still wasn’t too far behind Rik, who had gone out quicker this time. However he started to pull away and with Steve’s stomach starting to feel a little delicate and his legs getting heavier as each mile went by, he decided to let Rik go and stick to his own race plan.
After 23 miles Rick was back in sight again, having himself suffered with leg cramps, Steve knew that if he kept him within sight he’d win overall with the 3 minute advantage he had. With two miles to go, Steve managed to catch him up and pass by; he’d now got the bit between his teeth and wanted to win in style. Steve finished in 3:26:19, 7 seconds faster than in the morning and over 4 minutes ahead of Rik for both marathons overall.
Steve went into the event with a target of trying to run two sub-3:30s and hoping for a top 3 place, so to win the event with a combined time of 6:52:45 was an incredible bonus, especially as he was the oldest competitor to finish, at 50 years old! Very tired and sore today though!
Highlights
Mike Smith narrowly misses out, by 4 seconds, at the Humph’s Hilly Half to finish second, after a great performance.
Shona Crombie–Hicks won the ladies’ race for the 3rd consecutive year, in 1:27:14.
County Championship Gold medals were awarded to Mike Smith, Andy Chapple, Norm Lane and Shona Crombie-Hicks.
Silver medals went to Tim Heming, Darren Long, Ewen Smith and Rob Humphris and Bronze went to Catherine Wheeler, Lynn Hudson and Liz Hulcup.
Steve Edwards wins the Enigma Back To Front double marathon at Caldecote Lake; two full marathons in the one day!
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.