Stroud Half Marathon - 21st October 2018
Four Bourton Roadrunners headed-off for an early start on a bright but crisp morning at Stroud for the annual Half Marathon, which forms part of this year’s Gloucestershire AAA Road Race Series. The Bourton team was supported by keen team of supporters, which tried to see the runners at as many safe points as possible, with Ian Shoemark on his bike overseeing two family members among the four.
24 year-old Conor Shoemark, fresh from recent successes at Swindon Half Marathon (77 minutes) and Chester Marathon (2 hours 46 minutes), was looking to achieve a new PB of 75 minutes. Conor, a jump-jockey by profession, paced himself sensibly and tucked-in with a small group similar ability runners. He was rewarded for his effort and strategy with a brilliant 1:15:55 and 13th overall in the race with over 1700 finishers.
Darren Long, also experiencing a return to his true-form, having completed the Bournemouth Marathon in 2:59:52 two weeks ago, fought-off his peer-group competition and finished in a creditable 1:24:48.
Niamh Shoemark, mother of Conor, continues to improve her performances in virtually all events. She maintained a strong pace throughout the race and maintained a relaxed exterior, finishing 1st LV50 (15th lady overall) in a brilliant time of 1:33:03.
The fourth member of Bourton’s team was Andy Peaston, who like Ian Shoemark, is a retained firefighter, sometimes finding it difficult to fit-in the training. However, Andy to a strong and consistent runner and was rewarded with a creditable time of 1:39:03 for MV50.
Bournemouth Marathon - 21st October 2018
Darren headed-off to Bournemouth, with Norm Lane in support, to take on the Bournemouth marathon. The race starts in Kings Park before making its way down onto the seafront, taking in the beautiful coastal views, together with Hengistbury Head, Boscombe, Sandbanks and Poole Harbour.
All very nice; however, Darren didn’t have too much time to enjoy the sites as he was planning to finish in under 3 hours for the first time in four yours.
Darren successfully navigated the pedestrians aimlessly leaving the beaches and the odd heartbreak hill thrown-in for good measure in the closing miles, working hard throughout, to maintain his pace to near-perfection, to complete in a brilliant time of 2 hours 59 minutes and 52 seconds. Additionally, Darren was 4th MV45, and he was able to claim his 3rd sub-3 hour marathon finish.
Highlights
Stroud Half Marathon times:
Conor Shoemark 1:15:55
Darren Long 1:24:48
Niamh Shoemark 1:33:08
Andy Peaston 1:19:03.
Bourton’s Niamh Shoemark, 1st LV50, looking comfortable at Stroud Half Marathon.
18 photos available via above gallery.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.