London Marathon - 2nd October 2022
Back in 1981 The London Marathon was largely responsible for capturing the hearts and minds of ordinary people up and down the country and leading, in part, to explosion of the running boom worldwide. This Sunday demonstrated that tens of thousands of runners still feel that same passion as they took part in this year's event, showing that ordinary people can achieve super-hero results.
Bourton Roadrunners having been present at event since the very beginning, and had five such individuals this year, all with their own goals and experiences. They were supported around the course by a small group of the club’s members, in addition to the quarter of a million-plus anonymous members of the public calling out their names. First to finish for Bourton was Jaq Underwood, in her first marathon, who run a consistent pace to achieve 3 hours, 38 minutes and 21 seconds. Next to complete the 26.2 miles was veteran Liz Hulcup, who is no stranger to the London Marathon. Having followed a strict training plan under the guidance of sports journalist Tom Knight Liz was ecstatic to achieve her target time of 4:26:08, just a few days ahead of her 70th birthday; what an achievement.
Also running his first marathon was lawyer Barry O’Leary, who has amazed his fellow club members and friends alike with his sporting transformation. Barry could be seen around the course with a big smile, despite having to dig-deep in the last 10k, and was rewarded with a brilliant time of 4:33:14.
The husband and wife team of Gary and Steph Holton are no strangers to the racing and parkrun circuit around the country. Side-by-side around the whole route, waving to the crowds, the couple achieved a creditable 5:05:14. It is worth emphasising that all five of the Bourton runners are aged at least 50 years old; a tribute to what can be achieved.
Chester Marathon - 2nd October 2022
Bourton’s ultra-distance runner, Neil Russell, ventured north to the Chester Marathon as the club’s sole representative amongst more than 2300 other runners. Neil achieved consistent splits throughout the first 30K, and not far off for the remaining 12.2K, finishing in a very respectable 4 hours, 19 minutes and 31 seconds.
Run Upcote 5 mile trail run - 2nd October 2022
By contrast, on the same day, several club members took part in the Run Upcote 5 mile trail run, which was the penultimate event in the club’s own competition series, drawing a smaller yet still dedicated entry of 160 runners.
Bourton’s Charlotte Parkins finished the challenging course first in the Senior Ladies category in a time of 41 minutes and 16 second, and 30th overall. Next to finish was in-form Lorna Shawcross in 47:15, and 1st LV60. Other Bourton finishers were John Harding (47:26), Chris Dry (48:37), Graham Lane (49:37), Gill Carrick (53:09), Chris Lynch (58:50), Gillian James (58:50) and Jenny Evanson (72:25).
Wizz Air Cardiff Junior Future Challengers One Mile - 1st October 2022
One of Bourton Roadrunners’ rising junior stars is Lucy Hillary, who on Saturday represented the club at the Wizz Air Cardiff Junior Future Challengers One Mile, at Cardiff, in the under 15 category (although the distance was just over a mile). Lucy finished 6th overall in a highly competitive field and 3rd in her category, in a brilliant time of 5 minutes and 45 seconds. Keep an eye out for this name in the future.
Parkruns
Cheltenham Pittville Park: Chris Dry – 26:29.
Chipping Norton: Derek Darby – 21:41 (MV45/2), Rob Williams – 28:59 (MV55/3).
Evesham: Lorna Shawcross – 26:39 (LV60/1).
Torvean, Inverness: Susan Hunt (2nd claim) – 27:10 LV55/3.
Highlights
Five Bourton Roadrunners ran well at the London Marathon, while Neil Russell travelled north to the Chester Marathon.
Lucy Hillary at the Junior Future Challengers Mile.
9 club members took part in the Run Upcote 5 mile trail challenge; the penultimate event in this year’s 6-from-10 series.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.