Eynsham 10k - 27th November 2022
As the 2022 road running season approaches its end, nine keen Bourton Roadrunners joined 560 others at the ever-popular Eynsham 10k, which is part of the Oxfordshire Road Race series. A fast, flat course and good weather conditions it was perfect for a good race and personal best times (PBs).
Darren Long was the club’s first runner to finish in 37:53. Niamh and Ian Shoemark were evenly paced, with Niamh just pipping husband Ian in 41:26 and 41:39 respectively. Next home was Maxine Emes in 45:23 followed by Andrew Peaston 47:35.
Barry O’Leary, still on a high after the London Marathon, ran a 10k PB of 49:26. Also running a best time was Rebecca Townsend in 51:35, who whenever spotted was wearing a big smile. Veteran runner Tony Goodwill was next to finish in 52:06, closely followed by Chris Dry in 52:26.
Croome Capability Canter - 27th November 2022
The husband and wife team of Nick and Donna Harper prefer the challenges of off-road events and raced the Croome Capability Canter, held within the National Trust’s beautiful Croome Park, designed by the 18th century architect Capability Brown. Nick and Donna (2nd claim members) tackled this multi-terrain 10k course, offering all the demands one would expect, with true grit.
Nick completed the course in 61:51, just one week after the Broadway Trail Marathon, and Donna in 86:30.
La Rochelle Marathon - 27th November 2022
Meanwhile three members travelled to the town of La Rochelle, Western France, for the famed La Rochelle Marathon. Straight after completing London Marathon, Steph Holton commenced her training programme for this event, and she was rewarded with a time of four hours, 11 minutes and 37 seconds. Susan Hunt (2nd claim) was next to finish in 4:23:02, followed by Linda Edwards (2nd claim) in 4:44:42.
In addition to receiving a traditional finisher's medal, the 5000-plus finishers also received a box of oysters, a rose and a running jacket.
Parkrun
As usual Bourton Roadrunners were supporting a number of parkrun events, including the following:
Cheltenham Pittville Park: Chris Dry – 26:03.
Chipping Norton: Matt Price – 27:11 (course PB), Rob Williams – 27:23.
Salisbury: Jaq Underwood – 22:11 (1st LV55).
Witney: Neil Russell – 25:46, Lorna Shawcross – 27:22 (1st LV60), Liz Hulcup – 28:39 (1st LV70), Allie Quinn – 32:55 (3rd LV50),
Gillian James – 33:03, Chris Lynch 33:40 (2nd LV60), Jenny Evanson – 38:28, Lynn Hudson – 42:20 (2nd LV65), Alan Thomas – 43:55.
Having just completed Bourton Roadrunners’ Couch-2-5K program, Cleo Carruthers, Bev Morgan and Margaret Skelding ran their
first parkrun in times of 40:55, 42:20 and 43:54 respectively. Then after being cheered across the finishing line by fellow
Roadrunners, all headed off for a well-deserved coffee - well done ladies, a fantastic achievement.
Hart & Bosch Village, Mossel Bay, South Africa: Claire Carroll – 26:16 (1st LV60). Claire said “dogs were not allowed
because of the chance of wildlife .... perhaps the thought of being chased by something higher up the food chain that led to me
completing the run in my best time since 2010”.
Highlights
A good turn-out for the Eynsham 10k, with PBs earned, and rivalries settled.
Nick and Donna Harper were at Croome Capability Canter.
3 of our ladies do it in style at La Rochelle Marathon, with oysters and a rose among the finisher’s gifts.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.