Man versus Mountain - 3rd September 2022
At one time a marathon was seen as the pinnacle of sporting challenges, whereas now there is a range of events available to put one to the test. One such event is the Man versus Mountain legendary adventure, organised in aid of the Children with Cancer UK charity.
For Bourton Roadrunners’ Derek Derby this is just the sort of challenge that he enjoys. Starting at sea level in the stunning Caernarfon Castle, the course weaves its way to the summit of Snowdon and down the other side into Dinorwic Quarry, where one is thrown into an array of punishing obstacles, including the infamous Vertical Kilometre, prior crossing the finish line.
Derek completed this demanding 22-mile race with an elevation of 5,381 feet in 5 hours, 2 minutes and 22 seconds.
Hillingdon 20 - 4th September 2022
As the autumn road marathon season gets underway, runners up and down the country are seeking out a suitable 20 mile race a month ahead of their special day. One such event is the well-established Hillingdon 20 miles (veteran runners may well remember it formerly being known as the Finchley 20). Whilst an undulating course it was well marshalled and was run mainly on footpaths, due to the roads being open to traffic, with a cut off time of 4 hours.
Bourton Roadrunners fielded seven members, four of whom are running in this year’s London Marathon and three the Yorkshire Marathon.
Barry O’Leary running his first 20-mile road race finished an even-paced run in a creditable 3 hours, 19 minutes and 37 seconds. Next to finish was Liz Hulcup in 3:31:12, closely followed by husband and wife Gary and Steph Holton in 3:38:36 and 3:38:38 respectively. Louise Hamilton-Smith, also her first 20-mile race, finished in 3:52:28, with Allie Quinn crossing the line with a huge smile on her face, as she finished her first 20-miler in 3:56:28. Claire Carroll, who has blighted by a series of injuries this season, sensibly elected to run only three of the four laps, completing the 15 miles in 3:03:11, keeping her hopes of the Yorkshire Marathon alive in just over a month’s time.
Cheltenham Half Marathon - 4th September 2022
The Cheltenham Half Marathon started and finishing at the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse, with the route taking runners through the town with lots of spectator support. Neil Russell was the first of the three Bourton Roadrunners taking part to finish. Neil's time was 1 hour, 53 minutes and 59 seconds. He was followed by John Harding in 1:56:34 and Rebecca Townsend in 2:12:00.
The Stratford Big 10k - 4th September 2022
The Stratford Big 10k, organised by Tempo Events, is a popular annual event, which takes runners onto the Greenway, passing the Stratford Racecourse, Lucy’s Mill Bridge, Holy Trinity Church, The Courtyard Theatre and The RSC Theatre.
Bourton second-claim member Susan Hunt had an extremely good run, finishing well in 49 minutes and 5 seconds, her first sub-50 minutes 10k for quite some time, and was rewarded with 2nd LV55. Following close behind her was Lorna Shawcross in 52:03.
Parkruns
Abingdon: Louise Hamilton-Smith – 39:26.
Cheltenham Pittville Park: Chris Dry – 26:28.
Stratford-upon-Avon: Susan Hunt – 24:27 (1st LV55).
Highlights
Derek Derby tackled the legendary Man vs Mountain challenge at Snowdonia.
Bourton's Gary & Steph Holton at Hillingdon 20.
Neil Russell achieved a remarkable 1 hour, 53 minutes and 59 seconds at the Cheltenham Half.
Susan Hun was 2nd LV55 at the Stratford Big 10k with Lorna Shawcross close behind her.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.