Castle Combe Classic Duathlon - 19th November 2023
Why take part in a running event, when you can run two? Bourton Roadrunners’ Darren Long opted for the Castle Combe Classic Duathlon, near Chippenham this weekend.
This involved running a two-mile circuit around the West Country’s famous motor racing venue, followed by a ten-mile cycle ride, and rounded off by a further two-mile run. Darren finished 17th overall from a field of over 100 other participants, in a combined time of 52 minutes and 40 seconds.
Avebury8 Nine - 19th November 2023
For some, the idea of running on smooth, flat surfaces doesn’t always provide enough challenge for them. Steve and Gilly Howell opted for the Avebury8 Nine, a trail event held in aid of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
Covering approximately nine miles of Wilshire countryside over chalk tracks, with liberal supplies of mud, puddles and windy conditions, the couple had a great time, finishing together in one hour, 24 minutes and 18 seconds, with Gilly second in the LV60 category.
Ilmington 10k - 19th November 2023
Also opting for a hilly race was Bourton’s Lorna Shawcross, who took part in the second event of the Tempo Winter Series; the popular Ilmington 10k, not only famous for its tough hills but also its “finisher's sausages”. Lorna, a regular at challenging events, completed the 10Km course in a very respectable 59:29 through very windy conditions.
Broadway Tower Trail Marathon - 19th November 2023
For many runners it’s the appeal of the marathon that draws them, with its 26.2 mile challenge, or in the case of off-road marathons often nearly 27 miles, to provide that additional test.
This weekend Bourton Roadrunners’ Kevin Goodwill took on the Broadway Tower Trail Marathon, which takes in the stunning views of the Vale of Evesham and Sudeley Castle, but accompanied by the menacing hills surrounding Snowshill, Stanway and Winchcombe, and it was heavy under-foot following the recent rain.
Kevin discovered that this is not an event for the faint-hearted, with several seasoned marathon runners taking them beyond four hours to complete, but he used his strength and doggedness to complete the tough challenge in five hours, 31 minutes and 43 seconds.
Parkrun - 18th November 2023
Meanwhile, the club was represented at several parkrun events, including the following venues:
Aston Hall: Susan Hunt completed her 100th “tourist” parkrun event – 26:34 (1st VW55-59).
Chipping Norton: In very slippery conditions - Thomas Harvey – 20:10 (2nd overall & 1st JM11-14), William Harvey – 24:35 (JM 11-14/3),
Lorna Shawcross – 28:57 (JM60-64/2), Kate Price – 38:23 (VW35-39/2), Jenny Evanson – 38:23 (VW55-59/2), Julie Smith – 40:34 (VW55-59/3 and a course PB),
Patrick Smith – 40:35.
Clapham Common: Eva Shoemark – 27:16.
Harkerville, South Africa: In a very lovely 23 degrees, Gillian James – 33:46.
Newport, South Wales: Jaq Underwood – 24:55 (VW55-59/1)
Seven Fields: Liz Hulcup – 26:25 (VW70-74/1 (8:07 knocked off age-group PB, and her parkrun 4th birthday).
Highlights
Darren gave a good account of himself at Castle Combe Classic Duathlon.
Steve and Gilly battled together at Avebury8 Nine, with Gilly LV60/2.
Lorna collects more sausages at Ilmington 10k.
Kevin joins the tough guys & gals at Broadway Tower Trail Marathon; not for the faint-hearted.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.