Severn Bridge 5 miles - 31st March 2023
After days of wind and rain, four hardy Bourton Roadrunners took on the challenge of the Rogue Runners’ Severn Bridge 5 mile race. The team comprising of Tom Hitchman, Derek Darby, Alex Pye and Miron Darby finished 2nd team overall.
With Tom running in his first race for the club leading the way home in 33 minutes and 25 seconds, followed by Derek in 34:02, who achieved 3rd MV45. Close on his heals was Alex in 34:43. Derek’s son Miron completed the team, also in his first race for the club, in a respectable time of 40:56.
Highworth 5 miles - 2nd April 2023
Another five mile race taking place this weekend was the Highworth 5, which started and finished at the Warneford School. With the first four miles being mainly flat or downhill, but with a sting-in-the-tail steep hill awaiting the runners in the final mile.
Bourton’s sole representative this was Megan Ratcliffe, running in her first race for the club. Megan had a brilliant run finishing in a time of 41 minutes and 38 seconds.
Reading Half Marathon - 2nd April 2023
One of the most popular half marathon races in the country is the Reading Half Marathon, having been established in 1983, and always drawing a quality field. This year Bourton Roadrunners had seven members amongst the nearly 5000 runners.
However, it was two of Bourton’s women that really shone for the club, working together for most of the 13.1 mile race, entering the Reading Football Club stadium almost neck-and-neck. In the final yards Lisa Baird just had the edge, finishing in a stunning one hour, 46 minutes and 53 seconds, ahead of Michela Sartori, who was just five seconds behind in 1:46:58.
Barry O’Leary also had a brilliant run, with the target of achieving sub-two hours for the first time. His training and mental strength supported him to smash his target, completing the distance in one hour 57 minutes and 9 seconds, over eight minutes knocked-off his personal best time; a brilliant performance.
The other Bourton runners included Liz Hulcup (2:02:14) and Claire Carroll (2:08:24) both of whom had maintained a consistent pace throughout, and both finishing close to their target times. They were followed by Alli Quinn and John Gibson, both enjoying the support of the crowds around the course, with Allie experiencing painful cramp in the later stages, but they proudly entered the stadium together enjoying the welcome from their team-mates, finishing in 2:32:57.
Parkruns - 1st April 2023
This week a several parkrun events were cancelled due to poor weather and ground conditions; however, two Bourton Roadrunners did find events that went ahead:
Aviemore, Scotland: Susan Hunt – 24:08 (1st LV55).
Cheltenham Pittville Park: Chris Dry – 27:39.
Highlights
Bourton men achieved 2nd team at the Severn Bridge 5 mile race.
Megan’s debut race for the club, at Highworth 5 mile race, was a success.
Lisa and Michela lead a 7-member Bourton team home at the Reading Half, both performing brilliantly. Barry knocked over 8 minutes from PB too!
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.