Vouliagmeni Half Ironman – 22nd October 2023
What do doctors get up to when they find some spare time? Bourton Roadrunners’ Maxine Emes, who is an all-round athlete, enjoys a triathlon when she gets the chance. This weekend she ventured to Vouliagmeni, a municipality south of Athens, in Greece, for a half ironman.
She completed the 1.9Km choppy sea swim in 30 minutes 43 seconds, followed by 90Km of cycling (two hours, 58 minutes and 18 seconds), then the 21Km half marathon run in a blistering one hour, 47 minutes and 59 seconds. Finishing 6th in a field of 163 women, Maxine completed the event in 5 hours, 26 minutes and 23 seconds; surely an Iron Maiden!
Battersea Park Half Marathon - 22nd October 2023
Also up for a challenge was Bourton’ Barry O’Leary, who joined over 900 other runners at the Battersea Park Half Marathon, which loops around the park and is officially the world’s flattest half marathon, providing the perfect opportunity to push oneself.
Barry was satisfied with his time of two hours, six minutes and 26 seconds, although several runners looked “dog tired” at the end of the 13.1 mile course.
Ilmington 10k - 22nd October 2023
Meanwhile, closer to home, Lorna Shawcross opted for the Ilmington 10k; the first race of the five-race series in which the course changes slightly, but always demanding with plenty of undulations. Regardless of the challenges of course, Lorna always gives her all and achieved a fine 55 minutes and 5 seconds.
One of the rewards of this event is a pack of sausages from Barry the butcher (with veggie and vegan options available), and not a dog in sight.
Far Peak 10k - 22nd October 2023
This weekend saw a new 10k event aimed at encouraging runners of all abilities, with the ethos of promoting a strong social community and good mental wellbeing for all. Starting from Far Peak, just outside Northleach, and following an undulating course that went through the Cotswold villages of Coln St. Dennis, Coln Rogers, Winson Mill and Calcot, before heading back to Far Peak.
Bourton’s Liz Hulcup supported the event as the tail-runner, ensuring that all 80 runners completed course safely. Liz enjoyed the “gentle” run, finishing in 76 minutes and 10 seconds.
Parkruns- 21st October 2023
Completing the weekend’s social running theme, the club was present at a number of parkrun events, including:
Cheltenham Pittville Park: Chris Dry – 27:49.
Cirencester: John Conway – 51:33.
Warwick Racecourse: Susan Hunt – 25:49 (LV55/2).
Wolford Wood: Dougal Hamilton-Smith – 21:00 (2nd overall, JM15-17/1).
Highlights
Maxine finished 6th out of 163 women at Vouliagmeni Half Ironman, Greece.
Barry was fresh after the Battersea Park Half, while others looked “dog tired”.
Lorna takes on the challenges of Ilmington 10k; first of the five event series.
Liz helps out at the new Far Peak 10k, running as trail runner.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.