Severn Bridge 10k and Half Marathon - 27th August 2023
Early on Sunday morning it was bright yet fresh as thousands of keen runners gathered in Chepstow, to be greeted by a scheduled closure of Severn Bridge, in readiness for the annual Severn Bridge 10k and Half Marathon.
A small group of Bourton Roadrunners were among this keen group, which initially set off westward to a turnaround point before heading over the bridge on the left hand carriageway towards England. Runners then return over the bridge via the footpath, to enjoy the stunning views.
Half Marathon runners got to repeat the crossing in all its glory, and to repeat the challenging climb shortly before the finish. Bourton’s Allie Quinn, still recovering from injury, completed the 10k event in 69 minutes and 30 seconds. In the Half Marathon, Welsh member Jaq Underwood led the Bourton women home in one hour, fifty-one minutes and eight seconds. She was followed by Liz Hulcup (2:14:38) and Louise Hamilton-Smith (2:14:40).
Pershore Plum 10k - 27th August 2023
By contrast, Lorna Shawcross and Susan Hunt opted for the Pershore Plum 10k, one of several popular local events that take place throughout the plumb season. After leaving the town centre and crossing the river, runners ventured into the beautiful countryside and fields surrounding Wick, before finishing at the Abbey Park Grounds with views of Pershore Abbey.
Susan, a regular of this event, had a fine run finishing in 49:49 and winning the LV55 category. Lorna, who earned a PB at Stratford parkrun the day before, chased Susan all the way and finished in 52:17.
Headington 5 mile - 27th August 2023
Some forty-years after first joining the club, keen racer Tony Goodwill travelled to Oxfordshire for the Headington 5 mile race, which incorporates the Oxfordshire County Championships, with nearly 400 runners. Whilst the finishing times may have slowed from his peak-days the doggedness and determination hasn’t and Tony finished well positioned in a time of 42:15.
Parkruns- 26th August 2023
Meanwhile, Saturday morning saw Bourton Roadrunners joining thousands of others across the country at parkrun, including the following venues:
Chipping Norton School: Ian Shoemark – 21:29 (MV55/1), Niamh Shoemark – 21:54 (2nd female, LV55/1 and a PB).
Cirencester: Graham Lane – 25:24 (MV65/3), Clemmie Bright – 25:48, Janice Townsend – 30:22, Gillian James – 31:50 (course PB), Val McKay – 31:55 (LV60/1),
Lynn Hudson – 32:02 (course PB).
Eden Project: Chris Dry – 24:50.
Lymington Woodside: Giles Canning – 30:07.
Mallards Pike: Dougal Hamilton-Smith – 20:12 (4th overall, JM15-17/1), Louise Hamilton-Smith – 30:24 (LV40/3).
Riverfront, Newport: Jaq Underwood – 24:26 (LV55/3).
Stratford-upon-Avon: Lorna Shawcross – 24:03 (LV60/1 and Course PB), Susan Hunt – 24:17 (LV55/1), Sharon Rees – 31:45.
Witney: Lee Hutton – 24:54 (MV65/1 and course PB).
Highlights
Jaq, Liz, Louise and Allie ran the Severn Bridge 10k and Half Marathon.
With the Pershore Plumb 10k, part of the annual plumb season celebrations, Susan and Lorna took part in this popular event.
Meanwhile Tony part in the highly competitive Headington 5 mile race, which hosts the Oxfordshire County Champs.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.