NYC Marathon – 5th November 2023
This was a busy weekend for Bourton Roadrunners, with several members experiencing the rewards of dedicated training and in some cases overcoming the impact of long-term injuries. For four of the club’s women this meant the New York City Marathon, which for many runners is their ultimate dream, running through the five boroughs of the city, finishing in the Big Apple’s Central Park.
Bourton’s Jaq Underwood led the team home, completing the deceptively tough 26.1 mile course in three hours, 57 minutes and 53 seconds. Next to finish was Louise Hamilton-Smith, sticking to her target pace throughout, and was rewarded with 4:32:21. Allie Quinn overcame a long-term injury and followed the advice and guidance of her physio by maintaining an achievable pace, completed the race in 5:23:20. Nicky Patterson was a late addition to the team, having spent months supporting her partner, ultra-marathon runner Neil Russell, with his own running quests. Nicky impressed everyone and achieved a magnificent 6:11:11.
Tewkesbury Guy Fawkes 5 - 5th November 2023
Nearer to home, and five hours earlier, runners from far and wide were gathering at Tewkesbury for the final race of the Gloucestershire AAA road race series; the Guy Fawkes 5. Following overnight flooding, the club transferred the route to its previously measured and tested contingency course, which didn’t seem to unsettle the field of over 400 runners.
Bourton’s team was led home by Darren Long, who finished in 31 minutes and 10 seconds, followed by in-form Niamh Shoemark in 33:00, collecting the prize for the first woman over 55 (FV55). Niamh was chased all the way by her husband, firefighter Ian Shoemark, who finished in 34:11. Maxine Emes had a strong run, finishing in 35:58 and second FV40.
Other Bourton runners included: Ian Tolfts (38:23), Lisa Braid (39:12), Tony Goodwill (39:49), Susan Hunt (39:31 – FV55/3), John Harding (40:16), Lorna Shawcross (40:21), Liz Hulcup (42:31 - FV70/2), Clementine Bright (43:03), Gill Carrick (44:21), Giles Canning (45:24), Val McKay (48:23), Annie Oliver (53:18), Jenny Evanson (56:20), Lynn Hudson and Jo Cooper (58:19), Shirley Creed (63:00) and Dawn Coley (63:01).
We have a picture gallery with 22 photos from the race for you to enjoy.
Parkrun - 4th November 2023
The previous day runners were not so fortunate, with the conditions testing the enthusiasm of even the hardest of runners. However, for a group from Bourton just completing the club’s latest couch-to-5k programme this didn't seem to dent the enthusiasm of these fledglings at the Witney parkrun, which provided plenty of mud in places.
Programme leaders Lorna Shawcross and Graham Lane encouraged the group of 8 runners, who comprised Liz Holmes (31:27 - LV50/2), Maria Hall (37:37), Patrick Smith (38.41), Donna Robinson (39:09 - LV55/3), Julie Smith (46:31), Tracey Walker (46:32), Joanne Welch (47:15) and Margaret Skelding (47:24 (LV70/2). They were also accompanied by other club members, Tom Knight, Liz Hulcup, Sharon Rees, Jenny Evanson, Giles Canning and Cleo Carruthers.
Meanwhile, regular parkrunner Susan Hunt had ventured to London for the Wormwood Scrubs parkrun, where she finished first FV55 in 27:46.
Highlights
Bourton Roadrunners’ Jaq, Louise, Allie and Nicky were absolutely brilliant at the NYC Marathon. There are likely to be a few pictures shortly, one suspects!
Allie with her NYC Marathon medal.
There was a big turn-out for the Guy Fawkes 5, with Niamh, Maxine and Liz picking up valuable County points, plus other achieved PBs.
Jenny, Jo & Lynn at Tewkesbury Guy Fawkes 5. Click on thumbnail for a larger copy.
Guy Fawkes 5 Photo Gallery
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Our C25K runners showed resolve in challenging conditions at the Witney parkrun.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.