Runners Rally Behind Neil for Fundraising Quiz Night – 24th September 2023
A Bourton Roadrunners’ fundraising quiz night has raised more than £3,250 for Parkinson's UK and Cure Parkinson’s on a night dedicated to Neil Russell’s epic 918 mile run from London to Barcelona.
Neil, a longtime member of Bourton Roadrunners, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018 and maintains that running has helped him deal with the condition. He completed his run in the summer and began the evening by telling the sell-out audience at the British Legion Hall how he often ran in the early hours to combat the extreme heat through France and Spain. Last month, he was named as ITV West Country’s Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser of the Year for 2023.
Bourton Roadrunners’ members gather with Neil Russell for the charity cheque presentation from the Quiz evening
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The general knowledge quiz, raffle and a busy bar meant that Bourton Roadrunners will be able to present the charities with a cheque for £3,252.71. Organiser, Allie Quinn, the club’s social secretary said: “It was a very successful evening put together by a big team of volunteers who were only too happy to do what they could to help Neil’s cause.”
Neil’s partner, Nicky described the amount raised as “overwhelming”. She added: “The money will help greatly towards the job of finding a cure and supporting people with Parkinson’s like Neil.”
“There were many people who helped put the evening together but we all know that Allie was the force behind its success. The support she gives to the club and all its members is always fun, positive and inspiring.”
Chester Marathon - 8th October 2023
Meanwhile, three of Bourton’s younger runners headed north for this year’s Chester Marathon, one of the country’s most prestigious events.
Eva Shoemark, in only her second full marathon, ran with Tom Hitchman and Alex Pye, maintaining a consistent pace throughout the 26.2 miles. Eva and Tom, finishing together, were rewarded with a superb time of 3 hours, 23 minutes 33 seconds, with Alex just four minutes behind in 3:27:45.
Cricklade 10k - 8th October 2023
On the same day, Bourton’s Darren Long and Maxine Emes raced nearer to home, at the Cricklade 10k, where Darren finished first-man in the Vet 50 category in a time of 41 minutes and 7 seconds, while Maxine was third woman overall (2nd LV40) in 45:49.
Parkruns- 7th October 2023
As always, Bourton Roadrunners were out in support of parkrun, where three of its younger runners led the way at Chipping Norton, with training partners Thomas Harvey and Edward Hare finishing first and second overall in 19:14 and 20:11 respectively; both in the 11-14 year category. Just a whisker behind in fourth place was Dougal Hamilton-Smith in 21:08.
Other parkrun results included:
Chipping Norton: Matt Price – 34:01.
Cardiff: Chris Dry – 28:59.
Aviemore, Scotland: Margaret Hollamby - 26:13 (LV65/1).
Royal Canal, Kilcock, Ireland: Barry O'Leary – 28:22.
Stratford-upon-Avon: George Swayne – 19:01 (JM15-17/2).
Witney: Cleo Carruthers - 38.29 (LV70/1).
Wolford Woods: Linda Edwards - 36.32.
Highlights
Neil Russell giving an account of his epic run from London to Barcelona, supported by partner Nicky.
Tom, Eva and Alex looking relaxed at Chester Marathon
Tom, Eva and Alex give a wave at Chester Marathon
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.