Worcester Marathon, Half & 10K - 19th May 2024
One can always detect a successful running event when it achieves “sold off” status, such was been the case for the Worcester Full and Half Marathons, supported by a 10K race.
Organised in aid of the St Richard’s Hospice, it is run around beautiful rural lanes, with the two longer distances sharing the first lap, before separating just after 11 miles. Bourton Roadrunners’ Lorna Shawcross took-on the challenge of the marathon, completing the 26.2 miles at the Worcester Rugby Club in a time of four hours, 36 minutes and 50 seconds.
Darren Long took full advantage from the strength that he gained two weeks ago at the Milton Keynes marathon, by opting for the Worcester half marathon where he achieved 1:26:50. He was joined by Maxine Emes who had a fine run, finishing in a time of 1:44:42. Sharon Rees decided that the 10Km race presented sufficient challenge and was pleased with her time of 1:14.03.
Blenheim Palace 7K - 19th May 2024
Blenheim Palace is renowned for its variety of challenging running events throughout the year, usually offering a range of options, and always aimed at being inclusive. This weekend offered a 7Km undulating route that took-in the Palace, lakeside paths and the palace grounds. Three Bourton members enjoyed this family-friendly race, crossing the line together and achieving respectable times - Lisa Braid 49:43, Giles Canning 49:44 and Imogen Cox 49:45 (PB).
Compton Downland Challenge - 18th May 2024
Iain and Claire Cox like to explore new and challenging race events, and this Saturday they tried the Compton Downland Challenge; a 16 mile race in Berkshire, incorporating over 1000 feet of climbs.
The couple made good progress and despite Iain taking a tumble in the last half-mile, they both finished fourth in their respective age-categories. Claire achieved two hours 30 minutes and Iain two hours 39 minutes. Even though Iain felt a little bruised and battered afterwards, they both enjoyed the event.
Florida Keys 100 - 18th & 19th May 2024
Bourton’s Claire Carroll is no stranger to travel, usually associated with her passion for photography, taking in exotic locations. She is also a competent runner, and despite being blighted by a series of long-term injuries, joined a six-member all-women’s team, to run the Florida Keys 100 mile relay.
The team comprising ages ranging from 24 to 62 (Claire) had to contend with extreme conditions, including high temperatures and humidity. They also had to deal with a lack of “female-friendly facilities”, which clearly enhanced the female camaraderie. Their team (the Salty Coconuts) finished a brilliant second overall, crossing the line together at the end of the 100 miles in a time of 17 hours and 23 seconds.
Jurassic Classic 75-mile Route - 19th May 2024
In addition to running, Janet Balinski is a keen and competent cyclist, and this weekend she enjoyed the Jurassic Classic 75-mile Route. Winding through the Purbeck Hills, providing the riders breath-taking views of the Jurassic Coast. Janet had a brilliant race, finishing strongly in a time of 5 hours, 43 minutes and 50 seconds.
Parkrun events - 18th May 2024
No weekend would be complete without parkrun, which provides personal challenges to runners, joggers and walkers, and Bourton Roadrunners
were to be found at the following locations this week:
Cannon Hill, Birmingham: Helena West - 27:10.
Cheltenham Pittville Park: John Harding - 25:39 (VM65/3), Chris Dry - 28:53.
Chipping Norton School: Matt Price - 27:30.
Evesham: Alex Wilson - 26:28, Megan Ratcliffe - 26:32 (VW55/2).
Hove Promenade: John Raper - 30:24.
Navan, Ireland: Niamh Shoemark – 21:42 (VW55/1).
Newport, Wales: Jaq Underwood - 28:32 (VW55/3).
Old Deer Park: Susan Hunt - 25:45 (VW55/2).
Seven Fields: Liz Hulcup - 28:24 (VW70/1), Tom Knight - 29:25, Louise Hamilton-Smith - 30:13.
South Bank, Australia: Tom Hitchman - 20:42 (Course PB).
Stratford-upon-Avon: George Swayne - 19:12 (JM15/1).
Tamworth Castle: Linda Edwards - 28:53 (VW60/1).
Highlights
BRR members were racing at Worcester Marathon, Blenheim Palace, Compton Downland, Florida Keys and the Jurassic Coast.
Imogen, Lisa and Giles at Blenheim Palace 7K - 19th May 2024. Click on image for a larger version.
Claire and Iain Cox at Compton Downland 16-mile Challenge - 18th May 2024. Click on image for a larger version.
Janet at Jurassic Classic 75-mile Route - 19th May 2024. Click on image for a larger version.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.