Linda Franks 5 - 21st January 2024
A group of almost 300 hardy runners took part in the Linda Franks 5 mile race this weekend, which was celebrating its 30th anniversary.Organised by Cheltenham’s largest running club Almost Athletes, the event kicked-off this year’s Gloucestershire AAA Road Race Series, and as usual attracted many of the area’s best runners. For Bourton Roadrunners Club this race has been a firm-favourite for many years, and their supporters were out on the course, which passes around the Reddings’ area of Cheltenham.
Bourton’s Darren Long was the first club member to complete the two-lap route in 30 minutes and 40 seconds, fighting-off repeated attempts to catch him in the final yards. He was closely followed by Chris Nesbitt who had a brilliant run in 31:22, also holding-holding a strong challenge to the end.
Kevin Goodwill reaped the rewards of his recent training, achieving 35:29 and managing to stay ahead of triathlon athlete Maxine Emes, who had a fine run, finishing strongly in 35:54 and was LV40/4. Other Bourton Roadrunners included Claire Cox (36:11), John Harding (40:56), Gill Carrick (43:21), Noelle Morgan running with husband John (47:23), and Imogen Cox (50:05).
Ilmington Winter 10k (race 4) - 21st January 2024
On the same day, Lorna Shawcross was doing battle at the fourth event of this season's Ilmington Winter 10k series. Known for its superb views but tough hills, this is not for the faint of heart, with Lorna reporting windy conditions and the most mud in the road that she had ever seen, but it was exciting stuff running down Lark Stoke. Finishing in a fine 59:24 and eleventh woman, Lorna proudly collecting her finishers’ pack of sausages.
Parkrun events - 20th January 2024
Meanwhile, on Saturday the club’s members were out in support at a number of parkrun events, experiencing a range of challenging weather conditions,
including at:
Cannon Hill, Birmingham: Helena West - 23:28 (course PB).
Cardiff: Chris Dry - 29:16.
Chipping Norton School: Clemmie Bright - 23:45 (SW25/1 and course PB), Lee Hutton - 24:49 (VM65/2 and course PB), Julie Smith - 35:45 (VW55/2 and course PB).
Hastings: Barry O'Leary - 25:46.
Newport, South Wales: Jaq Underwood - 26:44 (VW55/2).
Oxford: Liz Hulcup - 26:54 (VW70/1), Louise Hamilton-Smith - 27:19.
Perth, Scotland: Susan Hunt - 26:05.
Warwick Racecourse: Sharon Rees - 33:21, Lorna Shawcross - 33:21.
Witney: Nick Harper - 31:06, Kate Price - 34:44, Jenny Evanson - 37:53.
Worthing: Nicky Patterson - 34:28.
Highlights
Bourton Team at Linda Franks 5 - 21st January 2024. Click on image for a larger version.
Catch the full results from the Linda Franks 5.
Lorna Shawcross faced windy conditions at the fourth event of this season’s Ilmington Winter 10k.
We were also present in parkrun events at Cannon Hill, Birmingham (Helena), Cardiff (Chris Dry), Chipping Norton School (Clemmie, Lee and Julie), Hastings (Barry), Newport, South Wales (Jaq), Oxford (Liz and Louise), Perth, Scotland (Susan), Warwick Racecourse (Sharon and Lorna), Witney (Nick), and Worthing (Nicky).
Noelle and John heading for the finish, with a momentary stand-off between John and a local dog - 21st January 2024. Click on image for a larger version.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.