Upcote Autumn Trail 5 - 8th September 2024
On Sunday morning 22 Bourton Roadrunners’ members descended on Upcote Farm, Withington, for what was billed as the last Upcote Autumn Trail 5 mile race. Upcote Farm, home of the 2000 Trees Festival, has been described as one of the most beautiful race routes in Gloucestershire, providing stunning views along bridleways, challenging climbs, flowing forest tracks and exciting descents.
Leading the club home was Dougal Hamilton-Smith, who finished second in the men under-20 category, and tenth overall, in a time of 36 minutes and 59 seconds. Rebecca Townsend was second senior lady, in a time of 41 minutes and 51 seconds, with Steph Holton second LV60 (44:55) and Graham Lane first MV70 (45:20).
Other club members running were Iain Cox (43:15), Ian Tolfts (45:00), Claire Cox (45:47), Barry O'Leary (45:55), John Harding (48:04), Gilliam Howell (48:49), Steve Howell (48:51), Giles Canning (49:34), Basia Legierska (50:00), Lee Smith (57:23), Louise Townsend (57:39), Louise Hamilton-Smith (58:18), Garry Holton (58:10), Imogen Cox (61:58), Catherine Price (66:19), Jenny Evanson (66:28), Annie (69:33) and Julie Smith 73:25).
Great North Run - 8th September 2024
On the same day five club members, having travelled north to Newcastle, took part in the Great North Run, joining a cast of 60000, running from Newcastle to South Shields, billed as the largest half marathon in the world. Bourton’s five members started together in the rain, with John Gibson (two hours, 16 minutes and 36 seconds), Allie Quinn (2:16:37) and Linda Edwards (2:16:37) running and finishing together), while David and Sharon Rees, also ran together, finishing in 2:41:41 and 2:41:42 respectively.
Despite the rain throughout, the gang of five enjoyed the experience, supported around the 13.1 mile undulating course by the traditional northern hospitality, along with fellow club member Nicky Patterson and family members.
Bridge to Brisbane 10k and Auchterarder Half Marathon - 8th September 2024
Two other club members had sought out races to fill their Sunday, with Tom Hitchman, who is currently living in Australia, took on the Bridge to Brisbane 10k (42 minutes and 54 seconds), finishing well up the field of 22900 finishers. Meanwhile, Susan Hunt ran the Auchterarder Half Marathon, with its “brutal elevation profile”, finishing in one hour, 59 minutes and 51 seconds.
Cranham Boundary Chase - 7th September 2024
On Saturday afternoon, ahead of travelling to Newcastle for the GNR, Linda Edwards took on the challenges of the 5.6 mile Cranham Boundary Chase, with its notoriously difficult hilly start and finish, where she finished in 58 minutes and 22 seconds.
Parkruns - 7th September 2024
As usual, Bourton Roadrunners were out in support of parkrun on Saturday morning, and could be found running at a range locations, including:
Cirencester: Graham Lane - 25:14, Liz Hulcup - 27:52, Claire Louise Carroll - 31:13, Louise Hamilton-Smith - 31:16.
Clapham Common: Eva Shoemark - 30:22.
Cosmeston Lakes, Vale of Glamorgan: Jaq Underwood - 25:54 (VW55/1).
Fountains Abbey, Ripon: Susan Hunt - 26:17 (VW55/2).
Hartlepool: Sharon Rees - 31:40 (VW55/2), David Rees - 31:41.
King George V Playing Field, Cheltenham: Chris Dry - 28:40.
Lanhydrock, Bodmin: Helena Dobbs - 27:22 (SW20/2).
Sonsbeek, Arnhem, Netherlands: Lorna Shawcross - 25:33 (VW60/1).
Witney: Kate Price - 32:44 (VW35/3 and course PB).
Highlights
BRR had members running Upcote Trail 5, Great North Run, Bridge to Brisbane 10k, Auchterarder Half Marathon, Cranham Boundary Chase and parkrun.
Bourton Roadrunners at Upcote Trail 5 - 8th September 2024. Click on image for a larger version.
John, Linda, Allie, Sharon and David at Great North Run - 8th September 2024. Click on image for a larger version.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.