They did it ‘MyWay’

Four AVRs took part in this year’s Virtual London Marathon, MyWay, running the 26.2 miles locally using a downloaded app to measure their time and distance.  Louise and Aaron Rawlins, and Mark Day all ran around the country lanes of Offwell, Southleigh, Colyton, Colyford and Axmouth before finishing on the Esplanade in Seaton welcomed by many other AVRs at the Hideaway.  All three smashed their marathon PBs: Louise Rawlins, even finishing with her trademark cartwheel, in 4:19:05, Aaron Rawlins in 4:22.47 and Mark Day in 4:51.07.

Kathryn Thompson had been suffering from injuries so decided to walk it along the picturesque Exe Estuary finishing in 7:48.39.

 

Lording it in London

AVR had an incredible 18 runners complete the TCS London Marathon on the streets of the capital on Sunday.  First AVR home and in his first London marathon was Joel Seward in 2:39.17, a PB and very impressive sub-2:40. First female AVR was Debbie Whiston, competing for the army in the services match, coming home in a brilliant 3:07.24, 44th F45.

Joining Joel in the sub-3 club were Terry Emmett in 2:39.46; Ryan Snell in 2:40.15; Matt Hewer in a new PB of 2:47.00; Duncan Staddon in 2:53.50 and Rich Hardy in 2:54.17.

Second female AVR was Kerry Board in a brilliant shiny new marathon PB of 3:30.08 followed by Karen Eyre in 3:36.17.

Rupert Pady, finished in 3:13.46.  Laura Kerr carrying several injuries came in in 4:03.34 followed by Alan Hornibrook in 4:14.08, Haydn Boehm in 4:16.52, Jacqui Stokes in 4:21.36, Wayne Tooze in 4:27.58 and Emma Sampson in 5:15.12.

Angela Kerr finished in 4:33.55, 65th F65 with Diana Burn in 5:31.40, 54th F70.

Many congratulations to former AVR, Molly Smith who finished third British woman in the event in an amazing 2:36.22 running in her first marathon.

Steaming to the Coast

Five AVRs travelled to north Somerset to take part in the first edition of this event organised by Channel Events.  Emma Richardson, Suzy Blackett and Helen Holmes chose the full marathon and started the day with a glorious steam train ride on the Heritage Line from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard in the West Somerset Countryside.  From there they had a 26.2 mile run back again! All three ran together in the perfect sunny conditions enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Quantock Hills, the Steam Coast Trail and the South West Coast Path.  The three   finishing equal 100th in 6:19.51 with 128 completing the course.

Bec Davey and Carolyn Nation completed the 11-mile option which began in Williton.  Running together they finished in 79th in 2:40;14 with 98 completing the race.

 

Wrexham 10k

Choosing to ignore the London marathon Ron and Fiona Seward decided to instead participate in the Wrexham 10k. The course was slightly undulating, with a surprising short but steep climb at kilometre eight.

Ron finished 150th in 48:05 and first M70 with Fiona 473rd and fourth F65 in a PB of 1:00:06 .

It was a very well organised event, sponsored by JCB, and attracting  782 finishers.

Seaton parkrun

On a day when many regulars were preparing elsewhere for the marathon there were still 248 finishers at Seaton parkrun.  Third finisher was AVR’s David Cull in 19.44 and first on age-grade was Eleanor Wood in a tremendous 90.8% for her 23.22.

Jools Elsom celebrated her 100 milestone, many of which have been supporting other parkrunners so many congratulations.  Peter Heal achieved his 100 volunteer stints at Seaton to earn the special Seaton hat, presented by Lesley Adams, volunteer coordinator for the day.

The good conditions on Saturday contributed to six AVR PBs with Richard Jackson in 21:44; Lee Brooker in 25:53; Pam Goddard in 28:48; Lucy Hanley in 29:31; Derek Blumfield 30:36 and Helen Boehm in 35:56.

Magnificent Manchester for AVRs

Four AVRs travelled north to take part in the increasingly popular Manchester marathon.  The UK’s flattest marathon, the 26.1 mile route starts near the famous Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, with the runners heading into the city centre then out to the superb of Altrincham before weaving their way back to the finish line opposite the stadium.

First AVR home was Matt Frost in an excellent 2:52.55, just outside his PB, in 445th place.  Ian Kinnersley finished in a very impressive 3:38.58 taking more than three minutes off his PB, 30th M60 and 4053rd.  Jason Potter was next to finish in 6494th in 3:48.08, a huge PB.  Vicki Wraight was 12314th in 4:17.06, just outside her PB although delighted nonetheless.  More than 32000 took part in the event, now the UK’s second biggest marathon.

Sid Valley Ring Half

Conditions were good on Saturday for the Sid Valley Ring half marathon organised by Climb South West. It’s a tough but scenic course around the marked walking route with just over 2000 feet of elevation. Surprisingly, Adele Girdwood was the only AVR, coming in at 2:50:54, 56th from the 96 finishers.

Seaton parkrun

There was another big turnout in Seaton with 260 finishers. AVR’s Joel Seward was first finisher in 17:41 with Luke Reed third finisher in 17:56.

Out on the tourist trail, Debbie Whiston was first female finisher at Lloyd parkrun in Croydon in  21:28  while Tony Smith ended up pacing at Barnsley parkrun expertly finishing in 22:50.  Bec and Simon Davey secured the U for the alphabet challenge at Upton House parkrun near Poole.  It was Alexandra parkrun, Moss Side, pre marathon for Vicki Wraight while Matt Frost completed Longrun Meadow on route to Manchester along with Diane Newton. Craig Tiley took part in Penrose parkrun and Kevin Feeney and Sarah Shepley enjoyed the promenade of Burnham and Highbridge.

AVR triumphs at Exe to the Axe

There was a good turnout of AVRs for the latest running of JP’s Exe to the Axe organised by Sidmouth Running Club.

AVR’s Matt Clist retained his title finishing in a brilliant 2:59.53, two minutes clear of the second place and five minutes quicker than last year. Rik Tumber was fourth in 3:17.56 with James Green in tenth, and third M40, in 3:34.34.

Eleanor Wood was first F60 in an excellent 4:26.41, 65th overall.

The race which starts on the beach in Exmouth follows the South West Coast Path to the River Axe at Seaton with 22 miles of very undulating, difficult terrain.  It was a particularly challenging route this year after numerous cliff falls and Storm Kathleen bringing high winds and more damage overnight.  There were 188 finishers in the full race.

A relay option was also available with AVR’s Sam Miller and Tony Smith finishing second in a combined 4:55.31 and Team Feeney (aka The Smoggies) which included Kevin Feeney and Sarah Shepley took third just behind in 4:57.30.

The full results are here.

Powering it at Powderham

A small contingent of AVRs made their way to Powderham Castle on Saturday morning to take part in the Power Run.  The event started and finished inside the castle walls, the remainder of the course consisted of a tour of the castle grounds. One lap for the ‘Classic’ 5 miles and two for the ‘Legend’ 10 miles.  The off road sections of the course were as muddy as one would expect after recent deluges, in addition participants were buffeted by Storm Kathleen. On the plus side it was a beautiful setting with some stunning views, a fitting reward for climbing a long hill soon after the start.

Ron Seward was first home for AVR in the longer race finishing 40th, first M70 in 1:34:16. Next back was Dawn Carrah in 57th place and 2nd F60 in 1:39:39.  Shirley Salter, in her first 10 mile run clocked 2:11:43 and Susan Wall and Liz Slade, who ran together came home in 2:21:55 and 2:21:56 respectively.

Fiona Seward took the one lap option finishing 73rd out of 159 finishers in 55:37.

Half marathon successes

Mark Spraggs took on the rather undulating Southampton half marathon on Sunday finishing in 1:47.46, 438th from more than 2000 finishers.  He describes it as a picturesque course along the river and bridge in the city and was thankful for a sunny day at last!

Meanwhile up in the capital, Kelly Nickels completed the very popular London Landmarks half marathon in 2:05.20 coming in 6717th from more than 11000 finishers.  The route covers much of the London marathon route taking in, as the name implies, many of the capital’s significant landmarks including the London Eye, Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Mashing it up!

In its first running since 2019, the Minster Milers Mash 10k attracted 227 runners raising money for local charity, Ferne Animal Sanctuary.  Simon Dimmock finished 12th in 44:24 in the undulating race which started and finished in Ilminster and took in some scenic Somerset villages.  The route was especially challenging after months of heavy rain.  Cliff Marriott and Pam Goddard also took part and would recommend it as a well-organised local event.  Results to follow.

Seaton parkrun

Back after a week off due to the effects of Storm Nelson the nearly 300 finishes on Saturday had the windy Storm Kathleen to contend with.  First finisher was AVR’s Luke Reed in 18.30, a full minute ahead of the second finisher and also first on age-grade.  With many local races over the weekend, many AVRs stuck to pacing duties or volunteering this Saturday.

AVR men eggs-el at Yeovil 10K!

On Easter Monday, six AVRs hopped over to Yeovil for the Easter Bunny 10k which starts and finishes at RNAS Yeovilton.  Fast and flat with eggselent racing conditions there were some quick times amongst the 200+ finishers.  The winners were Bath’s Michael Towler in 32:48 and Wells City’s Daisy Davies in 36:01.

AVR men, Joel Seward, Matt Hewer and Luke Reed, impressively came away with the first male team prize.   Matt Hewer also scooped first M40 for his 14th overall finish in 36:32, a shiny new PB too, just pipping Luke Reed by one hundredth of a second, 15th in 36:33 who took second M40.  Joel Seward, 12th overall in 36:05 was the first AVR to finish.

Simon McClellan took fourth M50 in 43:34, 45th overall with Aaron Rawlins 60th in 45:58 and Louise Rawlins 119th in a PB of 54:27.  All finishers received a lovey Easter bunny shaped medal.

 

Fast Friday 10k

In Exeter on Good Friday it was very much the morning after the night before with a swift course rejig to account for the effects of Storm Nelson. It was therefore a four-lap race with plenty of corners as well as the wind for runners to contend with.

First AVR home in 13th place and third M40 was Terry Emmett in 35:14 just one-hundredth of a second ahead of Ritchie Durrant in 14th in 35:15.  Rich Hardy was 35th in 37:03, eighth M40;  Matt Frost, 47th in 37:59; and Angela Kerr, 217th, third F65 in 55:38.  There were 284 finishers in the race organised superbly well in challenging circumstances by City Runs.

Nelson prevents time trial and Seaton parkrun

Sadly the damage done to the seafront in Seaton from Storm Nelson on Thursday evening affected both AVR’s Good Friday time trial and Saturday’s parkrun with the debris from the storm and dancing beach huts causing the routes to be unsafe.

However a large group of AVRs ran a re-routed social 10k followed by coffee at The Hideaway on Friday.  Thanks to Eleanor Wood, Haydn Boehm, Cliff Marriott and Lesley Adams who stood in to lead groups.

On Saturday many AVRs joined with parkrun volunteers to support a general clean-up of the Esplanade during the parkrun usual time slot.  It is hoped that the event will be back to normal this Saturday.

Out on the tourist trail, Paul Johns and Jon Day tackled the beautiful but tough Woolacombe Dunes parkrun; Adrianne and Anthony Mullins enjoyed Lands End parkrun; Adele Girdwood ran Worsley Woods parkrun; Simon Dimmock took part in Portsmouth Lakeside and Kevin Feeney and Sarah Shepley ran Parke parkrun near Bovey Tracey.  Meanwhile Carolyn Nation nabbed her O for the parkrun alphabet challenge at Oaklands in Birmingham.

Remembering Mike

Four AVRs took part in the Feighan Fury, a challenging 10-mile multi-terrain race around private land in the rolling hills of mid Devon starting in Templeton. It includes hills, woods, trails, rivers with 70 per cent of the course off road with 166 finishers on Sunday.

Mike Feighan was a much-loved member of the local running community who worked in mental health and championed exercise for mental health benefits. An extremely talented runner, Mike won the Grizzly race five times along with countless other races. Tragically Mike abruptly passed away in 2021 and the Feighan Fury is organised by South West Road Runners to remember him.

First AVR home was Eleanor Wood in 1:37.00, 53rd place and first F60.  Cory Schultze was 90th in 1:51.08 with Shane Morgan 147th in 2:18.52.  Sadly Julia Teague twisted her ankle in a huge puddle in mile 3 so was a DNF.

 

Fleeting Half

Debbie Whiston ran the Fleet Half Marathon in Hampshire as part of her preparation for the London marathon.  The flat half attracted more than 2000 runners.

Despite it being a week after running the tough 20-mile Grizzly, Debbie finished well in 1:29.22, 352nd and sixth F45 in nice, sunny conditions.

Twin Lakes

Also in London marathon training, Diana Burn ran the Twin Lakes 20 mile race in Milton Keynes taking 4:08.  It was a very cold, windy start but sunny later and very flat compared to Dorset/Devon runs.  Diana finished an excellent third F65, especially given there was no 70+ category.

Trust 10k

On Sunday in glorious sunshine, several AVRs took part in the Trust 10k around Stonebarrow and Golden Cap taking in the beautiful Jurassic coast path and the stunning views from Golden Cap.  It is one of a number of free 10k runs held on various National Trust owned land on the fourth Sunday of each month during the summer.

More information on upcoming events here.

Seaton parkrun

It was a bitterly cold morning in Seaton with hail, a strong wind and rain replacing the early morning sunshine.  First finisher was AVR’s Joel Seward in 18:30 with third female, Lucy Watkinson in 23:04.

There were PBs for Adrian Strawbridge in 21:00, Rob Harp in 23:30 and Emma Sampson in 27:51.

Alan Morbey celebrated his 100th parkrun and Simon Freathy reached his 50 volunteer milestone.

On the tourist trail, Angela and Martin Kerr took part in the Eden Project parkrun; Barry Follett was “where it all began” joining the 1500+ at Bushy parkrun; Tim Sibley ran Porthcawl parkrun: Rob Collier and Sam Summers completed Bognor Regis parkrun while Sam Miller enjoyed Five Arches in Radstock near Bath.

Mud, mud, glorious Grizzly

The 36th edition of the Grizzly was certainly one of, if not, the muddiest yet.  After months of heavy rain the conditions underfoot were treacherous although thankfully the runners, volunteers and spectators enjoyed sunshine and blue skies on the day.

AVRs had yet another hugely successful day both as the lead organisers and in the race itself.  The biggest shout-out must go to Race Directors, Andy West and Steve Haines along with the Grizzly Committee for their superb organisation during many months of grafting behind the scenes and on the day itself which ran like clockwork.  In addition big thanks to all the AVRs who supported the event with marshalling throughout the course, the huge start and finish area operation, and across the weekend at Race HQ and the Grizfest event.

The weekend began with a very large parkrun, clearly attracting many visitors with more than 400 participants.  In the afternoon, 260 children took part in the Grizfest races not deterred by the pouring rain and chilly wind; clearly some hard-core Grizzly runners in the making! Congratulations to all those who ran and to Karen Eyre and her team for the superb organisation.

Sunday surprised everyone with the sun shining by the race start at 10.30am.  The course was the hardest most runners had ever seen, even those with many Grizzlies in the bank.  Despite the tough conditions, more than 1300 completed the gruelling 20-mile Grizzly route including a huge number of AVRs.

AVR’s Emily Cowper-Coles was the female winner on her Grizzly debut using all her fell running experience to absolutely fly in and finish in an incredible 2:37.25, 12th place overall.  First home was last year’s winner, Exmouth Harriers’ Sam Kelly in 2:20.36 with Matt Clist the first AVR in an excellent 2:32.49, seventh overall and second M45.

Joel Seward was second male AVR, 19th overall, in 2:41.43 with Tim Lenton just behind in 20th in 2:45.01, second M50.

Second AVR female was Debbie Whiston, also making her Grizzly debut, seventh female and second F45 finishing in 3:04.57.  Kerry Board was third female AVR in 3:43.39.

Other age-graded AVRs in the top three were Eleanor Wood, first F60 in 3:53.08; Graham Newton first M70 in 3:52.05; Patrick Devine-Wright, third M50 in 2:49.49; and Karen Eyre, third F50 in 3:51.03.

But, of course, the Grizzly isn’t just about times, it’s often mind over matter or a celebration just to get round.  And very often it is the support of other runners that can make all the difference.  Lindsey Freathy only decided on Saturday to run the full Grizzly inspired by the video of a previous race at the HQ. She was supported all the way round by Alan Morbey and Steve Lewis.  She sums it up perfectly, “They could have gone a lot faster but were so kind to help me, natter and enjoy the scenery.  I am so thankful to them, it is what makes AVR such a special club.”

Of course there also aren’t many races where you’re offered a beer on the return journey or where you run through a pub during the course!

In the Cub race, Harry McMahon, new AVR member and just 17 romped home in 1:06.54. Second AVR and third overall was Ritchie Durrant in 1:12.39.

AVR’s Emilie Brock was second female, first F40 and first female AVR to finish in 1:20.13. Second AVR and second F45 was Sue Hayes in 1:29.47 with Lou Tucker third AVR female in 1:30.22 and second F40. The female Cub Race had been won by Caroline McAleese in 1:15.27.  More than 630 completed the race.  Other top three age-graded AVRs were Ron Seward, first M70 in 1:42.44; Jase Potter, second M35 in 1:32.44; Kevin Feeney second M70 in 1:54.51; Janet Cullum, second F70; Simon McClellan third M55 in an excellent 1:27.24; and Barry Follett third M60 in 1:38.11.

Running together were Aileen Heal and Jools Elsom with Liz Curley and Angela Morgan, both graduates of a recent ‘Couch to 5K’, showing once more the offer and depth of support the club provides throughout the year.

The full Grizzly and Cub results are here

Weymouth Half

Diana Burn completed the Weymouth half marathon on Sunday in 2:27 and using it as a training run for the London Marathon.

Under the Lights at the Exmouth 5

Last Wednesday evening the final of the City Runs organised “Under the Lights” series was a 5m race in Exmouth.  Matt Frost was 13th in 29:50; Ian Kinnersley 23rd in 33:50 and second M60; Eleanor Wood 32nd and second F65 in 37:45; and Ron Seward, first M70, 33rd in 38:57.  All contributed to a third place team finish for AVR.

Balmy Barcelona

David Cull took part in the Barcelona marathon on Sunday where the conditions were lovely, if a touch warm, but with some cloud cover half of the time. Despite a little cramp early on and recovering from a recent hip niggle, he kept up excellent pacing throughout, slowing only a little at the end to finish in a fantastic 3:00.51, an eight second PB and 197th M40.  Nearly 16,000 runners completed the race.

David was happy with the PB and, in particular, going to the top (if only very temporarily) of the M40 club champs!

Granite Way

This City Community Trust organised event offers an excellent 10 or 20 mile flat, fast route along the Granite Way cycle path providing perfect pacing conditions as preparation for a spring marathon or half-marathon.

New AVR member, Harry McMahon stormed home third in the 10-mile option in a brilliant 1:0016.  Ron Seward also ran well finishing 57th overall and first M70 in 1:20.50.

In the 20-mile race, Matt Frost was seventh in 2:08.02 with Laura Kerr, 45th in 2:49.14 and Angela Kerr, 97th and first F65 in 3:23.05 all looking very strong ahead of their marathons next month.  The 10-mile race had 232 finishers with 136 completing the 20-mile option.

 

Bideford Half

On Sunday three AVRs, Diane Newton, Kathryn Thompson and Martyn Walker, joined nearly a thousand other keen runners, lining up for the start of the Bideford Half Marathon. The course started with a loop around the town of Bideford before an undulating six miles out to Torrington by road, returning back via the beautiful Tarka Trail.

Martyn Walker finished in 687th in 2:09.52; Kathryn Thompson, 898th in 2:32.20; and Diane Newton was very pleased to come in at 3:0:08, 945th, securing second F70 and a rather lovely trophy.

Seaton parkrun

Once again the cliff falls on West Walk meant a three-lap route with the addition of a tractor on the beach to navigate!

Appropriately for the day after International Women’s Day, the first three female finishers were all AVRs with Debbie Whiston first finisher in 20.46 and also first on age grade with 77%.  Second female was Lucy Watkinson in 22.26 with Kerry Board third in 22.53.

Big thanks to Honiton Running Club who provided the majority of the volunteers on Saturday.

Out on the road, Sam Miller and Tony Smith completed Chippenham parkrun; Dave Hutton and Sue Chambers took part in the challenging but spectacular Woolacombe Dunes parkrun; Mark Spraggs ran Lymington Woodside and Cliff Marriott and Pam Goddard visited Clevedon Salthouse Fields parkrun near Bristol.

Excellence in Exmouth

Four AVRs took the short trip to Exmouth for the Bradley’s 10k on Sunday.  Starting on the seafront runners headed to Orcombe Point before turning and following the beachfront back to the start point and repeating for a second lap.  The flat course, run on hard surfaced footpaths and the lovely sunny spring day meant perfect conditions for the 150 competitors.

Joel Seward came in an excellent third place in 35:49 with Ritchie Durrant hot on his heels just six seconds behind finishing in 35:55 for fourth.  Next up was Luke Reed in fifth, first M40, in 37:31.

Lee Brooker was 72nd in a massive lifetime best of 53:53.

There is another running of the race, organised by LM Events, in the autumn.

 

Mud Glorious mud!

Debbie Whiston ran at the Inter-Services Cross Country Champs last week at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall, coming first female masters and fourth female overall.  On an exceptionally muddy course she even lost the sole of one of her running shoes with more than a kilometre still to go!

 

Seaton parkrun

With the cliff falls still affecting West Walk, the three-lap course was used again this weekend.  First female finisher was Debbie Whiston in 20:47 with Kerry Board second in 22:56. Eleanor Wood was first on age-grade with 89% for her 23:50 with Ron Seward second on age grade in 79% for his 23:26.

Out on the tourism trail were Dave Hutton and Sue Chambers nabbing their V for the alphabet challenge at Victoria Docks; Ian Smith and John Whittaker took part in Gunnersbury parkrun; Bec Davey ran Dolgellau in Wales; Kevin Feeney and Sarah Shepley completed Stewart parkrun in Middlesborough while Shaun Vinnicombe completed the very picturesque Llanhydrock parkrun in Cornwall.

Sea of Green at Seaton parkrun

Seaton parkrun went green on Saturday as a tribute to AVR, Phil “Evergreen” Bayliss who sadly died last year and who had been very involved in getting the event off the ground in the town.  AVRs, past and present, came to run, walk, and volunteer along with members of Phil’s family.  Tony Smith spoke prior to the event about Phil, saying how he has tried to ‘Be more Phil’ over the last year and presented Phil’s wife, Vikki with a volunteer hat for his contribution to the event.

It was also fitting that amongst Saturday’s volunteers were some young people doing their DofE award, something Phil had been involved with during his career.  One of them, Kira Moran has written a lovely full run report from Saturday – here.

In the event itself, run on a revised route due to recent cliff falls, Matt Clist was third finisher in 17:19 and also third on age-grade in 82%.  Eleanor Wood was first on age-grade with 89% for her 23:53. Congratulations to Jo Orsman on reaching her 100th milestone and Jeremy Norcombe on his 200th parkrun to coincide with a ‘big’ birthday.  Well done to Lee Brooker and Lucy Hanley on PBs, 26:22 and 30:51, respectively.

 

Five go wild in Wokingham

Four AVRs, Ryan Snell, Matt Hewer, Terry Emmett and David Cull had an early start on Sunday travelling up to Wokingham in Surry for the half marathon where they were joined by Cliff Marriott who was up there for the weekend.

The route had a slight adjustment due to flooding but was still a fast, flat course ran on rural roads and around the town centre.

First AVR home was Ryan Snell in 1:14.40, 74th and 14th M40 from 2772 finishers.  Terry Emmett was hot on his heels finishing with a shiny new PB of 1:15.19, 17th M40 and 84th overall. Also celebrating an excellent PB was Matt Hewer in 1:20.23, returning from a long period out with injury.  David Cull finished in 1:23.30, also an impressive PB.  Cliff Marriott finished in 1:51.24.

Exeter Trail 10k

Run around the grounds of Escot Park this was always going to be a muddy affair after the recent wet weather.  It also included some challenging climbs so perfect Grizzly preparation.  Julia Conway came in 53rd in 1:03.06, second F50. Ninety runners completed the race on Saturday in good conditions.  In the 5k Canicross event Denise Burgess was seventh, running with her pointer, in 36:44.

 

Slay the Dragon 10k

Three AVRs popped over the border for this beautiful but challenging 10k which took place around Hinton St George in Somerset on Sunday.  Amazingly the promised deluge of rain and wind held off until after the race with runners just having some mizzle to accompany them.  Martyn Walker came in 61st in 1:05.47; Kathryn Thompson, 85th in 1:17.45 and Aileen Heal in 87th in 1:22.56.

 

Bath Two Tunnels HM

Georgie Ryan ran the Bath Two Tunnels Half Marathon organised by Relish Running on Sunday – a race with the longest underground section of any race in the UK!  The route, known as “Return Ticket” is a two lap out and back on the Two Tunnels Greenway Path, flat and fast. Georgie finished in 2.14:11 smashing more than six minutes off her previous PB.

AVRs tackle the Four Trigs

Organised by Sidmouth Running Club, the Four Trigs is another low-key, challenging multi-terrain race with an obscene amount of climb involved!  Approximately 28km, runners chose their own route that must include the four Trig points at High Point, Beacon Hill, Buckton Hill and Weston Cliff.  This year’s event was started by five-time Olympian and the 2014 European 10,000m champion, Jo Pavey.  The race raises much needed funds for the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young.

The race, which provides ideal preparation for the Grizzly, was won by last year’s winner, Exmouth Harriers’ Sam Kelly.  There was a good turnout of AVRs with Tim Lenton finishing third in 2:30.37 and Patrick Devine-Wright just behind in fourth in 2:32.16.  Kerry Board was third female in an excellent 3:17.04.  Rob Collier came in seventh, improving on last year’s time to finish in 2:41.42.  Others who ran the challenging self-navigated route in pairs, were Ian Kinnersley and Eleanor Wood who finished in 3:33.37; Jeremy Slade and Andy West in 3:48.20; and David and Susi Sadler, who were delighted to reach all four Trigs this year, in 5:36.52.

 

British Masters Championships & Chichester 10k

Three AVRs travelled to West Sussex for the British Masters 10k Championship which took place at Goodwood Motor Race Circuit near Chichester.  AVRs team of Carol Austin, Ann Coston and Angela Kerr took second team prize in the F55+ category.  First AVR home in 562nd place was Carol Austin in 46:54, sixth F60.  Ann Coston was 704th finishing in 50:11, 18th F55 while Angela Kerr was ninth F65 in 917th place overall in 55:46.   More than 1200 runners completed the fast, flat race with the first five finishers in sub-31 minutes.

 

 Seaton parkrun

There was another bumper turnout at Seaton parkrun on Saturday with the good conditions and pacers helping six AVRs to shiny new PBs.  Tim Sibley came home in 20:18; his marathon training clearly paying off!  Adrian Strawbridge in 21:01; Suzi Blackett in 24:40; Ben Morgan in 25:36; Lee Brooker in 26:54; and Shirley Goy in 42:29 were the others celebrating PBs.

First home was Joel Seward in 16:59 with second finisher Rich Hardy in 17:42. First female finisher was Debbie Whiston in 20:20, also second on age-grade with 79%, with Ron Seward third on age-grade with 78% for his 23:37 finish.

Congratulations to Kevin Feeney who completed his 350th parkrun as one of a number of AVRs on pacing duties.  Carol Austin, Saturday’s Run Director, completed her 200th volunteering stint at Seaton parkrun.

On the road, Georgie Ryan smashed her parkrun PB by nearly a minute at the fast Exmouth event finishing in 28:50.  Matt Frost completed Denton Dene parkrun in Newcastle; Alan Sealey Itchen Valley Country Park parkrun while Liz and Jeremy Slade completed Southsea parkrun.