August 2011

 

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listing view the
Results Index

Featured events this month:

• Godiva Harriers Autumnal 5
• Burnham Beeches Half-Marathon
• ULTRArace Peaks
• Newark Half-Marathon
• MFRC Corporate 5 Challenge
• Burton 10k
• Bushy Park Parkrun
• Samphire Hoe Summer 5k

Godiva Harriers Autumnal 5 - 24 August

This race incorporated the 2011 Warwicksire Road Championships.
Peter Fellows won the men's over 55 title.

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Burnham Beeches Half-Marathon - 21 August

I first did this one a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. The race start was delayed by 15 minutes due to non-arrival of the portaloos. However, as Burham Joggers had decided that numbers and chips would not be sent out, and all runners would need to collect them on race morning, I wonder if that was the real reason…….
Burnham Beeches is near Slough and is 540 acres of ancient woodland which has been owned, maintained and funded by the Corporation of London since 1880. The whole area is classified as a National Nature Reserve & Special Area of Conservation.
The course is two laps on roads which wind through the woodland, and can be described as “undulating”. There was not much support en route, apart from at the start and when you go past again on the second lap. It's well marshalled with four water stations. I was using the race to access my fitness, with Dingle Marathon only 13 days away.
Knowing the course to be undulating, I had a target in mind of 1.30 / 1.32, so I was happy to finish in 1.31.35, and in good condition to take on the hills of Dingle.

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ULTRArace Peaks - 21 August

It's been a while since my last ultra, so 40 miles around the Peak District sounded like a fun time. We gathered at the start line keen to get going, even though the 1st mile or so was on the canal! Not my favourite running! I was sensible and kept my pace down, although I still found myself struggling with the early miles. In fact, it took 22 miles of run/walk at varying speeds whilst I tried to find some comfort. This was terrible and I was passed by many runners. To top it off I was dehydrating from 16 miles as I had ran out of fluids! :( I spent a good 15 minutes at the 20 mile check point, eating and drinking all I could manage. After a couple of bloated miles I finally found my running legs - better late than never! The finishing 18 miles were great as I felt relatively fresh and passed many of the earlier runners to finish in 7:31 and a 52 minute PB! :) Next stop Cornwall :)

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Newark Half-Marathon - 14 August

Third and fastest time for this race as I managed to reduce my previous efforts by nearly 3 minutes, so well pleased with that. Not a bad course being flattish for nine miles but you pay for that at the end  with what feels like 3 miles continuous uphill  from around 9 to 12.5 miles. Despite that I would still recommend this event as it’s well supported, well marshalled with plenty of drink stations and lots of encouragement from spectators dotted around the course.

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MFRC Corporate 5 Challenge - 9 August

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Burton 10k - 7 August

	Gemma Nash		51:57
	Linda Richards		60:00

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Bushy Park Parkrun - 5 August

We thought we would give this Parkrun a go as we were visiting relatives in the area.  It is the original Parkrun and is huge compared to Coventry, over 750 runners last Saturday.  The course is 1 lap over grass and dusty trails and reasonably flat.  Sean would like to point out that he passed Mo Farah (but not that Mo was running in the other direction having already finished, had a shower, signed autographs………………

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Samphire Hoe Summer 5k - 3 August

I’ve just had a short couple of days break with the family to see a mate of mine down in Kent and whilst I was down there he and I sneaked out to do a local 5k at Samphire Hoe near Dover on Wednesday night. Only 55 runners and a very low-key event but well organised. It was basically out and back along the seawall with a short, undulating off-road (shale track) excursion. I managed 3rd with 18-07, the winner clocking 17-35 and 2nd just in front of me with 17-55.