New Swindon Half Marathon
On Sunday 9th September the second New Swindon Half Marathon took place. Starting and finishing in the town centre the course is largely flat and brings the runners through the various highlights of the town including the Magic Roundabout, the County Ground, the Oasis, the Railways, the Outlet Village as well as as the Old Town before a downhill finish into the town centre.
First in for RSE was Tom Cooper in 1:27:15. He was followed by;
Andy Masser – 1:35:05
Dave Daniels – 1:38:57
Sharon Smith – 1:42:15 and 1st LV55
Dave Witnall – 1:43:45
Nadine Brown – 1:45:50
Jonathan Lewis – 1:46:00
Steve Phelps – 1:46:48
Eleanor Taylor – 1:47:14 in a PB
Jo Wood – 1:49:04
Cheri Edwards – 1:49:47 in a PB on her birthday
Elaine Chapman – 1:53:32
Ryo Taylor – 2:02:38
Vicki Mason – 2:07:45 in a PB
Caroline Joynes-Creed – 2:38:40
Kevin Joynes-Creed – 2:38:41
Not only an impressive turnout but great effort from everyone.
Great North Run
The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world and was devised by former Olympic 10,000 m bronze medalist Brendon Foster in 1981. During the first run there were 12,000 runners however over the years this has increased to in excess of 57000 runners this year. Participants run between Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields.
Representing RSE was Linda Edwards in 2:11:06
Great effort Linda.
Cheltenham Traithlon
Now in its 23rd year the Cheltenham Triathlon took place on Sunday 9th September. The race starts with a 500 m swim in the Lido followed by a 13k cycle and a 2.5 k run around Cheltenham and the picturesque Cotswold Hills.
Representing RSE and raising money for Leukaemia and Intestive Chemo (LINC) was Kate Potter who completed the event in 1:16:15.
Great work Kate
New Forest Marathon
The New Forest Marathon starts at the New Park Showground in Brockenhurst and winds through the heart of the New Forest Ntaional Park. The multi terrain course offered some of the most scenic running experiences in the country with a blend of forest enclosures, open roads, far reaching views and of course the famous New Forest ponies.
Representing RSE and raising money for Dementia UK in her first marathon in an unofficial time of 4:24:29 was Laura Peters.
Also running for RSE was Paul Coates who completed the 10k.
Fantastic effort Laura and Paul.
Mentioned in Dispatches
Everyone ran hard this weekend however particular mention needs to go to Ellie Taylor who knocked an incredible 8 minutes from her previous PB. An awesome effort.
Sharon Smith continues to impress by stepping down an age category to the LV55 in the Swindon Half Marathon and still managing first place. Maybe time to enter as a senior female. How do you do it?
Normally reserved for highlighting runners who have had a great race, mentioned in dispatches can also be used to highlight bloopers. This week has to go to a person who entered the Swindon Half Marathon. Well he thought he did. Having had a boring pasta meal the night before he decided to pack his kit for the early start. Realising he didn’t have his race number, he searched his emails, bank statements and even contacted the race director to confirm he had entered. Although he was confident he had entered, to his dismay and embarrassment it became clear that he had not. Thankfully he managed to organise a place and take part. Thanks Coach Dave for giving me your number which I was fortunately able to transfer.
Cirencester Park Run
Ben Chapman – 21:30
Jon Collins – 24:41
Richard Woodsell Taylor – 26:29
Sarah Reynolds – 27:00
Cathy Steer – 28:30
Tracy Webster – 52:15
Hampstead Heath Park Run
Jenny Hoffman – 32:19