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Results

Pleshey & Essex Half Marathon - Sunday 19th September 2021

Chester Half Marathon - Sunday 19th September 2021

Chingford League: Event 1 - Hog Hill 5km, Redbridge Cycle Circuit - Saturday 18th September 2021

Team Results
Men A Team: 6th of 8 Div 1
B Team : 5th of 16
Vets : 6th of 16.
Ladies A Team: 1st place Div 2
Vets team : 4th of 16.

Serpentine Swim, 2 miles - Saturday 18th September 2021

Pride 10km, Victoria Park - Saturday 18th September 2021

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 18th September 2021

St Neots Standard Aquabike - Sunday 12th September 2021

1500m swim, ti , 45km cycle
SB 29.25, 1.12 , 1.20.48
MG 37.22 , 3.22 , 1.53.12

Maya reports: Aqua bike, it's not an event where you ride a stationary bike in a pool. It's a duathalon where you swim 1500m and then ride 40km. Basically a triathlon with all the fun because there's no run.
My first mass swim start, because Sarah said it would be good practice, and I always do what she tells me to do. Into the water which was waist height, and I wriggled and shuffled to the back of the crowd. Now, I hate crowds. When I went to V festival I made Pete stand so far from the stage that he moaned and said we could have saved the £180 and watched it on telly. Today I was practically eating a strangers foot, and had no end of strangers slap my bum with flailing arms. It was awful and scary, and I drank lots of river, but it was also brilliant and exciting and fun. After the sprint people finished their lap it was slightly less chaotic and I got into a rhythm.
At the end of the swim there was a lovely man helping haul people up the slippery ramp. I fell in love with him a bit.
After a transition in a very messy bit of grass (this is what happens when you rack next to Sarah Speedy Burns) I got to the mount line. And my chain was weird. I needed to spin my pedals but I was in such a fluster that I couldn't get them spinning. And this was when I forgot the hauling man, and fell in love with the man that leapt to spin my wheels for me. I'm soooo fickle.
And onto the bike. Two laps, flat fast and 48k, 8k further than advertised. More value for money? Hmmm. But the sun was out, and the roads were quiet, I sang show tunes loudly and out of tune and pedalled and grinned, and felt like a true athlete I even overtook a couple of riders, which was VERY exciting. But then as I was at my zoomiest, doing 20mph, I was overtaken by two men, chatting as they flew past. I wouldn’t mind, but they weren’t even in the race.
And then back to transition. But this transition meant putting on dry clothes and queuing for coffee and cans of pop. Far preferable to running 10k!
Sarah came first in the aquabike, I was last. But I did my fastest ever 40k, and I'm delighted with my swim too. And there were TWO flavours of Wagon Wheel for every finisher. Perfect.

Twin Lakes 10, Milton Keynes - Sunday 12th September 2021

Brighton Marathon - Sunday 12th September 2021

Jacob reports: I entered the Brighton Marathon 2020 two years ago, and after 2 (or was it 3?) postponements it finally took place. It was my first time doing Brighton, and I had lots of plans to train properly and beat my Manchester 2019 time. It didn't quite work out like that, due to work commitments, a minor injury and general laziness, so I decided to just enjoy the day with no pressure to get a particular time.
Joanna and I travelled there yesterday by train - strongly recommended, much less hassle than driving. After a pleasant 1.5-mile morning walk to Preston Park, we got to the extremely well-organised start: loads of space, plenty of toilets, and a slick wave start process. It was a refreshing change running to feel without time pressure, being able to soak up the atmosphere without constantly checking my pace. I've heard mixed reviews of the course, but I thought it was great - taking you through the city centre, out to Rottingdean in the east (great views), then back along the seafront, a loop through Hove (lots of great support from residents there), another loop through an industrial estate (not nearly as bad as I'd feared), and then a long slog back along the promenade to the finish by the pier. A few small hills, but nothing to worry about. I'd recommend it.
I really enjoyed the race - well at least until 22 miles when I began asking myself "are marathons usually this hard?". But I think that's normal! Not at all bothered by my time being 25 minutes slower than PB. And my lovely supporter Joanna looked after me very well, especially at the end.
I'm going to focus now on cross-country to get my speed back, and then train properly for a spring marathon. I need to do one next year for the Grand Prix!

Richmond Run Fest Marathon - Sunday 12th September 2021

Twin Lakes 20, Milton Keynes - Sunday 12th September 2021

10m splits
Billy 1.08.22 & 1.07.59
Kat 1.37.21 & 2.05.57
Morag 1.52.21 & 1.52.52
Anna 1.48.01 & 1.59.16

Anna reports Twin Lakes 20 race report - a perfectly placed and distanced race for any marathon entrant looking for their last long run before London or Manchester. It's a stunning course taking in 2 lakes and the canals of Milton Keynes. It's all off road either on cycle ways or the canal tow path alongside the Grand Union Canal. It was billed as fairly flat but don't be fooled as it’s undulating, twisting and turning and up and over bridges.
Katherine Harris, Alice Barrett, Morag Campbell and I had all decided to take it on as our last long run before London. An early start (4:30am) wake up call was needed to pick everyone up and get up to Milton Keynes to pick up our numbers as the race started at 8am. I was very glad it did start then as as it turned out summer decided to arrive in mid September and the morning soon heated up.
We all set off with a spring in our step although I think we all realised that may be short lived as I definitely was feeling the last few weeks of long marathon training runs. The early morning chill had lifted, the scenery was beautiful and the miles drifted past. Everyone was really friendly and lots of people were also using the race as their last marathon long run before the big day.
Personally, I was happy with my race until around 15 miles when the temperature just inched up and things started to get harder. I took a tumble on the tow path at mile 17 and that massively knocked my confidence. I decided to take a walk/run strategy for the last 3 miles to get to the finish line safely. No major injuries - just a cut to the hand and dented pride.
Once again it was great to have follow ELR members there to support each other through the hard work that is marathon training. It was also nice to chat to other runners going through the same experiences. It also did make me laugh as during the day more than one runner said to me 'you ELR lot get about!' My response was 'yes we do - there really is no better club!'

Havering Mind Half Marathon - Sunday 12th September 2021

Takeley 10km - Sunday 12th September 2021

Keswick Terrex 25km Trail Race, Mountain Festival - Saturday 11th September 2021

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 11th September 2021

Essex XC Series, Weald Country Park - Saturday 11th September 2021

Chase The Sun 10km, Olympic Park - Wednesday 8th September 2021

Chase The Sun 5km, Olympic Park - Wednesday 8th September 2021

South Coast Challenge 100km : Eastbourne to Arundel - Sunday 5th September 2021

I forgot to add this to the Race Entries but I tackled my first Ultra this weekend
- the South Coast Challenge. 100km along the South Downs from Eastbourne to Arundel.
I didn't even know if I'd manage to complete it as it was a big step up in
distance, but I did it and I was so chuffed to have completed it in 15 hours total.
57k yesterday (8.5 hours) and 43k today (6.5 hours). Lots of hills and amazing views.
Really tough but also such a great experience to be out running on the beautiful
South Downs with no time goal, just to finish. I also met some really lovely people
on the way.
I think I may have caught the Ultra bug….

The Essex Way Relay - Epping to Harwich - Sunday 5th September 2021

APPROXIMATE DISTANCES AND START TIMES
STAGE 1 EPPING - CHIPPING ONGAR 7.5 miles 8am
STAGE 2 CHIPPING ONGAR - GOOD EASTER 9.5 miles 9am
STAGE 3 GOOD EASTER - LITTLE LEIGHS 9.5 miles 10.15am
STAGE 4 LITTLE LEIGHS - CRESSING 10.1 miles 11.30am
STAGE 5 CRESSING - GREAT TEY 9.4 miles 12.45pm
STAGE 6 GREAT TEY - WEST BERGHOLT 5.7 miles 2pm
STAGE 7 WEST BERGHOLT - DEDHAM 11.2 miles 2.40pm
STAGE 8 DEDHAM - BRADFIELD 8.0 miles 4.15pm
STAGE 9 BRADFIELD - RAMSAY 5.3 miles 5.15pm
STAGE 10 RAMSAY - HARWICH LIGHTHOUSE 5.5 miles 6pm
Finish Approximately 6.45pm, total distance - 82 miles (approximately)

Caroline Frith: A super fun day running the Essex Way Relay -
which goes from Epping to Harwich - with the best bunch of
running friends a girl could wish for. My leg was leg 3 -
9.5 miles cross country from Good Easter to Little Leigh,
which was tough but very pretty. The day included 2 pub
stops, an ice cream stop and fish and chips at the end.

Alexandra: I bloody love this bunch of runners!
Positive, kind, supportive, strong and fun!
Another Essex Way relay starting at the end of the Central
line and ending with Fish and Chips in Harwich!
82 miles and 12 hours of fun!The leg I ran (Leg 9) was
absolutely gorgeous and made me smile all the way!
Thanks, running buddy Kathy Morrissey.

London Duathlon - Sunday 5th September 2021

Ford : 10k run : 55.12, 5.57 , 44k cycle: 1.48.20 ,6.28 5k run: 39.45.
Graham: 10k run 1.00.08 , 4.01 44k 1.52.34, 3.16, 5k run 35.51.

Anglesey Half Marathon - Sunday 5th September 2021

Anglesey 10km - Sunday 5th September 2021

Plymouth Half Marathon - Sunday 5th September 2021

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park ON Half Marathon - Sunday 5th September 2021

Maidenhead Half Marathon - Sunday 5th September 2021

London Summer Run 10km - Sunday 5th September 2021

Bedford Run Fest 20 miles - Sunday 5th September 2021

Orion Forest Five Series - Event 3, Chingford Plains. - Saturday 4th September 2021

89 finishers.

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 4th September 2021

Elvis 6: Barking Road Runners Phipps 5km, Barking Park - Sunday 29th August 2021

Run Through Velopark 10 mile - Saturday 28th August 2021

Run Through Velopark Half Marathon - Saturday 28th August 2021

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 28th August 2021

Last Friday of the Month 5km, Hyde Park - Friday 27th August 2021

Llangollen Fell Race (17 miles) 3,000ft climb - Sunday 22nd August 2021

145 finishers

Brought home a nice slate coaster memorabilia today. Survived and completed my first Fell Race at Llangollen in North Wales, covering 17 miles with nearly 3,000 feet of elevation. The experience was exhausting, friendly and awesome all at the same time. I might even come back next year once I've gained my legs, knees and confidence in running fells

Vitality Big Half 2021 Volunteers - Sunday 22nd August 2021

Vitality Big Half 2021 - Sunday 22nd August 2021

Thorpe & Egham Half Marathon - Sunday 22nd August 2021

Clacton Half Marathon - Sunday 22nd August 2021

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 21st August 2021

Elvis 5: Orion Forest Five Series - Event 2, Chingford Plains. - Saturday 21st August 2021

Isle of Wight Half Marathon - Sunday 15th August 2021

Run Through Clapham Common 5km - Sunday 15th August 2021

Burnham Beeches Half Marathon - Sunday 15th August 2021

Kimbolton Castle Half Marathon - Sunday 15th August 2021

Lee Valley Run Fest Half Marathon - Sunday 15th August 2021

Lee Valley Run Fest 10km - Sunday 15th August 2021

Essex 10km XC Series - Hadleigh Country Park - Saturday 14th August 2021

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 14th August 2021

Chase The Sun 5km, Olympic Park - Wednesday 11th August 2021

London Triathlon , Excel (Olympic Distance) - Sunday 8th August 2021

1500m swim, t1, 40k cycle, t2, 10k run
Danny: 36.31, 5.46, 1.09.30, 3.43, 43.12.
Ava : 30.25, 5.02, 1.18.44, 3.14, 47.16.
Kat : 34.57, 5.27, 1.35.04, 3.51, 52.10
Maya: 36.19, 6.38, 1.27.12, 4.14, 1.09.39.

Maya reports: Gareth Southgate talks about visualising. So on the way to rack my bike yesterday I visualised all the things that could go wrong and planned what I would do if they happened. Anna and Sarah said this was negative thinking. So on the way home I visualised everything going right.
And it worked! What a race. I thought I'd be four hours, but desperately hoped for 3.45.
I was in the slow women only wave, which turned out to be such a gift. Everyone was lovely. Nervous and excited we all chatted to each other in the swim pen. There was a goggle dunk bucket to get them acclimatised, but no Maya dunk bucket for me. A rolling start we were in and away. It was hard to sight on the way out to the first buoy, the sun was glistening and bright on the water but there were swimmers all around me, and I just stayed in a pack. And then, as if the sun heard me, it ducked away, and the rain started. Rain when you swim is weird, I always feel a bit like I'm drowning as you come up to breathe.
Out of the water. It went well, no one swam over me, and I was quietly in awe of my own time, I was faster than I was expecting. I ran to my bike. But no no running on the slippery floor. The marshals were very strict about that. 'WALK HERE PLEASE!' I didn't try bombing or heavy petting, but I think they were also against the rules.)
After a struggle with my shoes (stupid bungee laces) I'm running with my bike. Down the scary slippery slope out of excel and onto the road. And the wind. The wind was bananas, so strong. I chattered to myself to keep focussed, and soon I was going under the lime house link. Anna said it was fun, I'm not inclined to agree, I just don't like tunnels, and the light at the end of this one never seemed to come! Along the embankment and back. It was awesome to be able to pedal and pedal snd not stop for traffic and traffic lights. Time for a gel. So here's a thing. Out of date gels are truly disgusting. Check your dates and throw them out. Yuk.
It was raining so hard I couldn't see my watch, but I thought I was doing well. I was delighted, but didn't dare think too much about it. My last small lap of the bike was punctuated by me mainly saying 'don't f**k up, don't f**k up' on repeat.
And then to the run. The least fun of the three, but the one I was also least worried about. 'It's just running Maya' Three laps. The first seemed to take ages and was hard, but on the second one I ran with a lovely lovely lady, we chatted and ran, and the second lap was over in a blink. The third one I ran/walked. I wanted to walk more, but I knew I'd done ok in the swim and bike, and it would be such a waste to slow down now. I got to the end with a sprint finish.
3.24.11. I'm utterly delighted. And utterly hooked. I thought the Olympic distance would be too much, but actually it's more fun than the sprint, it gives you the time to really get into each discipline.
Thank you so much to Sarah, Anna, Jonathan, Stuart and Alice for coming to cheer. It really lifted me so much. I grinned every time I saw you.
And thank you Peter Goodwin, for cheering in the rain. And all the times you came home early so I could race off to the pool or track.
And thank you for cooking a roast dinner for me to come home to. My heart is full of love and joy and I’m finally sitting down

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 7th August 2021

Box End Triathlon (Olympic ) - Sunday 1st August 2021

1500m swim, t1, 40.1k bike, t2, 10km run
31.27, 2.42, 2.02.20, 0.53, 1.13.48 = 3.51.12

London Landmarks Half Marathon - Sunday 1st August 2021

11,005 finishers.

Run Through Wimbledon Common Half Marathon - Sunday 1st August 2021

Twilight Ultra Marathon - Redbridge Cycle Centre - Saturday 31st July 2021

Twilight Half Marathon, Redbridge Cycle Circuit - Saturday 31st July 2021

Anna Dingle reports: I ran in the Twilight half marathon at Redbridge Cycle Centre this afternoon. It's an event run by Nice Works. It was such a lovely friendly event and the organisation was brilliant. Three distances were on offer today - the half, a full marathon and ultra distance.
I just wanted to give them a shout out and recommend the event to people for next year especially as it's a tough event with plenty of elevation! The organisers more than make up for it with the feed station and goody bag at the end. Lots of friendly support cheering you on every lap and for me it was 11 times up the back hill - think of chingford league but the lap in reverse, so the long downhill was a long uphill! Over 1000 ft of elevation on the half distance. I was very pleased with my finish time of 2hr 25mins. Thanks for the place Alice Barrett!

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 31st July 2021

Chase The Sun 10km, Victoria Park - Wednesday 28th July 2021

Chase The Sun 5km, Victoria Park - Wednesday 28th July 2021

Elvis 4: Ilford AC Newman Hilly 5 - Wednesday 28th July 2021

224 finishers with 56 ELR.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/rXJGegT53afvP7Z5A

Photos from the Newman Hilly 5 (large collection, 745 items)

I used three spots: start line, end of the first loop (near the finish turn) and the finish line. Was making as many shots as possible to get a better rate of successful ones. My favourite set is the finish line as it shows emotions uncovered.
All photos are originals, 14.2MP, 4608×3072, Nikon D3100, pretty good quality compared to smartphones. Absolutely no filters besides automatic light correction (did today manually to every photo); you download what you like and apply the filters as you please.
That was the first time I tried to shoot so many moving targets in red t-shirts, so please don't get upset if some of the photos are blurry or having different runner in focus. Will have my lessons learned and hope to get even better shots next time.
Please share the link with those ELR runners that are not on Facebook but still want to get their photos.

Beacons Way Ultra 100 - Sunday 25th July 2021

start 6.00am
cp1 7 miles 1.33.25 at 7.33.25am
cp2 13 miles 2.59.16 at 8.59.16am
cp3 26 miles 5.52.40 at 11.52.40am
cp4 36 miles 9.40.24 at 15.40.24
cp5 45 miles 11.51.38 at 17.51.38
cp6 52 miles 14.05.33 at 20.05.33
cp7 59 miles 16.34.51 at 22.34.51
cp8 78 miles 24.09.13 at 6.09.13am
cp9 87 miles 29.06.22 at 11.06.22
FIN 100 miles 34.45.25 at 16.45.25pm

Beacons Way 100 Report
Well, running 100 miles is tough, but this was on another scale. The Beacons Way is a National Trail that (as the name suggests) traverses the Brecon Beacons mountain range. That means that, in order to finish, you have to run up and down mountains - a lot of mountains!
I thought I was well prepared for this. I've had a very solid training year with consistent high mileage and PBs at every major distance up to 50k. I ran 50 miles around a boring 2k loop. I took running on holiday to the Isle of Wight, completing consecutive days of 15, 45, 75 and 21k. I thought I'd better get used to the mountains, so went to Scotland and spent 5 days in the highlands, with over 6,000m of elevation. I even got used to the heat and tapered sensibly, feeling really fresh on race day. But nothing could prepare me for this!
The run started in pretty benign fashion on roads and through a golf course, before the mountains started getting serious. Running felt easy - really easy. So easy that I felt completely within myself running with the eventual second place finisher for 20 miles. He told me he'd recce'd the whole course twice, and given the course is hard to navigate, I stuck with him until he skipped down a steep descent and left me tripping over almost everything!
And this is when it became very clear that mountain skills are different to even standard trail running skills. I kind of knew this (hence the trip to Scotland) but terrain is a huge factor and makes mountain running into a completely different sport. Gruelling ascents alternated with tricky descents and the flat bits were often unrunnable. And that was without negotiating a path that that was rarely obvious, often overgrown and in many places didn't exist at all.
The first real off piste adventure occurred running with a bloke who was used to this kind of thing, having completed the dragon's back (an infamous 5 day stage race across all the hard bits of Wales) after just 2 years of running. We got lost in some bracken and had a very inefficient 10 minutes or so clambering back to the path, wishing we were armed with machetes to have a chance against the undergrowth. There would be a few other such occasions.
And so the effort continued and as the day wore on, I elected to run fewer and fewer of the runnable bits, and I spent much of the rest of the race analysing why. Did I set off too fast? Did the trip and fall at about 10 miles cause some damage? Did running out of water a couple of times have an effect? Did I push my quads too hard on the downhills? Probably all of these but I kept going anyway. Into the afternoon, I fell in step with about four others, including the eventual first female runner. She would finish over 3 hours ahead of me, with obvious differences being extraordinary skill at descending and a no nonsense attitude to stopping at check points. As I was just about getting round to filling water bottles, she was out the door and going again.
It felt like a significant milestone to reach the half way point of Pen Y Fan (the highest peak in South Wales) before dark and after the small matter of coming down that mountain, it was time for the night shift to begin. I happened to be walking with Nick and Nigel, who were about the same speed as it was time to switch on the head torches and we made a tacit agreement to trudge through the night together.
By this point, running wasn't really an option, what with the heavy legs, difficult terrain and near darkness, so overnight the run became a march. The weather had been remarkably kind to us (given the forecast) but as the mist descended on the mountains and the wind got up, the forces of nature played a greater part and at one point, I had to be helped into a jacket, not being able to move my freezing fingers.
Due to covid concerns, one checkpoint wasn't in operation, so from about 60-80 miles, there wasn't a place to get food or fill water bottles. This meant a very heavy backpack that was (now hilariously) augmented by some very kind campers who offered us supplies at about 2am. Nigel enthusiastically accepted, with the one problem that we now needed to carry a load of biscuits and juice cartons. Sometimes the British are too polite! However, this was just one example of being offered food and water throughout the race and the locals were amazingly kind and friendly.
As dawn broke, we were down to two as Nick needed to get warmer, so started running. Then, at about 6am, I entered a strange zombie-like state where I was walking, but my eyes were struggling to stay open, like sleep was about to take hold. So, naturally, I started to run in order to wake up a bit. By 7am on Sunday, I arrived at the c.75 mile checkpoint for a lovely morning coffee, washed down with red bull and crisps.
From here on, the terrain became more polarised. Much of the hard mountain business was done, but stretches of road alternated with almost impassable bogs and rock fields and by the final checkpoint at 87 miles, I'd resolved to write a strongly worded letter to whoever funds, maintains and signposts national trails.
One thing I'm certain I did well on this race was nutrition. I pretty constantly ate a 100 calorie snack every half hour and, amazingly, didn't have any really rough patches or feel depleted, or have any stomach trouble. This is a minor miracle. What bordered on being a major miracle was the second wind at around 88 miles when running seemed much more possible and I really powered through, even as the heat became a factor. I leapfrogged Nick and Nigel as I pushed on, then went off track a couple times, but felt great. The feeling lasted until my knees started to really hurt about 5 miles from the finish, when Nick, who'd better timed his second wind, eased past me. I plodded through until about the last 500 metres where I saw someone else behind me and went for a bit of a sprint in a strange and uncharacteristic fit of competitiveness. So that gave me 12th place and just under 35 hours of time on my feet.
The beacons way was without doubt the hardest race I've ever run, but despite the pain, massive blisters, sleep deprivation and never again wanting to set eyes on another mini malt loaf, I'll always remember the achievement. Now to find something even harder.

Asics London 10km - Sunday 25th July 2021

Bedford Grand Prix, Motor Circuit (16 miles) - Sunday 25th July 2021

Bedford Grand Prix, Motor Circuit Half Marathon - Sunday 25th July 2021

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 24th July 2021

* best time by an ELR on that course male & female.

Elvis 3 - Havering 90 Joggers Midweek 5, Raphaels Park - Tuesday 20th July 2021

Mens team finished 1st with 37 pts and 1st overall after 3 events.
Ladies team finished 3rd with 96 pts and 2nd overall after 3 events.
Elvis points were based on the gun time while the recorded times in the results were chip times

Dorney Triathlon : Sprint - Sunday 18th July 2021

750m swim, t1, 20km bike, t2, 5k run
15.39, 2.01, 33.58, 1.43, 17.20 = 1.10.43
133 finishers.

Lundy Island Race 2020 (13.4 miles) - Sunday 18th July 2021

108 finishers and 12 dnf's.

Fiona Critchley: Lundy Race Report.
Hot, very very beautiful, hot. The uphill start from the village on the central track, hot (& dusty). After a packed start, the small field began to spread out and within a couple of miles was just about single file. The first water station marked the turn onto the east coast cliff return. A narrow technical goat track with boulder sections & a steep drop into the sea. Exposed, hot & no wind, the few trees were a welcome but too brief respite. Steep steps up to the flag pole (why???) & back down before the climb up the road to the second water station. Hell, it was hot. Water both to drink & pour over my head, briefly cool.
Next was the undulating west coast, hot. Mainly grassy paths & slabs of granite, great views! Finally reaching the north end & the devastating discovery that they had not removed the section down to the lighthouse. The reward, a cup of warm cola and a steep climb back up, very very hot.
More water at the top and then the easy 4 miles or so back along the central path & a grassy path loop around the southern lighthouse to include the uphill finish.
This is a fantastic run (not race) on an absolutely beautiful island. But did I mention that it was too hot!

Stuart Barton: Race report from Lundy.
A special place in my heart has been taken up by Lundy island, stunningly beautiful landscape and picture perfect cottages. Three of us ELR arrived on the ferry Saturday morning and one more got the rave boat on the Sunday. From the dock is a steep walk up to the village (one shop one pub), we sat on the grass and ordered a beer as our accommodation was not ready and also why not. The house had amazing views over the sea back to the mainland and was just perfect. The race did not start until 12:30 Sunday and we could already feel the heat at breakfast registration opened at 11am for people staying on the island so we walked up, the word up may appear lots in this race report BTW.
Back to the house to stay in the shade for a while and to wait for the race boat with the final ELR on board.
A few photos and we're ready to get to the start line, a 2 minute walk up the hill from our cottage to the start where the sun was blistering on my back, I had decided to run with a small backpack containing sun cream some water and a foil blanket as this was part the rules.
The first 3 miles are undulating up the centre of the island to a very well needed water station, a quick refill of my bottle and some water over my head and I was off for the technical part of the race as it wax described, I now know the this means trying to run along a very narrow path with a 300 foot drop to your left covered in bracken and rocks for 3 miles, as this part finishes just for laugh you have to run up about 50 steps to a flag pole, how I laughed at this point.
Zig zag down from the flag pole for the second lap of the island, this is up the west side with stunning views over the ocean, a little cooler but not by much. Back at the north end before heading back and a left turn and down about 150 steps to the lighthouse. A warm flat coke is what you get for doing this ,thanks.
Back up a few rude words might of been said by me at this stage, the water station at the top is such a great sight and very much needed, I filled my bottle up with what I thought was water and poured it over my head, only then realising it was lemon squash. Poured loads of water over my head and soaked my hat to wash off. Just the centre path back now ish,
Just before you get to village you're sent off on a little loop to make up the distance this is slight up hill all the way I think or at least it felt like it. My watch I'm hit 13.1 miles and the finish line was not in sight, as you get towards the village your met by the other runners and spectators clapping and shouting but more importantly holding beers, I crossed the line picked up my medal and then got a pint.
I think I might be in love with Lundy, if you get a chance to go I suggest you take it. If you get a chance to run here well that my friend is up to you.
A special thanks to the support crew Margot and Bernard, and my three ELR team mates Jonathan Fiona and Andrew.
Now to rest my legs.

Run Through Dorney Lake Half Marathon - Sunday 18th July 2021

210 finishers

Explorer Run: World's Biggest Medal Half Marathon - Sunday 18th July 2021

Orion Forest Five Series - Event 1, Chingford Plains. - Saturday 17th July 2021

Chase The Sun 5km, Olympic Park - Wednesday 14th July 2021

Chase The Sun 10km, Olympic Park - Wednesday 14th July 2021

Pan Celtic Ride : 1,242 miles - Tuesday 13th July 2021

Total time 9 days, 1 hr, 58m & 42sec / Total moving time 5 days, 6 hrs, 53 mins& 37 secs.
Day 1 109.7 miles ; Day 2 147.2 miles; Day 3 121.3 miles; Day 4 155.2 miles
Day 5 134.5; Day 6 163.5; Day 7 131.8; Day 8 84.23(football); Day 9 127; Day 10 49.2 miles.

Vitalty Westminister Mile, Hatfield House - Sunday 11th July 2021

Vitality 10,000m, Hatfield House, Hertfordshire - Sunday 11th July 2021

1,428 finishers.
Mark reports: Finally managed to run this race after it was re-arranged a few times and the organisers decided to hold it in Hatfield Park (not London). Getting there was fine and we started off in different time blocks (social distance). The start was a long path that felt like it took about 2 mins before it began to thin out as you were trying to pass people ahead of you. It was all run on undulating paths with a few small hills thrown in for good measure, to keep you on your toes. I was pretty happy with my time, I ran with Ken who stayed ahead of me all the way. I was glad it was over as it was a very warm day and some of the small hills do take it out of your legs. So it can only be on wards and upwards from here (I think).

Chiltern Ridge Half Marathon - Sunday 11th July 2021

Race Report for the Chiltern Ridge Half Marathon
Little did I know when I was splashing and bog snorkelling my way through the various XC courses over the winter, silently (and not so silently) cursing Jacob, Alexandra and Grant, that they would actually be really good practice for my first ever trail half marathon.
When a friend sent me the info for Chiltern Ridge Trail Half in April, I jumped at the chance - after all, a trail race in July couldn't possibly be muddy.
It only had 125 places, was really low key so I entered, looking forward to a race with zero pressure.
The course had nearly 1800ft of ascent so for the past few months I've really focussed on finding plenty of hills to run up - both locally in Epping forest and on the SW coast path when we were on holiday in May. My friend and I recceed it 10 days beforehand and not only was there plenty of mud, some of the hills were not runnable as they were so steep. We also went wrong a few times and did a whole section in the wrong direction - this was going to be tougher than I had originally thought.
My aim was sub 2 hrs which I thought was just about doable if things went well on the day.
The race started and finished in Wendover in Buckinghamshire. We had a 45 minute starting window, so we registered at the pub down the rd from the start, then wandered over, lined up and we were off. They set us off one by one at intervals, each one of us with a wrist band that we had to scan on the starter’s phone to activate. The first mile is straight up Coombe Hill then along the ridgeway before dropping down into the prime minister's country estate at Chequers. Lots of gates and security cameras to navigate, no time to see if Boris was home. A lot of the route was in woods and thankfully in the shade as it was sunny and warm out in the open. There was one water station that you passed in both directions, and straight after that at about 4 miles was the first killer hill that I power walked up, bent double with my hands on my knees. As a nice touch the photographer was at the top to catch our grimaces.
There was then a figure of 8 loop of white leaf nature reserve, which included more hills and mud, and a long section straight across a field of waist high broad beans!
Eventually we came back to the water station and from there it was 3 miles, mostly up hill, to the finish at the top of Coombe Hill. I had 30 mins to do the 3 miles if I was to make my sub 2 hr goal, but I still had to walk a couple of the hills because by then running up them would have been futile.
Lots of walkers out, I tripped over one dog who was chasing all the runners, plenty of gates to open and close, a few stiles to clamber over.
Thankfully with about a mile to go I knew I was going to make my target time. I had no idea I was coming second lady as well - I had passed 2 ladies in the first 3 miles then not seen any others for the whole race. I ran chunks of it on my own but could usually see someone up ahead, and parts of it ran with one or two others as we leap frogged each other up and down the hills - me over taking on the ups and being over taken on the downs.
The finish was by Coombe Hill Monument over looking the picturesque Aylesbury Vale and I was very glad to stop running! A nice chunky medal was given to me as I scanned my wristband on the phone again to finish.
The race required a bit of self sufficiency- the water station didn't provide cups or bottles so you had to provide your own. I ran with a camelbak for the first time which was fine. You were also required to have the route on your phone in case of navigation errors but actually the course was really well marked - it was fun spotting the arrows and orange ribbons tied to the trees.
The organisers were Runaway Adventures who I had never heard of but I highly recommend them now. I definitely plan on doing it again next year - would be fun to be joined by some more ELRs.
My final time was 1.56.30, just over a minute behind the leading lady and as it turned out we were the only 2 female finishers to come in under 2 hrs. Caroline

Royal Parks Series - Regents Park 5km - Saturday 10th July 2021

Essex XC Series, Thorndon Country Park - Saturday 10th July 2021

Orion's Fast Friday 10,000m at Walthamstow track. - Friday 9th July 2021

Essex 5000m Senior Championship, Chelmsford AC - Wednesday 7th July 2021

Zoila reports: My mini Race report from the Essex 5000m track race.
It had been a long long time since I raced track and it was always the shorter races - 200m, 400m as a cadet. Luckily back then for the county and national cadet races they loaned us track spikes. So I took the plunge and wore mine.
I had taken half a day off work so I could go home to grab my kit before taking the long journey from North West London to Chelmsford.
I walked the mile and a half from the station to chelmsford athletics centre as a nice warm up.
The whole journey I kept an eye on my sugar levels which were dropping nicely. So I reduced my insulin rate so they wouldn't drop during the race.
Pre race my sugars were 15.3mmol/L so I did a correction dose of insulin.
I put on my spikes and ran up and down a bit on the side of the track for a quick reminder of how they feel.
The gun went off and off we went. I was running 4th quite close behind Kathryn. I eventually thought to myself I can handle a little more effort to run past her and ended up running 3rd for a while. I kept looking at my watch seeing my sugars were climbing up and up to 18.7mmol/L which at about half way meant I had the most horriffic all body stitch. One of the Colchester ladies ended up running past me with 2 or 3 laps left to run.
I was glad to hear the bell for the final lap and tried my best for a sprint finish but I did not feel great at all.
I finished 4th lady with a time of 19:42 (16 seconds knocked off my 5km PB) and incredibly high sugars levels.

Yateley 10km - Wednesday 7th July 2021

446 finishers.

Festival of Endurance, Hever Castle (The Aquathon) - Sunday 4th July 2021

1.9k swim 40.53
t1 5.54
10.5k run 59.05

Festival of Endurance, Hever Castle (The Gauntlet) middle distance tri - Sunday 4th July 2021

1.9k swim 48.51
t1 7.35
90k bike 3.47.05
t2 3.43
half m 1.51.19

Regents Park 10km Summer Series - Sunday 4th July 2021

Run Harrogate 10km (multi terrain) - Sunday 4th July 2021

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 10km - Saturday 3rd July 2021

Chase The Sun 10km, Victoria Park - Wednesday 30th June 2021

Chase The Sun 5km, Victoria Park - Wednesday 30th June 2021

Sikhs in the City Dawn to Dusk 10km - Sunday 27th June 2021

Sikhs in the City Dawn to Dusk Ultra - Sunday 27th June 2021

Nat reports; Dawn til Dusk Ultra Race Report
Well that was unexpected! After almost eight hours of running and eating, I seem to have picked up my first ever race win!
I certainly didn't go into this with at all lofty ambitions. After two weeks of abandoned long runs due to niggles and a throat infection that's still there, I was simply hoping to turn up and get in some useful training miles without having to carry all my own food. But upon starting, it appeared I was in good enough shape to move around at something like my easy pace of around 8 minute miles.
I was immediately hit with the realisation that the training this year must be paying off as what used to be a walking hill was, today, most definitely a running one. I'm sure I don't need to describe the route - 2km of unremarkable pavement on and around the back of Woodford Avenue. That said, the availability of food and water more than makes up for the lack of scenery as far as I'm concerned!
And so the miles ticked by with a familiarity that became strangely, almost transcendentally comforting. The occasional visits from ELRs taking photos and waving were a great boost too of course! I sacrificed the weight of a running vest for the ability to run without stopping too much and gain some momentum, which continued through marathon distance, then to 50k (4:17-PB!).
By this point, I started asking myself how long I should keep running, given I've got a 100 miler in a month's time, and resolved to aim for 50 miles, but take my foot off the gas a little. It was also around this time that I started noticing that no one seemed to be overtaking me and that I might be doing quite well. To my utter disbelief (I had a rather strange conversation with the timing person where I had to be told this about 5 times) it turned out I was leading the race by about 10k. This gave me enough motivation to keep going and grind out an unassailable lead.
With about 3 hours of the 8 to go, I was pretty much the only person still running and not walking up hill, but I still couldn't quite believe I was on track for the win. Someone even called me the Duracell bunny! I just focussed on the 50 miles and, despite slowing to 9 minute miles at best by the end, hit that milestone with just over half an hour to go. I walked/ran one more lap before my legs started to complain enough for me to call it a day 15 minutes early, not wishing to push my luck!
I was then presented with a small (but weighty) trophy and, more importantly, a plate of delicious hot samosas. Hoping to see a load of ELRs next time - it's still a really fun and friendly race!

Centurion Legionnaires Sprint Tri, Welwyn Garden - Sunday 27th June 2021

750m swim 19.55 3.30
20.3k bike 53.39 1.51
5k run 35.06
1.54.03

Maya: I have finally forgiven Talulah the Trek for throwing me off in January.
Today she helped me whiz round a triathlon nearly six minutes faster than last year,
which I am delighted with. I am also delighted with my finishers cap.
''Incremental gains' is my new favourite phrase.

MK Marathon - Sunday 27th June 2021

Mark: Glad this race started at 07:30 for me and the bad weather held off.
This course was great with only a few slight undulations which got to me with about
4 miles left to go. Other than that, quite enjoyed it as I ran it quicker than last
year and finishing inside the MK Football stadium.

Run Through Velopark Half Marathon - Saturday 26th June 2021

Run Through Velopark 10km - Saturday 26th June 2021

Orion Harriers, John Clarke Memorial Fell Race - Friday 25th June 2021

Elvis 2: East End Road Runners Midsummer 5km, Olympic Park - Wednesday 23rd June 2021

In case you haven't seen the provisional results from ELVIS 2, they are here, and what a set of results they are for the red army! As well as PBs and great times all over the places, we had some prize winners: David Jordan second man, Paul Quinton first VM40, and Caroline Frith first VW40. For the second successive race, the men's team (David, Paul, Tom Howourth, John Henry, Fabrizio Stefanoni and me) were comprehensive winners, and after coming a very narrow second in Dagenham, it looks like the women's team (Caroline, Becky Evans, Ava Lee, Paula Bedford, Chloe Millan and Kasia Stachowiak) were wait for it JOINT FIRST (hang on, shouldn't it go to penalties or something?).
As I said, these are provisional results, so please check that your result is included! We've already spotted an issue with Danny Lee's result and EERR are onto it, but let us know if there are any other omissions that need correction before the results are finalised.
What a great night - well done everyone, from a very proud team captain! Scott

Victoria Park 10km - Sunday 20th June 2021

Dartford Midnight Half Marathon - Saturday 19th June 2021

Dartford Midnight Marathon - Saturday 19th June 2021

Camino Ultra 50km, Lea Valley - Saturday 19th June 2021

The Wall 2021: 70m Carlisle to Newcastle - Friday 18th June 2021

5000m Fest, Track, Lee Valley - Wednesday 16th June 2021

Chase The Sun 5km, Clapham Common - Wednesday 16th June 2021

Woodford Green Open 800m - Tuesday 15th June 2021

Saxon Shore Half Marathon - Sunday 13th June 2021

758 finishers, Women 81st of 364.

Debbie was in action in the 4th Saxon Shore Half Marathon held over the scenic seafronts of Whitstable and Herne Bay on an out and back course with a notorious hill into Beltinge and finishing up a final hill to the castle. It wasn't an easy course and the effect was not helped by the sunshine and there being no shade or cooling breeze. Plenty of reports thanking the marshals but a water station at only halfway, then nothing for the rest of the race or at the finish due to covid restrictions.

Debbie comments: Thanks for the mention. It was tough in the heat, so I realised a couple of miles in I was not going to get anywhere near a PB. And at least 1 minute of my time was taken up by me pouring water over myself at the 1 water station!! But the whole time, I kept looking forward to a swim in the sea at the end and it made it all worth it!

Dorney Lake 5km - Saturday 12th June 2021

Conquer Crystal Palace Half Marathon - Saturday 12th June 2021

Essex XC Trail Series, Belhus Woods Country Park - Saturday 12th June 2021

Norfolk Arms fell race, Peak District - Friday 11th June 2021

Also Euan Brown 1st 41.25 & Alex Day 6th 42.48. 50 finishers.

Chase The Sun 10km, QEOP - Wednesday 9th June 2021

Stour Valley Trail Half Marathon - Sunday 6th June 2021

96 finishers.

Conquer24, Exeter - Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th June 2021

1st place in the Mixed Large Team was Smells Like Team Spirit
33 laps in 24.16.29, fastest lap 36.03, average of 44.08.
Lap distance: approx 5 miles trail. Team size: 7

Alexandra reports: What a weekend! In 2019, a group of people decided to enter a 24 hours trail relay race in Devon: Conquer 24 and a few lockdowns later, it finally happened with a great addition as our chairman joined our team of 7 (2 ELRs, 3 Ilford AC and 2 D88 runners) a few months ago. Jacob and I were particularly happy it was going ahead as two relay races we had entered this year had been cancelled: The Spitfire Scramble and The Ragnar White Cliffs.
The drive was long but we had a good night of sleep on Friday night in Exeter before Jacob, Diarmuid and I drove to the castle where the rest of the team had spent the night and we started to strategize. We knew we would have to adapt on the way but we didn't know how much more serious our planned 'laid-back/we are here to enjoy ourselves and just participate' attitude would have to switch.
We started with our 3 faster runners: Diarmuid,
Craig then
Aaron with me as the meat of the sandwich then Jacob, Nils and Lee (with a broken toe) would finish the rota. We were warned about some hills but I couldn't see any so didn't really worry about them (foolish me!) and the guys went so fast that I had just around 5 hours in between my laps. I might have commented a bit (very gently, I am sure!) about the fact that they should slow down. Then, came the night and we started to realize that we were leading the Large mixed team category! What ? That was not the plan at all !!! So, suddenly my 'well, guys, I will try to do 3 laps but really can't do 4' became then a 'Not only I'll do a 4th one but I'll give it my greatest efforts' So, I was still a slug but at least I was a consistent slug with about 57 mins for each 5 miles lap, there was no way I could run those 5 hills! Many highlights but my favourite was hearing the midnight church bells as I was passing the castle during my night run! Some have given extra efforts as Diarmuid ran 7 laps (included 2 doubles), Jacob: 6 including the last one and
Nils ran his last lap with a twisted ankle. We ran a total of 33 laps and realised our main competition was actually running in another category only when they gave them their trophy. That was a second amazing surprise and we were ecstatic!
It was a really well organised event by a super humble race director who is clearly an experienced runner (he ran the African Continent from West to East !) and they thought of everything : large carpark, great well marked course with beautiful lights at night, showers on site, toilets regularly cleaned, unlimited drinking water, free sports massages from sports students, food trucks and even a funny commentator who couldn't pronounce my name!
Jacob and I were quite tired on the way back to drive so happy we were sharing it but there is a big chance we might go back next year … With more ELRs this time, maybe ?
#ELVISfamily
#ELRlovesTrail

Run Through Hertfordshire Half Marathon, Knebworth - Sunday 6th June 2021

Andrew: Today's lesson, don't try to run a half marathon 3 days after your 2nd covid jab.

South Cambridge Half Marathon - Saturday 5th June 2021

163 finishers

Run To The Sea Brighton 50km - Saturday 5th June 2021

276 finishers.

Nat reports: Run to the Sea 50k Race Report
Being the first running of this event, people might like to know the deal for next Year, so here's what it was like:
I took the option of a bus from the finish in Hove, to the start at a very posh school in Horsham. The organisers made a huge effort to be covid compliant, with half full busses and a start staggered over two hours to allow for distancing. As well as finish line bags, they had the option of leaving snacks etc at two of the checkpoints, which might be useful for some. I didn't use this option as there was loads of food and water at the four checkpoints anyway.
The first 14 miles were really flat and along a shady path - the South Downs link. I probably didn't need trail shoes, even with the rain yesterday and the paths were good and runnable throughout. You don't often get this luxury on ultras and I pushed on whilst the going was good before hitting the Downs. This bit was the polar opposite - lots of steep climbs and with no cover from the sun. Then again, the scenery was beautiful. After some undulation, the descent to the Brighton seafront seemed well earned and I kept going without losing too much pace, which must be a benefit of all the recent miles in training.
For anyone looking for a first point to point ultra and glorious day out, I'd really recommend it. Definitely easier than Beachy Head!

Elvis 1: Dagenham 88 Runners 5 ish, Dagenham Park - Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Team Results
Men 1st 66pts, Ilford AC 2nd 99pts
Ladies 2nd 67pts, Ilford 1st 65pts

Boston Marathon (UK) - Monday 31st May 2021

Angles Way Ultra 50km - Sunday 30th May 2021

Nick: Wahey! We're ultra marathon runners! Survived the Angles Way 50km. Expected it to be tough, but it exceeded all expectations. It started hurting less than half way round and didn't get easier. Maud Hodson's advice was to start slow. I managed that, but then just got even slower! Plenty of walk breaks for even the slightest hint of a hill. Very beautiful route through the Norfolk Broads and perfect weather - blue skies but enough of a breeze to keep cool (a lot cooler than London I think).
The final straw for me was getting back to the hotel desperate for a shower to find it broken, so ended up trying to wash of sweat in the basin.

Catriona: Nick Hoult and I are finally home and gradually recovering from the Angles Way 50km, our first ultra. It was even tougher but also more lovely than I expected. They took us by bus to the start and then we followed a long distance footpath through the Norfolk Broads back to Great Yarmouth. Very scenic, very flat (although I still took walk break at the slightest hint of a hill) and almost perfect weather. But boy - 50km felt like a loooong way. I'd naively thought that it was 'only' 5 miles more than a marathon, but that's not how it felt. I felt like I'd already done a marathon by about 13 miles in and from then on my smiley optimism turned to swearing and groaning all the way.
The field became so spread out that at times I didn't see another soul for miles and it felt like you were the only person in the world. I was quite surprised to see the results and discover that we both finished comfortably in the top half.
We stayed a second night in Great Yarmouth before coming back today and managed a portion of chips in the hotel bar AFTER our dinner. It's not often you can get away with that.
We're raising money for Place2Be which offers mental health support in schools. Lots of people have been very generous and we've raised very nearly £1000.

Folkstone Coastal 10km - Sunday 30th May 2021

London To Brighton 100km - Saturday 29th May 2021

Old Deer Park Start
Green Lane Rec - 11.8k - 1.13.22 - 150th
Oak Park - 24.6k - 2.38.15 - 132nd
New Henshaw Farm - 41.4k - 4.44.13 - 108th
Tulleys Farm - 56.1k - 6.49.03 - 82nd
Ardingly College 67.8k - 8.27.11 - 59th
Wivelsfield 80.2k - 10.21.37 - 42nd
Plumpton Coll 88.2k - 11.18.56 - 34th
Brighton Races 100k - 12.52.58 - 27th

Kempton Park Marathon - Saturday 29th May 2021

Run Through Velopark Series Half Marathon - Saturday 29th May 2021

Be Fit Today Track Academy, Jim Peters Stadium, Dagenham (800m) - Saturday 29th May 2021

Big East Triathlon, - Sunday 23rd May 2021

Results: Swim leg was reduced to 500m due to water temperature, cycle leg was cancelled due to road obstruction. Results were compiled using swim and run only. Some chose not to the run leg but he Aquabike which should have been swim and bike.


Caroline Today was the Big East Triathlon , which I entered when I assumed the weather would be warm by now!! The swim was touch and go but they finally decided to go ahead with a shorter 500m distance as the water temp was only 12c - for me it was an exercise in not drowning as it was in a tidal estuary with a strong current. The 27 mile bike was reduced to 10 because a 20 tonne digger overturned, closing the road(!) but the run was the full 10k and I loved it and we got to go to the pub.

Maya ; An Aquabike event is a triathlon without the running. So the best bits of a triathlon really I think.
Today's event was a 500m swim and a 25k bike. After a delayed start we were in the marina to swim. It was choppy and bouncy and tasted so salty, and the buoys kept drifting as we swam round them. And on the final stretch the tide pulled you away from the finish if you stopped swimming. I was VERY pleased to reach solid ground.
After spending most of transition muttering to myself about how I was never going in the sea again, I gingerly got on my bike. 'Let that go now Maya. The swim is done, it was horrid, but it's done. Now just ride.’
I set off, and after about a mile I was finding my pedal legs and starting to feel comfortable. And then, competitors were riding back. What? My swim wasn't THAT slow surely? And they started to shout as they passed me: "The road is closed, turn round!"
And eventually I did. Back to transition, and we were told the cycle was cancelled. The run was still on though if we fancied it? We didn't. We walked instead, and had a lovely time, and then had a pub lunch.
Quite a lot of faff, money, time and travel for a 500m swim and 5 mile cycle. But you know what? It was worth it. I learnt a lot about sea swimming: breathe on the side away from the waves, don't give up trying, don't swallow it. And I was proud of how I managed to put my swim stress away so I could ride.
And our 5k walk was lovely. As was the pub lunch.

Alexandra; Great outdoor day at the Big East Triathlon today with Maya Goodwin, Sarah Burns, Anna Dingle, Caroline Frith and Michael Bamford!
A bit of an atypical one, because of the water temperature, we only got the sea swim confirmed (and shortened to my despair) one hour before the delayed start. Then, an accident on the road meant a road block and having the route rerouted (for those patient enough to wait for it) or shorten (to my delight!).
And the run, oh gosh, was tough ! Grassy, windy seawall field for the second part.
But it was all forgotten when we all had lunch together, where I noticed that triathletes were a lot less social than runners, they all went home directly after the event! Unbelievable, that's the best part!!!!

Run Through Olympic Park 5km - Saturday 22nd May 2021

Woodford Green Invite Meeting, Ashton Playing Fields - Saturday 22nd May 2021

Hurdles & Middle Distance events, Bromley - Saturday 22nd May 2021

Lake Dorney Half Marathon - Saturday 22nd May 2021

340 finishers

Run Through Olympic Park 10km - Saturday 22nd May 2021

Shires and Spires Ultra 35m (55.5k) - Sunday 16th May 2021

Colchester Stampede Volunteers - Sunday 16th May 2021

Michael and I volunteered at the Colchester Stampede 10k this morning-
we had an excellent vantage point next to the elephants which provided
great amusement amongst the runners, with many of the more leisurely
ones stopping for selfies on the way past. Only one torrential downpour
and we got to have a mooch around the zoo afterwards. It seemed friendly
and well organised, I have no idea what the course was like but I’ve
heard rumours of hills.

Run Through Colchester Stampede 10km - Sunday 16th May 2021

It was brutal but sweet after all. I got leg cramps at mile 14 so I have to JogWalk
the remaining distance. Yes, I finished the race & seems they had been considering
the time limits. Unfortunately medals from the supplier did not arrive on time so
it will be mailed soon.
Ford

Kew Air 10km, Kew Gardens - Saturday 15th May 2021

Robert Spread
Great race, very bendy! Pretty busy at the start but cleared out and was lovely scenery.

Andrea Waller
Was really good, felt very safe and well organised. Free places for us too as NHS. Happy days. And cake afterwards obvs!

Reunion 5km, Kempton Park - Saturday 15th May 2021

1089 finishers, B Race ( 785 A Race)
Karan Gadhia
It was a good race though and we both really enjoyed it. Race B had a mass wave start which was brilliant to be part of again after so long. Nice flat route round the race course and surrounding area with a lake. Really well organised - it all felt very normal and safe. Hopefully we'll all be doing 5k on Saturday morning in 3 weeks time

Chase The Sun 5km, Olympic Park - Wednesday 12th May 2021

Chase The Moon 10km, QEOP - Wednesday 12th May 2021

Ultra X 125 Scotland : Day Two (50km) - Sunday 9th May 2021

Day 2 : 50 km in 5.10.11 (6.12 per km) . Averaging for 125 km : 6.16 per km or 10.06 per mile.
Day 2 began with Jose gaining another 5 minutes between the start and checkpoint 2,
but Carla then pushed ahead approaching CP3, then 4 and the finish.
Jose finished 2nd in 5.10.11, with a total time of 13.04.38.
He had won overall as Carla's time was 13.09.13.

Thank you everyone! It's been very hard today but manage to keep the first place.
Over the moon here! Can't wait to have a nice bath..

Report: Pt 2 - Sunday, I had breakfast and tried to stretch my poor legs. Overall I wasn't feeling that bad ( the long runs back to back seemed to have an effect)but my quads were still like rocks. We started at 8 am. I was first , follow every few seconds by the rest. The 2nd male, Paulius a sky runner from Latvia started very strong pushing in front of me..that made me slightly nervous...I had 1 hour cushion from the day before but I wonder if he just got lost and here he was full of energy ready to reduce that gap...I decided to don't let him go, even if a fast start wasn't what I had planned. I took the lead after 1st Check point and managed to keep it until 12-13 km to the end where Carla passed me looking much fresher than me My quads were very painful and not responding well so the downhills were very dangerous ( I had fallen previously in similar situations)and I tried to go slow and don't risk falling...I was controlling the gap with Carla and managed to win overall with around 4 min gap and 1h and 23 min ahead of 2nd male.
The organisation was spectacular. Everyone was so nice and friendly and marking was the only reason I'm still not lost in the mountains. The pizza and beer at the end was also amazing.
Overall I surprised myself with the result as living in London there are not many hilly places to train and I wasn't expecting to do so well up in the mountains. Training wise I just added the back to back long runs, nothing super-crazy...and I started using kettle bells for strength. By far, the most difficult/ stressful thing of the whole experience it was, without any doubt, trying to get ready the mandatory kit and all the essential kit and pack it in a 6kg bag..of course just as I was living the hotel on Saturday morning, my bag bursted open and I had to use a bin bag as a holdall bag the rest of the weekend. Not the most glamorous runner.
It was great to see all the support messages and see how much fun some of you had tracking me. You are all so supportive and amazing human beings.

Start-CP 1 Jose 43.41, Carla 44.20,
CP 1-2 : 55.22 , 59.49,
CP 2-3 : 1.29.45, 1.26.47,
CP 3-4 : 1.01.19, 56.48,
CP 4-Fin: 1.00.04, 49.22.

Ultra X 125 Scotland : Day One (75km) - Saturday 8th May 2021

125 km's in two days, 75 km on day 1 and 50 km on day 2 with 3,363 metres of climbing.
Day 1 finished in 1st place in 7.54.27 (6.19 per km), 2nd place was Carla Molinaro the
LEJOG World Record holder from 2020 in 8.10.38, giving him a 16 min cushion for Day 2.

Thanks guys!! You are so amazingly supportive!! ELR representative at ultraX Scotland!!
I just hope I can recover enough for tomorrow.

Report :Pt 1 - As promised here is the race report:
During the last couple of years I've increasingly got more bored of running on roads so I usually found myself running in the beautiful Epping forest. I started considering ultra and a friend of mine let me the book "The rise of the ultra runners by Adharaman Finn. I think as soon as I finished the book I signed up for my first ultra. I did the Country to Capital in January 2020 where I made the podium in 3rd position ( just in front of Carla Molinaro again). Last year has been really hard for training due to health issues and the cancellation of most races...and I did really struggled to put my shoes on and go for a run and virtual races did not motivate me neither...In September I signed up for an ultra( Chiltern wonderland 50 miles)I was still suffering from health issues and halfway I started suffering from cramps and for injured with my IT band even after that I manage to finish 7th...so I was very pleased and happy to being able to race.
Ultra X Scotland was my 3rd ultra marathon and my first multi-stage. The race was in the Highlands in Scotland, 125 km and 3.363 m around the mythical Loch Ness. Saturday we started in Inverness at 7 am and finished in Fort Augustus. I had never run in the mountains before so I wasn't sure what to expect and how my legs will respond in that type of terrain. The plan was to try and stay with Carla ( I knew we run to a similar pace and she is super-experience, but surprisingly I found myself leading and I was feeling comfortable. I decided to do my own race thinking they'll catch me soon. I was shock at the wilderness of the terrain ( jumping fences with barded wire), mud, snow, rocks, crossing rivers...but I have to admit that it was kind of fun. Around the last check point, I spoke to my husband who was tracking us. I didn't want to push unnecessarily as we had another 50 km to do the following morning but I wanted to keep some cushion time from Carla as I knew she will probably will recover much better than me. I finish first with 16 min cushion from the overall second ( Carla) and 1 hour with the second male...I was worried that I might have pushed too much on day 1 and I'll not be able to move on day 2 but I manage to keep this negative thoughts at bay. We slept in a tent in fort Augustus, it was cold and body was aching so no much sleep at all...the only luxury that we had it was hot water for the food. I made sure at ate right from the beginning ( dehydrated food is not that bad:), had some herbal tea and instant coffee to keep warm. It was a nice atmosphere, everyone was very friendly and congratulate me on my 1st day victory. I felt a bit out of place with the all attention if I'm honest... From there... keep warm, eat, drink and stretch...The camp was absolutely beautiful but it was absolutely cover by sheep excrements...not like you care too much to step on them at the time

London Spring 10km, Regents Park - Saturday 8th May 2021

Essex XC 10km series: Event 1 - Hylands Park - Saturday 8th May 2021

Essex Cycle Sportive (42 miles), Redbridge Cycle Circuit - Sunday 2nd May 2021

Maya Goodwin reports: Tour Essex Sportive. The short route.

I nearly stopped at 0.25 mikes, every bit of gravel and every dent in the road looked like it had bone breaking potential. I was terrified and 'I can't do it' was on repeat in my head. Not a great mantra to carry me along for the next four hours! Hmmm. Sarah Burns said that she uses a one syllable word on repeat for the bad times. So the next 10 miles were covered by me mainly saying 'jam' on repeat.
Miles 10-20 were covered by me mainly singing show tunes.
Miles 20-27 were covered by me mainly counting down the miles to the food station
Miles 27- 42 were covered by me mainly grumbling to myself.
And then I finished. I've just managed to get the dead fly out of my eye that flew in at 30 miles. So that was nice.
And now I'm mainly not getting off the sofa.

Country to Capital Ultra : 43 miles - Saturday 1st May 2021

CP 1 7.5 miles 1.07.54
CP 2 17 miles 1.39.22 = 2.47.16
CP 3 26.2 miles 1.30.49 = 4.18.05
CP 4 32.9 miles 1.04.20 = 5.22.25
CP 5 37.1 miles 0.39.00 = 6.01.25
Fin 43 miles 0.54.23 = 6.55.48

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 10km - Saturday 1st May 2021

270 finishers.

Sherry Media Maraton , Jerez (20.9kms) - Sunday 25th April 2021

Nice birthday present. Glad to run back on my land and see many friends,
even though I missed several minutes in the fastest part of the circuit
for a poorly placed beacon and down jumping enfangled vines to the
desperate and other things. The end time doesn't reflect how well I've
run, but I'm stuck with that I'm fit. 22.50 km for my Garmin.
(Translation on facebook)

Lee Valley Open track meet, 800m - Sunday 25th April 2021

Run Through Goodwood Motor Circuit Marathon - Sunday 25th April 2021

215 finishers.
Paul reports: A pb for me but it was hard work.
A PB that's stood for about 12 years but found it pretty tough!
Windy conditions and wouldn't do a lapped course again out of
choice. But got a decent GFA time for London next year which was
the aim so am pretty thrilled. The biggest shame was to have no
family/friends there to celebrate with - racing is pretty sterile
right now.

End Of The Year 10m, Staplehurst - Sunday 25th April 2021

200 finishers.
Alice reports: Today I completed my first long race in over a year (10 miles).
I had to start marathon training with time on my feet so I thought this would be perfect.
The first 6 miles were lovely, there were ponies, llamas and rabbits and I was running
at a quicker pace than planned...and hadn't complained once! I then turned the corner
and saw hill after hill so had to have a cheeky little walk.
The last 2 miles felt tough and the scenery looked like the Essex 20 and due to only
running 6 miles in training it felt like I had run the Essex 20. I was aiming for 2 hours
so was pleased with my time, without the hills it would have been lovely.

Run Through Velopark 10km - Saturday 24th April 2021

Essex Marathon, Debden Airfield - Sunday 18th April 2021

Michael Wilson: 37th Marathon and a new one for me.
6 laps (26.2 miles) of a measured course on a disused airfield around RAF Debden,
Carver Barracks, Near Saffron Walden, Essex. The shape of one lap of the course
is meant to resemble the figure of an aeroplane! Completely in the open, there
was no shelter from the early cold breeze and the sun later on. A great day out
and good to be able to run a marathon again.
Finishing Time: 4.23.03.

Run Through Leicestershire Half Marathon - Sunday 18th April 2021

Previous best was 1.20.17.

Loseley Park 10km - Sunday 18th April 2021

Andrew Baxter
Tough race on hard rutted trails in glorious countryside around Loseley Hall
down near Guilford. Couple of very tough climbs but rewarded with amazing
views and a mainly downhill finish. Just over 150m of elevation gain - which
have to admit was a bit of a shock to system and big steep descent was almost
as bad as the climb!

Dorney Lake Half Marathon - Sunday 18th April 2021

Paul Woodmansey
Thanks. A PB for me, knocking nearly 3 mins off my best time set
12 years ago as a sprightly 28 yr old. If there's been one benefit
to lockdown, it's that I've been able to train consistently and
it seems to be paying dividends!

Chingford League Relays, Dagenham Park (2 miles) - Saturday 17th April 2021