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Results

Lanzarote 10km - Saturday 2nd December 2023

Essex XC Vets, Men 40+, Chelmsford - Saturday 2nd December 2023

Essex Vets XC Vets, Women 40+, Chelmsford - Saturday 2nd December 2023

Essex XC Vets - M50+, Chelmsford - Saturday 2nd December 2023

Victoria Park half marathon - Saturday 2nd December 2023

Victoria Park 10km - Saturday 2nd December 2023

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 2nd December 2023

Roding Valley parkrun
56 16 Caroline MOORE 00:33:22
Wanstead Flats parkrun
13 12 Fernando ESPADA 00:20:55
26 25 Jonny SHAW 00:22:31
67 59 Ian BURROWS 00:25:16
101 18 Kate BRETT 00:28:01
117 87 Scott MCMILLAN 00:28:30
151 44 Rebecca KHAN 00:30:38
157 48 Annette CLARK 00:30:56
158 49 Andrea WALLER 00:30:57
171 57 Suzanne BENCH 00:31:56
189 114 Andrew HOWARD 00:34:17
Mile End parkrun
20 19 Shahib ALI 00:19:37
296 177 Mark MOIR 00:44:10
Walthamstow parkrun
68 48 Steve BYWATER 00:30:37
89 35 Maya GOODWIN 00:34:58
107 58 Mark DURRANT 00:55:41
Ford parkrun
12 11 Paul MARSHALL 00:22:49
Valentines parkrun
12 12 Ashley FARIA 00:20:59
29 25 Jimmy DALE 00:23:17
36 30 Matthew POWELL 00:23:49
82 14 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:22
101 80 Jason LEVY 00:29:00
119 28 Mary Frances O'BRIEN 00:30:26
Pymmes parkrun
72 57 Andy BOLDERSTONE 00:28:39
Raphael parkrun
160 39 Natasha HOWARD 00:31:33
Hillsborough parkrun
236 56 Fiona DAY 00:30:14
Porch Field parkrun
33 20 Viktor F SZABADI 00:29:10

39th Firenze Marathon - Sunday 26th November 2023

Chingford League - Event 4 - Trent Park inc Fraternity trophy.(7.5km) - Saturday 25th November 2023

195 finishers.
Team results: A Team 6th, B Team 6th, Vets 7th.

Chingford League - Event 4 - Trent Park inc Sorority trophy.(7.5km) - Saturday 25th November 2023

124 finishers.
Team results: ELR 6th, B Team 7th, Vets 8th

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 25th November 2023

Roundshaw Downs parkrun
61 54 Martin QUINLAN 00:29:13
Roding Valley parkrun
34 30 Jimmy DALE 00:26:13
72 18 Caroline MOORE 00:33:08
78 23 Caroline FRITH 00:36:40
Valentines parkrun
14 12 Ashley FARIA 00:20:59
35 32 Mounir DAHBI 00:22:52
54 45 Imran MUSTAK 00:24:20
95 18 Bilkis ACHHA 00:26:29
145 102 Jason LEVY 00:29:12
198 133 Mark DURRANT 00:32:51
217 64 May HAU 00:34:03
260 88 Elizabeth O'DONNELL 00:39:11
Wanstead Flats parkrun
19 17 Jonny SHAW 00:21:40
40 36 Finbar SHEAHAN 00:23:34
81 71 Samir YOUNSI 00:26:25
96 78 Scott MCMILLAN 00:27:15
162 48 Fiona DAY 00:31:58
167 53 Katherine HARRIS 00:33:03
Pymmes parkrun
54 43 Andy BOLDERSTONE 00:27:44
Gunpowder parkrun
12 12 Alex PICKERING 00:19:30
Gadebridge parkrun
117 30 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:35:40
Walthamstow parkrun
82 12 Janet BYWATER 00:28:21
128 84 Steve BYWATER 00:53:12
Hillsborough parkrun
259 188 Andrew HOWARD 00:28:40
Springburn parkrun, Glasgow
100 57 Frank BROWNLIE 00:30:51
Castle Park parkrun
73 62 James CREED 00:24:46
Victoria Dock parkrun
117 90 Jakub CZECZÓTKA 00:26:52
Whakatane Gardens parkrun
37 17 Ciarán CANAVAN 00:49:14
Lordship Recreation Ground parkrun
21 16 James NICHOLS 00:20:19
Great Notley parkrun
62 48 Stuart BARTON 00:27:34

Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5km - Friday 24th November 2023

Conwy Half Marathon - Sunday 19th November 2023

Gosport Half Marathon - Sunday 19th November 2023

1254 finishers.

Coastbuster 10 mile, Ramsgate - Sunday 19th November 2023

Run Victoria Park 10km - Sunday 19th November 2023

87 finishers

Run Through Hampton Court Palace 10km - Sunday 19th November 2023

1892 finishers

Run Through Battersea Park half marathon - Saturday 18th November 2023

London XC Championships, Parliament Hill - Men (approx 10.7km) - Saturday 18th November 2023

Team result: 29th of 36.

East London Runners at the SEAA London Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill Fields.
The London Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill is one of the big spectacles of the cross country season, with hundreds of runners stampeding up the big hill at the start. The weather turned out to be perfect for cross country running, mild and dry with only a slight breeze. The heavy rain in the weeks leading up to the event, made the going very muddy underfoot and I was thankful that I was supporting this year instead of running.
In the women's race, Jane Burton edged past Cath Perry to be the first ELR woman home. They finished in 130th and 134th position respectively. Then came Cindy Koon in 150th and Victoria Charlesworth in 248th. Cindy out sprinted Rahana Islam (151st) - wearing her first claim Dagenham vest, - for the finish line.
Ryan Friel led our men's team home in 103rd position, despite taking a fall near some bushes and he was followed by Karan Gadhia in 194th. Amit Marks was 332nd and then came John O'Brien (435th), just days after racing to a 10K PB. George Georgiou finishing in 444th position, completed our men’s lineup.
Well done to everyone who competed for the club in these championships. Everything worked out well and it was particularly enjoyable from a spectator point of view, to witness a great quality field of athletes.

London XC Championships, Parliament Hill - Women (approx 8km) - Saturday 18th November 2023

Team results: 27th of 31.

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 18th November 2023

Valentines parkrun
12 11 Ashley FARIA 00:20:47
38 33 Imran MUSTAK 00:23:41
70 14 Sandra PRESTON 00:26:01
72 16 Katrina BETTERIDGE 00:26:24
80 19 Ann DUNNE 00:26:52
84 22 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:11
94 66 Stuart BARTON 00:27:59
124 35 Kathy MORRISSEY 00:30:03
144 44 Sarah LOCKLEY 00:31:56
Wanstead Flats parkrun
17 16 Finbar SHEAHAN 00:22:21
28 25 Ian MACKIE 00:23:50
91 69 Scott MCMILLAN 00:29:51
99 74 Andrew HOWARD 00:30:30
135 41 Caroline MOORE 00:35:22
Chester parkrun
184 137 Arthur DIAZ 00:31:35
Mile End parkrun
75 65 Mark MOIR 00:22:30
Gadebridge parkrun
73 23 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:36:25
Barking parkrun
119 41 Caroline FRITH 00:46:11
Walthamstow parkrun
74 15 Janet BYWATER 00:32:04
87 65 Steve BYWATER 00:35:01
Malling parkrun
44 40 Jonathan WOOLDRIDGE 00:24:50
Rutland Water parkrun
148 95 Marc AKERS 00:37:25
Felixstowe parkrun
89 16 Katherine HARRIS 00:29:43
Morecambe Prom parkrun
23 21 Paul MARSHALL 00:22:14
Roundshaw Downs parkrun
82 63 Martin QUINLAN 00:34:49
Hackney Marshes parkrun
28 27 Jonny SHAW 00:21:33
Highbury Fields parkrun
80 74 Richard GUEST 00:23:40
159 37 Catriona HOULT 00:27:11
Porch Field parkrun
24 12 Viktor F SZABADI 00:27:27

Run In The Dark 10km, Battersea Park - Wednesday 15th November 2023

628 finishers

Sri Chimnoy Golden Leaf 10km, Battersea Park - Saturday 11th November 2023

Saturn - We Will Remember 2023 Timed Event (17.5 miles) - Saturday 11th November 2023

152 finishers

Loughton AC George Richardson Inter Vets XC - Saturday 11th November 2023

Team results:
Men 3rd
Women 2nd
Overall teams:
Men 4th ELR A team
Men 8th ELR B team
Overall team:
Women 2nd ELR

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 11th November 2023

Stuart Barton: So alphabet 2 is complete.
Along with a few other ELR and Louise Taylor from EM we traveled at silly o'clock to Quakers walk in Devizes Wilts, a massive thanks to all at ELR who put up with constant babbling about parkrun and even join me on some of these trips. Kasia Stachowiak came along and did her 250th. We was met on site by Shaun DeSena who left ELR when he moved to Brighton but along with myself and Fiona Critchly completed our second alphabet together just as we did our first. Also Morag Campbell and Catriona Davies who came and collect the hard to get Q,
More trips planned.

Maidstone parkrun
59 54 Jonathan WOOLDRIDGE 00:23:58
Lister Park parkrun, Bradford
131 25 Janet BYWATER 00:28:08
Valentines parkrun
19 18 Ashley FARIA 00:21:11
20 19 Redmond SHANNON 00:21:41
34 32 Matthew POWELL 00:22:59
112 21 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:09
171 124 Mark DURRANT 00:30:34
227 71 May HAU 00:34:38
Wanstead Flats parkrun
59 51 Finbar SHEAHAN 00:25:29
90 14 Suzanne TAYLOR 00:27:54
93 75 Scott MCMILLAN 00:27:58
147 36 Rebecca KHAN 00:31:38
173 51 Catherine MCMILLAN 00:34:32
176 118 Andrew HOWARD 00:34:45
Chester parkrun
192 156 Arthur DIAZ 00:30:20
Pymmes parkrun
32 29 Jakub CZECZÓTKA 00:24:40
Mile End parkrun
252 176 Matthew GIBBS 00:27:17
Gadebridge parkrun
91 22 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:33:46
Hilly Fields parkrun
155 111 Martin QUINLAN 00:29:02
Walthamstow parkrun
97 69 Steve BYWATER 00:31:35
Springburn parkrun, Glasgow
95 60 Frank BROWNLIE 00:31:47
Kesgrave parkrun
190 61 Katherine HARRIS 00:35:00
Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge
17 15 Paul MARSHALL 00:23:16
Grovelands parkrun, Enfield
132 98 George GEORGIOU 00:28:25
Roding Valley parkrun
66 21 Caroline MOORE 00:33:22
Porch Field parkrun
37 25 Viktor F SZABADI 00:27:10

Chingford League - Event 3: Redbridge Cycle Circuit 5km - Mens Race - Tuesday 7th November 2023

238 finishers.
Team scores: A Team 6th, B 6th, Vets 10th/21.
Overall: A 6th, B 6th of 21, Vets 6th of 21.

Chingford League - Event 3: Redbridge Cycle Circuit 5km - Womens Race - Tuesday 7th November 2023

173 finishers.
Team results: A Team came 6th, B Team 5th, Vets 4th.
Overall (3 events) A 6th, B 4th of 21, Vets 5th of 21.

TCS New York City Marathon - Sunday 5th November 2023

halfway point: Jimmy 1.45.44 / Simon 1.45.46 / Ford 2.26.24

Hertfordshire Half Marathon - Sunday 5th November 2023

Sunday XC League: Event 3- Trent Park - Sunday 5th November 2023

Team results:
Women: A Team 6th (10th overall), B Team 7th (7th), Masters 4th (4th)
Men : A Team 9th (8th overall), B Team 4th (5th), Masters 7th (6th).

Mike Reports.
The third Sunday League race of the season took place on a dry, sunny morning amongst the autumnal colours of Trent Park. This popular venue saw a huge field of approx 450 runners, line up at the start to run a course of approx 4.7 miles. The heavy, persistent rain of the previous few days had made the surface sticky and muddy underfoot, in the top field (close to the start/finish area) in particular, but the feeling was that it could have been a lot worse! Great commitment from the cross country team again in a busy Winter League schedule, with 27 runners from ELR making the short trip to Cockfosters, coming just a week after the previous race outing at Watford. Jose Rodriguez happened to be passing by and stormed to a 19th place finish (plenty of time to take photos after - thanks Nacho!) and James Nichols incorporated the race into the middle of a 20 mile training run! Our ace cake baker and runner, Karan Gadhia was in 58th position, whilst Rachel Bailey had a lightning 76th place finish. Cath Perry and Fernando Espada were the two Sunday League debutantes and Calvin Bobin made a successful return following a long absence due to injury. Rahana Islam, having left her cross country shoes at home, managed to borrow more suitable footwear from PB Queen Cindy Koon, albeit three sizes too large! Everyone was outstanding today, thank you for running and to Karan for bringing his delicious chocolate brownies for us to devour afterwards. A few weeks off now until the next Sunday League fixture on 17th December at Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage.

Rahana Islam : Wow Trent Park was fun wasn't?
I was so impressed with myself having ran an XC yesterday I managed to get my race bag sorted fine this morning
Had towel, wipes, snack, massive coat & layers incase weather turned.
Was offering use of my big XC bag for anyone else to put stuff in as there was so much space in it.
Hmm it's so light I must be stonger than I thought bad feels like nothing on my shoulder
Any guesses why it felt so light..?!?
Massive thanks Cindy for salvaging my run When you're a size 3 and borrow size 6 spare pair trails and extra pair of socks to help fit. Unfortunately without claws I had no chance moving across the boggy bits.
I was left for dust but once in the woods I thought phew I can move now, started picking people off, then we're out of woods back on boggy bit before starting next loop and I decided to make life harder by stacking it in an epic fashion . My ankle is sore as turned it and I've got 3k to go. Hobble along, try to keep moving I want to finish this,back in woods yayyy, I think I can start running again on sore foot. Next were coming back out again, we turn off towards that last hill. I like hills, this is fine, oh no it isn't I'm sliding backwards I can't get any grip.
Wow, getting over taking left right centre, I need a rope to pull me up. Felt like an eternity before I got to top seeing Rachel & Jose cheering at the top did put a smile on my face
Finally the last stretch (and of course more boggy slippy sliding-ness) didn't want to sprint finish anyway!
Job done. Yummy treats from Karan (thank youuuu!) took sting out of it.
Apologies guys for my stupidness will attempt to prep better for next one.
Welldone everyone. Despite slight hiccup loved that especially run through the woods. You were right Adrian, it was a treat.

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 4th November 2023

Gunpowder parkrun
109 29 Maya GOODWIN 00:31:15
Roundshaw Downs parkrun
86 63 Martin QUINLAN 00:32:48
Hackney Marshes parkrun
29 26 Jonny SHAW 00:21:29
37 34 Redmond SHANNON 00:21:57
Roding Valley parkrun
34 33 John HEALY 00:26:47
78 28 Caroline MOORE 00:35:05
88 38 Caroline FRITH 00:49:35
Valentines parkrun
33 29 Matthew POWELL 00:23:51
41 37 Imran MUSTAK 00:24:31
69 56 John O'BRIEN 00:26:14
94 16 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:42
100 19 Catriona HOULT 00:28:05
Wanstead Flats parkrun
19 16 Ian MACKIE 00:23:05
90 64 Kieran BROWN 00:30:11
92 66 Scott MCMILLAN 00:30:19
121 41 Fiona DAY 00:32:14
147 84 Andrew HOWARD 00:38:04
Raphael parkrun
16 16 Amit MARKS 00:21:55
Ferry Meadows parkrun
412 262 Marc AKERS 00:37:32
Kesgrave parkrun
24 21 Steve SWAN 00:22:02
143 36 Katherine HARRIS 00:34:16
Malling parkrun
59 54 Jonathan WOOLDRIDGE 00:25:29
Harleston Magpies parkrun
46 28 Don BENNETT 00:40:55
Lordship Recreation Ground parkrun
19 18 James NICHOLS 00:20:44

Dublin Marathon - Sunday 29th October 2023

Sunday XC League: Event 2 - Watford, Cassiobury Park - Sunday 29th October 2023

Team results
Women
A Team 5th (11th overall) B Team 7th (7th), Masters 3rd (5th)
Men
A Team 8th (9th overall) B Team 5th (5th), Masters 8th (7th)
Combined 8th of 21

Mike reports. Well done to all the ELRs who came out in force despite the downfall of rain. It was a great turnout, with 24 members from the club running today. An excellent course of Approx 6 miles around the delights of Cassiobury Park, starting off in the parkland then two laps of the woodlands. It started to rain heavily shortly after the start of the race and this made the course more challenging than usual.

Rachel Bailey had a great run again (following her 6th place finish at Chesthunt) and was first back for a strong womens team, in 87th position overall. Next was Rahana Islam, making her Sunday League debut and finishing in 161st, followed by Becky Evans in 175th. Cindy Koon (210th) and Sandra Preston (285th), completed the scoring for the womens A team.

Thomas Grimes was our first male finisher in 36th position, followed by Karan Gadhia (56th) and Alex Pickering (63rd). James Nichols was 70th and then came Paul Watkins (99th), also making his Sunday League debut. Jacob Stevens, Mark Moir and Ian Mackie also scored for the mens A team.

This was a very enjoyable day out, with great camaraderie and banter all round! We are looking forward to the third race in the series, which is at Trent Park, Cockfosters, next Sunday 5th November.

Snowdonia Eryri Marathon - Saturday 28th October 2023

Maverick Adidas Suffolk (9km) (short course) - Saturday 28th October 2023

Chasing Pumpkins 10km, Epping Forest (Haven's House) - Saturday 28th October 2023

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 28th October 2023

Roundshaw Downs parkrun
67 53 Martin QUINLAN 00:30:37
Roding Valley parkrun
50 39 Tim AYLETT 00:28:12
76 21 Caroline MOORE 00:32:45
Valentines parkrun
51 42 Jimmy DALE 00:23:42
99 83 John O'BRIEN 00:25:52
109 85 George GEORGIOU 00:26:14
118 24 Bilkis ACHHA 00:26:39
136 31 Mary Frances O'BRIEN 00:27:29
156 36 Katrina BETTERIDGE 00:28:30
218 141 Imran MUSTAK 00:32:36
249 88 May HAU 00:35:10
308 127 Elizabeth O'DONNELL 00:48:44
Wanstead Flats parkrun
16 14 Jonny SHAW 00:21:30
20 17 Finbar SHEAHAN 00:22:33
25 21 Ian MACKIE 00:23:01
92 68 Paul WATKINS 00:27:32
118 81 Scott MCMILLAN 00:28:56
140 44 Kara GALLEAR 00:30:17
185 65 Catherine MCMILLAN 00:35:01
Pymmes parkrun
103 67 Andy BOLDERSTONE 00:30:51
Mile End parkrun
244 173 Jakub CZECZÓTKA 00:26:34
Gadebridge parkrun
96 30 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:34:05
Walthamstow parkrun
40 33 Andrew BAXTER 00:25:02
152 79 Alex PICKERING 00:55:09
Kesgrave parkrun
22 21 Steve SWAN 00:21:47
151 35 Katherine HARRIS 00:31:01
Porch Field parkrun
21 16 Viktor F SZABADI 00:27:41
Whakatane Gardens parkrun
38 16 Lance FULLER 01:01:06

Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5km - Friday 27th October 2023

Battersea Park Marathon - Sunday 22nd October 2023

Fleet 10km - Sunday 22nd October 2023

Cheshire 10 mile - Sunday 22nd October 2023

Battersea Park Half Marathon - Sunday 22nd October 2023

Valencia Half Marathon - Sunday 22nd October 2023

Chingford League: Event 2 - Eastbrookend Park (7.4km / 4.6 miles approx) - Saturday 21st October 2023

Beachy Head Ultra (52.6km) - Saturday 21st October 2023

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 21st October 2023

Highbury Fields parkrun
86 71 Richard GUEST 00:23:15
Roundshaw Downs parkrun
74 58 Martin QUINLAN 00:34:48
Roding Valley parkrun
75 19 Caroline MOORE 00:31:55
Moors Valley parkrun
237 178 Richard CRAVITZ 00:28:52
Valentines parkrun
24 23 Matthew POWELL 00:23:00
27 25 Jimmy DALE 00:23:23
68 52 George GEORGIOU 00:26:42
80 20 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:15
Wanstead Flats parkrun
17 15 Redmond SHANNON 00:22:23
81 61 Andrew HOWARD 00:28:10
93 65 Scott MCMILLAN 00:29:19
155 54 Fiona DAY 00:34:40
157 56 Rebecca KHAN 00:34:50
Gadebridge parkrun
93 25 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:36:04
Chelmsford Central parkrun
31 28 James NICHOLS 00:20:29
Delamere parkrun
232 165 Arthur DIAZ 00:32:55
Walthamstow parkrun
57 12 Sarah BURNS 00:26:46
81 21 Janet BYWATER 00:28:51
95 66 Steve BYWATER 00:30:02
127 50 Maya GOODWIN 00:35:40
Springburn parkrun, Glasgow
76 55 Frank BROWNLIE 00:30:32
Great Notley parkrun
46 32 David TAYLOR 00:28:32
Hockley Woods parkrun
62 12 Alexandra WILKINSON 00:30:34
Porch Field parkrun
27 20 Viktor F SZABADI 00:26:59

Chelmsford Marathon - Sunday 15th October 2023

Chelmsford Marathon race report: Two years ago I ran my first marathon at Richmond Park. It was an unsatisfactory affair. The majority of the course was hard gravel paths which made painful running and at 21 miles I was hit by cramps and ended up run/walking to the finish line and a time of 4h48m. So I had some unfinished business. Amsterdam had sold out but Chelmsford was open and I signed up. Training had gone to plan until week 12, just as I started tapering, a blister on my little toe meant cutting back on long runs, it didn't worsen and fortunately healed by race day. Because of this, in the final week I had serious doubts about a 4hr finish and considered running a slower pace. The night before the race I decided to stick with the 4hr Pacer for as long as I could and then hope for the best to the finish. Race day and a chilly NW breeze and 5deg, gloves, hat and a trail running jacket stuffed full of gels, funsize Milky Way bars, salt tabs and I was ready to go and meeting JP, Jamie and Tommo gave me a boost. Race start and amongst 400 marathoners, I spotted the 4hr pacer and at 9.10am, away we went. The first three 3 miles were easy enough but very congested due to narrow paths, very scenic through Central Park, Admirals Park and Writtle University Campus. Out into the country lanes and we stretched our legs but felt the chilly NW breeze, not much protection here. There were about a dozen of us with the pacer and sprits were high anticipating the challenge ahead. The course was mostly flat with the odd shallow incline now and again, nothing major and water stations every 3 miles. Very well organised and a big thank you to the marshals, some of whom must have been out there for 7 hours in the cold. 10 miles in and the first indications of tiredness in the legs, runners had thinned out a bit except for my group. After 13 miles I began to struggle a bit on some short inclines and at 15M marker there was a short loop leading back to the 13M marker, not what I wanted to see. Worse, slowing down to grab water at the water stations I found myself having to make up the gap back to the pacer, but all was still going to plan. At 18 miles, there were about 7-8 of us with the pacer, legs were definitely feeling it but I was confident to finish in a reasonable time. Around 21 miles and 10k to go, I started to drift of the pace but kept the pacer within 50m, only 3-4 runners still with him. Ankles, knees and hips were aching, I was down to my last gel. 23miles and 3.2 miles to go I realised I'd lost sight of the pacer, so I pushed a little more hoping to catch up. 24 miles and retracing the route through the University Campus, my legs were now screaming at me to just stop and walk but I knew if I did, I probably wouldn't be able to get going again and I was determined to get as close to 4hrs as possible. Last 2 miles through Admirals park and Central Park felt the longest, It was relatively quiet, a few people were out for a stroll or walking the dog or cycling but all offered encouraging support, "well done", "your nearly there" as I ran past, it really helped me to keep going and not give up. With a 100m to go I could hear cheering and clapping ahead and rounding a bend, there were the spectators and the finish line. I summoned all the energy I had left and pushed for the line. From somewhere I could hear someone shouting my name. It was JP! I managed a wave in the general direction trying not lose my balance or stumble at the same time. Meters from the line I was hit by cramps but it didn't matter. I couldn't believe I had just run a marathon in 4hrs and 43sec, I could hardly walk but I was chuffed and seeing JP, Jamie and Peter at the finish just made it a whole lot better. I didn't think I would be able to keep a 9min/mile pace for 26.2 miles, but I did! It's amazing what the human body is capable of. My Body Pump instructor was fond of saying, "what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger!" You just need to push outside your comfort zone, keep pushing until you can't.
“On a given day, a given circumstance, you think you have a limit. And you then go for this limit and you touch this limit, and you think, 'Okay, this is the limit'. And so you touch this limit, something happens and you suddenly can go a little bit further" - Ayrton Senna.

Oxford Half Marathon - Sunday 15th October 2023

TCS Amsterdam Marathon - Sunday 15th October 2023

My first crazy marathon at Amsterdam. A massive thank you to happy runner Rahana Islam I would never have entered a marathon if it wasn't for her encouragement, advice and support all the way through. Congratulations to her who ran a PB and an Ultra the weekend after.Thank's to everyone at the club for their words of support and encouragement before and after the marathon and those that have helped me with my Sunday and Wednesday long runs. Ramesh making sure I didnt get injured on my last Wednesday run in the dark .Imran MustakJohn O'BrienKaty BetteridgeKathryn Hertzberg your constant support and advice throughout have played such an enormous part. Wow never thought a marathon could be that tough and it definitely was physically and mentally.
Cons:
My painful knee stopped my training 6 weeks before my marathon, guess this is what everyone talks about injury during training. Only managed shorter and slower runs from this point, not even sure I will be able get to the start line. I was so scared now how am I going to run 26miles only managed 17miles. 3 weeks before the marathon my knee felt a lot better and I finally managed to run 20miles and that was it time to taper!! This was when I felt a bit more confident and started to book hotel and flights. People were asking my expected time I was hoping for 4:30, but looking at things I was lucky to get to the finish line. More bad news came a day before I was due to fly, got a message my return flight was cancelled so had to spend the day arranging another return flight.
PROS:
Arrived in Amsterdam on Friday evening weather wasn't the best windy and pouring with rain. On Saturday morning thanks to Rahana went to run Bos park run to get the legs moving. Got a great T-shirt that said Amsterdam park run marathon edition and it was a lovely run with 508 runners. Well done to Ryder who broke the course record for his age category. Went to Expo to get my bib and there was a massive standstill queue skipped that went to City for a bit of sightseeing instead. Went back to Expo couple of hours later and there was no queue. Wasn’t disappointed there were a lot to see and buy. Even managed to say hi to Eren.
Sunday race day started with pouring rain and hailstones, luckily stopped when we got to start line. Excitement started to takeover nerves. Seeing Rahana locked in the pen in front of me made me laugh so that eased the nerves. Then it was time to go. Started with a comfortable pace and somehow kept to it. Still felt comfortable at mile 17 then at mile18 felt this weird feeling in my right leg. Thought oh no the dreaded injury/cramp, not sure what to do so slowed it down. Then runners started to stop to stretch and some started to walk. All sorts was going through my mind now. Just thought carry on running. Then hailstones and rain started to pour down. Head down and carry on running. The crowd support was amazing calling out my name. Mile 22 appeared now still had energy and stamina but not sure if my legs will be able to carry me through. Where is that finish line? To get me through I was recalling what someone said to me you have got enough fuel to get to the finish line don’t worry about not having enough training. Finally approaching the Olympic stadium, what an amazing and ecstatic feeling crossing that line and knowing my kids were watching me. Looked at my time couldn’t believe it 3:53!!
Took a flight back to London later that evening. You can spot the marathon runners walking like zombies at the airport but no regrets post marathon pain is all worth it.

Chelmsford Half Marathon - Sunday 15th October 2023

Jamie X: Chelmsford Half Marathon aka The 2023 Legends Cup.
Despite a reduced field there was still a talented bunch of runners
competing for the trophy. Last year's winner and two runners who only
last Sunday completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon. With 200 metres
to go I was overtaken by the defending champion.
I came home in 1.33.54 which I am more than happy with on a tough out
and back course with quite a few short hills.

Sunday XC League: Event 1 - Cheshunt - Sunday 15th October 2023

225 men and 134 women.= 359 finishers.
Team Results
Men A Team 4th, Masters 4th.
Women A Team 4th, B Team 1st, Masters 4th.
Combined Team 4th.

A bright sunny morning in Cheshunt Park, saw 23 ELR's take to the field for the first Sunday League race of the season. This was a three lap course of Approx 4.75 miles on grass and trail. The conditions were near perfect underfoot and there was a chill in the air following the overnight drop in temperature - ideal for cross country running. Thomas Grimes was first back for the men in 14th position overall, with Alex Pickering (44th) next and then Karan Gadhia (57th). They were followed by Amit Marks, Jacob Stevens, Grant Conway, Clive Stephenson and Abdi Adan, who made up the scoring for the 'A' team.
Rachel Bailey in 79th position overall, was first to finish for the women; followed by Kathryn Hertzberg, Sandra Preston, Catriona Hoult and Veronica Carrasco, to complete the scoring for the women's 'A' team. Well done to everyone who run today - there were a lot of excellent performances - and a special mention to Kathy Morrissey, Helen McGuinness and Joanna Qiu, who all made their Sunday cross country league debuts.
This was an enjoyable start to the Sunday League season, rounded off with a coffee in the club house, before the journey home. The fixtures now come fast and furious, starting with Cassiobury Park, Watford in a fortnight time (29th October) and Trent Park, Cockfosters the following week (5th November). Further information to follow shortly. In the meantime please add your names to race entries on the website.
ELR Overall Positions - The first 8 men and first 5 women score for their respective 'A, teams. The next 5 men and 3 women will score for the 'B' teams.

London Aquathon, Aquatics Centre & Olympic Pk - Saturday 14th October 2023

400m swim, t1, 5k run
Dan - 9.23, 1.43, 19.39 = 30.45
Steve-9.58, 2.50, 27.45 = 40.35

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 14th October 2023

Roding Valley parkrun
42 37 John HEALY East London Runners 00:25:59
93 36 Caroline MOORE East London Runners 00:32:40
118 53 Caroline FRITH East London Runners 00:47:47
Valentines parkrun
15 15 Ashley FARIA 00:21:06
17 16 Jimmy DALE 00:21:14
72 61 Imran MUSTAK 00:24:17
126 21 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:09
152 30 Naimah RIAZ 00:28:36
192 48 Katrina BETTERIDGE 00:30:44
255 80 May HAU 00:35:31
Wanstead Flats parkrun
23 16 Jonny SHAW 00:21:27
34 24 Mark MOIR 00:23:06
71 47 Scott MCMILLAN 00:25:57
102 18 Suzanne TAYLOR 00:27:33
105 62 Andrew HOWARD 00:27:41
215 70 Catherine MCMILLAN 00:34:24
230 80 Vivienne EKA 00:35:38
Chester parkrun
179 134 Arthur DIAZ 00:30:01
Raphael parkrun
12 11 Amit MARKS 00:20:44
Mile End parkrun
243 54 Catriona HOULT 00:27:44
Southwark parkrun
281 191 Martin QUINLAN 00:29:03
Springburn parkrun, Glasgow
83 52 Frank BROWNLIE 00:30:35
Great Notley parkrun
60 41 David TAYLOR 00:29:22
Felixstowe parkrun
258 89 Katherine HARRIS 00:34:08
Whakatane Gardens parkrun
21 11 Lance FULLER 00:35:28
Thornham Walks parkrun
89 51 Don BENNETT 00:44:42
Gunpowder parkrun
121 36 Maya GOODWIN 00:31:03
Porch Field parkrun
18 11 Viktor F SZABADI 00:27:34

CSAA XC Championships, Parliament Hill (approx 5 m / 8km) - Wednesday 11th October 2023

Bank of America Chicago Marathon - Sunday 8th October 2023

halfway 1.49.17.

Eindhoven Marathon - Sunday 8th October 2023

This is my sixth time staying at The Crown inn Hotel, for the ASML Marathon Eindhoven. This year I did very little training, but decided run the marathon nonetheless. I started very slowly, hoping it would preserve energy for later in the race, however by half way my legs were aleady feeling very tired. After the half way point, the sign at every kilometre counts down the distance left, with a different motivational message each KM. This way I managed to count down 21KM's to the finish line! The crowd are great as well, calling out runners names and giving encouragement. I was not amused though by one lady who called out 'come on Michael', followed by 'Senior!' In the last 2KM you enter the town centre precinct and the packed crowd are incredible with their name shouting! I finished in 4.52.41 which is my personal worst for a road marathon. I don't mind, I was happy for this 'senior' to complete it and under 5 hours as well!

Run Through Guildford 10km - Sunday 8th October 2023

825 finishers

Royal Parks Half Marathon - Sunday 8th October 2023

Camino Eco Trail 25km, Epping Forest - Saturday 7th October 2023

Sarah B: I thought it was a half marathon then I got a bit
lost so it turned out being quite a long way.
Furthest run by 6 miles for over 5 years.

Galway Bay Marathon - Saturday 7th October 2023

John O'Brien: I decided to do another marathon not long after completing London this yr. When & where was the question that needed to be answered, apparently Colworth marathon weekend does not count so the search continued. I looked at Lisbon, Amsterdam amongst others & was tempted to visit Eindhoven again as last year I completed the half marathon there but then I had a brainwave surely there must be a marathon in Galway, my mum & sister live there so I could kill two birds with one stone so I booked it up a number of months ago & then the dreaded training started. It was more or less the same training that I had done preparing for London. Thanks to Imran & Cindy aswell as others who joined me for some of the runs. Race weekend had arrived as I flew to Ireland yesterday, they call Chicago the windy city but really that title belongs to Galway but I was pleasantly surprised this morning as it was such a mild day when starting out to the start line. I did read that they limit the entries to 400 & close then so I was a bit surprised as there seemed to be more than that on the start line. They also have a half marathon & 10k on the day but they do start later than 8.30am which is when the main event started. The course was 2 short laps followed by 4 longer ones, they have cones in the middle of the road & cars drive right pass the runners, even one car decided they wanted the road to themselves & the rest of the laps were along the sea front so it was good that the wind stayed away. It was enjoyable for about 18 miles or so then the reality set in that I still had more than one lap to go & then I said to myself "why didn't I enter the half marathon", it was too late so I had to crack on. Lap 4 arrived & I was pretty much dead on my feet but compared to London I was a lot more comfortable in finishing which I just about managed to do under 5 hours which was my aim. The weather stayed perfect throughout & I must say that it was a really enjoyable run, official time not out yet but strava says 4:54:15 so was delighted to get a PB by about 17 mins. Now where's that search engine?

Run Through Greenwich 10km - Saturday 7th October 2023

296 finishers.

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 7th October 2023

Richmond parkrun
429 149 Roselin BORAMAKOT 00:38:55
432 258 Danny WONG 00:39:05
Roding Valley parkrun
98 31 Victoria CHARLESWORTH 00:29:14
124 46 Caroline MOORE 00:32:34
Valentines parkrun
12 12 Ashley FARIA 00:20:41
30 30 Jimmy DALE 00:22:46
65 58 Darminder BHAMRA 00:24:52
108 16 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:04
118 19 Mary Frances O'BRIEN 00:27:33
136 105 Matthew POWELL 00:28:23
139 25 Naimah RIAZ 00:28:30
151 115 Jason LEVY 00:29:16
178 131 George GEORGIOU 00:30:48
Wanstead Flats parkrun
19 17 Fernando ESPADA 00:20:47
26 23 Ian MACKIE 00:21:32
29 26 Finbar SHEAHAN 00:21:53
82 65 Samir YOUNSI 00:25:17
143 97 Kieran BROWN 00:28:11
149 100 Scott MCMILLAN 00:28:29
165 48 Kara GALLEAR 00:28:59
221 130 David WYATT 00:31:38
223 80 Fiona DAY 00:31:53
280 118 Elizabeth O'DONNELL 00:41:43
Billericay parkrun
14 12 James NICHOLS 00:21:54
Gunpowder parkrun
105 29 Maya GOODWIN 00:31:51
Gadebridge parkrun
140 36 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:33:35
Walthamstow parkrun
26 23 Alex PICKERING 00:23:20
Southwark parkrun
343 224 Martin QUINLAN 00:29:31
Felixstowe parkrun
152 29 Katherine HARRIS 00:27:12
Porch Field parkrun
23 20 Viktor F SZABADI 00:27:17
Stretford parkrun
439 123 Clare EMERY 00:30:17

Chingford League - Event 1 - Men's Velopark 5km - Wednesday 4th October 2023

1st column shows position in main men's race.
2nd column shows position after sorted into Division 1 & 2.
Men's team finished 4th

Chingford League - Event 1 - Women's Velopark 5km - Wednesday 4th October 2023

1st column shows position in main women's race.
2nd column shows position after sorted into Division 1 & 2.
Women's ELR team finished 6th OF 8

Cardiff University Half Marathon - Sunday 1st October 2023

Southend & Essex Champs 10km - Sunday 1st October 2023

Chichester 10 mile - Sunday 1st October 2023

Thruxton Mass Attack Duathlon - Standard distance - Sunday 1st October 2023

11.4k run, t1, 38k bike, t2, 3.8k run.
Danny 42.15, 1.06, 1.09.22, 1.03, 15.00 = 2.08.29
Ava 46.28, 1,06, 1.12.30, 1.04, 15.46 = 2.16.56


Ava Lee: We're getting so close to the end of our Summer of Multisport and delighted to raise almost £5000 for Maggies. Thank you so much for the donations. I updated the fundraising page with our recent events, in case anyone wants to see the craziness that we've been up to. The past few weeks since Finland have been lots of fun. There was the 5km swim at Dock2Dock, then the next day a wine tasting half marathon in Surrey. Last week Danny completed the Hever Castle Olympic triathlon. I had a bit of a sniffle and decided sensibly to sit that one out. Yesterday, it was a bit more serious at Thruxton Duathlon. This was an Age Group Team GB qualifier race and the athletes taking part mean business! Fast, fast, fast!! . A 11.4km run, 38km bike ride then a 3.8km run to finish. We loved whizzing round the autodrome, and both had a very successful race. It's not 100% confirmed yet, but I think I qualified for the Age Group Team GB European Championships in 2024. Very pleased with myself
Only one more event to go - Royal Parks Half marathon next weekend!

100th Kosice Peace Marathon, Slovakia - Sunday 1st October 2023

Kosice Marathon established in 1924 is the oldest marathon , 100 years in Europe and the sixth-oldest in the World.

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 30th September 2023

Finsbury parkrun
49 44 James NICHOLS 00:20:53
Hackney Marshes parkrun
420 144 Caroline FRITH 00:42:47
Roding Valley parkrun
125 48 Caroline MOORE 00:34:33
Valentines parkrun
15 14 Ashley FARIA 00:20:28
30 29 Jimmy DALE 00:22:37
49 42 Mounir DAHBI 00:23:24
79 68 John HEALY 00:24:55
87 73 George GEORGIOU 00:25:16
121 20 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:03
132 99 Matthew POWELL 00:27:19
137 27 Mary Frances O'Brien 00:27:31
158 33 Naimah RIAZ 00:28:54
204 146 Richard CRAVITZ 00:31:13
Wanstead Flats parkrun
12 12 Tom MARSHALL 00:19:43
19 18 Amit MARKS 00:20:24
38 31 Ian MACKIE 00:22:04
95 76 Scott MCMILLAN 00:24:34
98 79 Mike BRETT 00:24:35
102 82 Samir YOUNSI 00:24:59
129 28 Kate BRETT 00:26:30
137 32 Suzanne TAYLOR 00:26:59
254 92 Fiona DAY 00:32:19
318 137 Elizabeth O'DONNELL 00:42:41
Gadebridge parkrun
101 23 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:33:19
Walthamstow parkrun
38 32 Jonathan WOOLDRIDGE 00:23:42
44 38 Alex PICKERING 00:23:57
137 39 Maya GOODWIN 00:32:07
176 67 Anne-Marie KENNEDY 00:45:59
Southwark parkrun
320 203 Martin QUINLAN 00:28:28
Kesgrave parkrun
124 23 Katherine HARRIS 00:28:48
Morecambe Prom parkrun
37 34 Paul MARSHALL 00:21:01
Chalkwell Beach parkrun
125 91 Jason LEVY 00:26:52
Porch Field parkrun
37 18 Viktor F SZABADI 00:40:44

Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5km - Friday 29th September 2023

Hever Castle Olympic Distance Triathlon - Sunday 24th September 2023

1500M SWIM,T1, 40K CYCLE,T2,10K RUN
39.32, 4.48,1.23.05, 2.33, 47.48

ELVIS 8: East London Runners Valentines Park 5K - Volunteers - Sunday 24th September 2023

Non-member volunteers:

Fiona Campbell - Marshal
Nick Clarke - Marshal
Eric Frith - Marshal
Ian Frith - Marshal
Matilda Frith - Water table

Ealing Half Marathon - Sunday 24th September 2023

ELVIS 8: East London Runners Valentines Park 5K - Sunday 24th September 2023

Final 6 of 8 standings:
Ladies:
Betty Bohane 5th - 65pts
Rahana Islam 8th* - 89pts - 4th V40
Becky Evans 9th - 99pts - 2nd V50
Cindy Koon 14th - 133pts - 5th V40
Katrina Betteridge 17th - 214 pts
Sandra Preston 18th - 232pts - 5th V50
Nicola Wyndham 21st - 250pts - 7th V50
Mary Connolly 25th - 322 pts - 5th V60
Caroline Moore 31st - 420pts - 5th V60
Clare Stevens 32nd - 423pts
Maya Goodwin 36th - 492pts - 9th V50
Men:
Ryan Friel 1st - 16pts - 1st overall
Daniel ODonoghue 6th - 71pts
Joseph Osakue 9th - 124pts - 2nd V50
Karan Gadhia 10th - 131pts
Alex Pickering 14th - 153pts - 5th V40
James Nichols 15th - 173pts
Shahib Ali 20th - 225pts
Ian Mackie 33rd - 378pts - 2nd V60
Simon Nash 36th - 397pts - 10th V40
Clive Stephenson 39th - 474pts - 5th V60
Darminder Bhamra 41st - 480pts - 9th V50
Michael Wilson 42nd - 565pts - 6th V60
John OBrien 46th - 610pts - 10th V50
George Georgiou 48th - 640pts - 11th V50

Vitality London 10K - Sunday 24th September 2023

Jamie Xavier: My favourite race on the calendar, great course and fantastic support. Coming up Birdcage Walk with the finish around the corner reminds of the London Marathon with huge crowds willing you on.With 800 metres to go the timer was just under 38 minutes and hoped to sneak under 40 minutes but legs were just totally frazzled, stopped the clock at 40 minutes 51 seconds.

John Booth: Vitality 10000, 38.30 (V40 PB)
Easy to run a V40 PB when you've never raced as a V40! Was very nervous in the run up as literally no idea where I was fitness wise. No sub-19 5ks logged this year and low mileage with but lots of spin and so thought sub-40 may be a pipedream. So when I looked at my watch for the first time with 1 km to go I was amazed to see that I was on for sub-39. After the injury s*** I have been through over the last few years (knee surgery, stress fracture, umpteen niggles in each come back) I never thought I would run this sort of time again, so I am genuinely delighted.

Terry Lewsey: Feeling grateful To have made it to the start line to Race The vitality 10k today, It's certainly been a journey getting to the point where I'm in any sort of shape to race a 10k again, Covid restrictions, moving to another country, work, my weight and injuries made things difficult on many levels over the last few years, so as my first medal race for a long long time I gave it everything I had today, I'm not gonna lie 8kms in my legs were finished, but I'm not one to quit so I left a piece of my soul out their today to get to the finish line and get that medal.

BMW Berlin Marathon - Sunday 24th September 2023

Shahib Ali 1st half - 1.42.08 , 2nd half - 1.46.51.
Ford Cadiogan 1st - 2.25.58, 2nd - 2.31.39.

Shahib Ali: BMW Berlin Marathon 2023 - 03:28:59. Fastest Major Marathon time, course PB, second fastest marathon time. 19th marathon, 15th Major Marathon. Really enjoyed this marathon today. Great to have my wife Samia Choudhury and sister in law Tasnia Choudhury tracking me from back home, really helps to break the race into 5km sections, effectively a parkrun, which was the distance between each tracking point. Lots of international runners seen, the Mexicans with their vociferous support was a stand out, perhaps that can be a destination for a running holiday in the future.

Robin Hood Half Marathon - Sunday 24th September 2023

Vitality Westminster Mile - Saturday 23rd September 2023

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 23rd September 2023

Roundshaw Downs parkrun
73 59 Martin QUINLAN 00:28:49
Hadleigh parkrun, Essex
12 12 Steve SWAN 00:24:20
Grovelands parkrun, Enfield
103 77 George GEORGIOU 00:27:36
Roding Valley parkrun
56 12 Sandra PRESTON 00:27:53
103 38 Caroline MOORE 00:33:44
Highbury Fields parkrun
19 19 Amit MARKS 00:20:21 debut 70.19%
Valentines parkrun
15 15 Ashley FARIA 00:20:48
16 16 Scott HEMMENS 00:20:53
39 36 Matthew POWELL 00:22:58
122 95 Ryan FRIEL 00:26:46
126 20 Bilkis ACHHA 00:26:57
158 27 Katrina BETTERIDGE 00:28:14
162 124 Mark DURRANT 00:28:24
177 34 Naimah RIAZ 00:29:23
189 139 Jason LEVY 00:29:51
Wanstead Flats parkrun
24 20 Finbar SHEAHAN 00:21:32
26 21 Jonny SHAW 00:21:40
85 69 Samir YOUNSI 00:25:39
89 73 Scott MCMILLAN 00:25:47
115 19 Kate BRETT 00:27:40
125 96 Andrew HOWARD 00:28:22
141 32 Bernadett KALMAR 00:29:13
184 54 Sophie EDWARDS 00:31:36
189 124 Kieran BROWN 00:32:00
205 67 Fiona DAY 00:32:57
Mile End parkrun
200 35 Catriona HOULT 00:26:54
Gadebridge parkrun
113 25 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:32:48
Walthamstow parkrun
24 23 Michael BAMFORD 00:23:01
73 15 Janet BYWATER 00:27:33
96 71 Steve BYWATER 00:29:04
Springburn parkrun, Glasgow
93 61 Frank BROWNLIE 00:30:53
Sligo parkrun
27 11 Mary Frances O'BRIEN 00:28:14
Porch Field parkrun
19 15 Viktor F SZABADI 00:26:46
Harleston Magpies parkrun
13 11 Terry LEWSEY 00:24:28

Rat Race Hebrides Tip to Toe - Friday 15th to Sunday 17th September 2023

175km (109 miles)- bike, 14k (9 miles) - foot and 24 kms (15 miles) by kayak.
A multisport crossing of the entire island chain of the Outer Hebrides
on bike, foot and boat from North to South.

Anna Dingle: I entered the Tip to Toe Hebrides Rat Race about 18 months ago. Since they started running it, it had been something I had looked at and thought I would love to do that as it sounded like good fun and a great way to see the outer Hebridean Islands. It certainly didn't disappoint and did everything on the tin and more.
I left London last Wednesday to travel up by train to Berwick upon Tweed to meet with my best friend, Jo, who I was doing the challenge with. After much discussion between us about kit, bike tyres and all the mandatory kit that we needed, I had managed to get all my kit in 2 bags (we had to have an overnight bag and day bag). Trevor dropped me off at Kings Cross and I was soon on my way for the first part of the journey. It takes a long time to get to Outer Hebrides, so we had decided that I was going to stay over with Jo in Kelso in the Scottish Borders where she lives.
Thursday - it was an early start from Kelso to travel to Tyndrum by car (just above Glasgow) where we would meet the rest of the Rat Racers. We had to rendezvous by 11am. We had no idea how many people would be doing it and as it turned out it was a small group of 20 people from all over the world - the Netherlands, Germany, the US and the U.K. We loaded our bikes onto the big trailer that was also carrying the kayaks and after a briefing about the journey ahead, we bundled into 2 mini buses to start making our way to Ullapool to catch a ferry across to Stornoway. The journey to Ullapool from Tyndrum is 4 hrs so we had plenty of time to start to get to know our fellow racers. We also caught up on sleep as we were going to need as much as we could snatch on this whole trip. We reached Ullapool with plenty of time to catch the ferry but due to high winds our crossing was delayed by several hours across to Stornoway. We were due to cross at 6pm and didn't leave until 8:30pm which meant that we finally arrived at our hotel jn Stornoway at 11:30pm. We were quickly briefed and told we had a 5am start. Jo and I sorted out kit for the next day which was going to be mostly cycling with a trek/run. And then it was heads down to get as much sleep as we could.
Friday - 88 miles cycle/6 mile trek/run.
When I signed up for this challenge, I was under no illusion that it was going to be challenging not just from a physical effort point of view but also from a weather perspective. I am a bit of a "Wincy Willis" and like to check the forecast when going out on the bike but I took the view on this trip that I had to be prepared for all weathers and decided not to check the forecast while we were there as it's so changeable in the Outer Hebrides. We started at sunrise from the Butt of Lewis which is at the very top of the Isle of Lewis and known to be one of the most windy places in the world. The day we were there was the calmest day that they have had this century! The air was crisp, chilly and refreshing as we prepared to set off on our adventure. With a few whoops and cheers we were off. And it was journey that didn't disappoint. We were soon winding our way through the undulations of the Isle of Lewis. The Dutch guys were soon out in front in their matching orange jerseys with their names on. They were soon to be known as the Dutch train! Jo and I had decided to start together but weren't wedded to sticking together. She is a double Ironman Kona world champs qualifier and is way faster than me so we went at our own paces. This turned out to be great for both of us as we got to know all of the group so well by the end of the weekend.
The Isle of Lewis is apparently the most religious part of the islands. I lost count of the number of churches we went past. We also went past lots of kids waiting outside their houses waiting to be picked up by the school bus. It was obvious that the top of the island is a harsh environment to live in. It’s fairly barren and it’s only once you drop down nearer to Harris that the scenery becomes more interesting and pretty. The first part of the cycle was an undulating 100km which took us past an old iron fort and the Callandish stones which we stopped at along the way. It finished with us crossing into the Isle of Harris and climbing a 15% gradient for about 15 mins to the top of the island to our transition point and lunch. I was delighted when I got to the top to discover one of the "Dutch train" had got off and pushed to get to the top. I had given myself a good talking to about half way up and just kept grinding it out and made it without stopping. It was then a quick change, stuff down a sandwich, a much needed Diet Coke and onto the trek which took us down to Harris to the distillery. It was boggy, it was raining, but I had great company with 2 other racers. We had decided to walk it and save our legs for the 2nd part of the cycle. We stuck together for the rest of the day and had a real laugh. We became the "lantern rouge" but this trip wasn't about being fast. It was all about the journey. The walk was stunning. Scotland never disappoints with views
There was no time for a quick dram of whiskey in the distillery at Harris but there was time for me to hand out Colin the Caterpillar sweets to everyone before we got back on the bikes. They were much appreciated. It was then about another 30km to the finish in Leverburgh at the Sound of Harris. And boy was this part of the ride even more stunning. As we came over the hill and saw the white sandy beaches, it was absolutely breathtaking. The late afternoon sunshine showed the turquoise sea and white sand off to its best. I am not ashamed to say I shed a tear at the beauty of it it all. It was one of the many reasons that I had come here. Inspired by the views we powered on to the finish and were rewarded with a beer at the end of a long day. It was a fantastic first day.
Saturday - 6 mile kayak, 62 mile bike.
All I can say about this day is we woke up to the most perfect weather for a 6 mile kayak across the Sound of Harris to the Isle of North Uist. Another early start (5am) after a night in a damp dorm of a hostel. It was cold and clear and the sunrise was beautiful. We had a briefing about the kayaks and then we were onboard in pairs to make the crossing. It was mostly like a mill pond all the way across. We had seals popping up and following us. We saw osprey's, gannets, razor bills and lots of other wildlife. And we landed at the most beautiful white sandy beach. My only wish was that I had had my swimmers with me to take a quick dip before we were off on our bikes for the rest of the journey to the Isle of South Uist.
On the bike I decided to stick with one of the other women on the trip, Sarah. She had had a difficult first day and hadn't completed the first day. She was new to adventure races and had just found it overwhelming. I wanted to support her and help show her that one bad day on the bike doesn't mean the next day will be the same. We had a fantastic day together and joined up with another pair from the group who were doing it as father and daughter.
If you want to see causeways, the Isle of Uist is definitely the island for that. The weather showed it off in all its glory - we had sunshine all day - and it is mostly causeway after causeway with water all around you. The highlight of this part of this day is the 6 mile ride along a white sandy beach at the end of the ride. It was one of the most surreal but brilliant experiences I have ever had. The 4 of us had so much fun together even when Sarah got a puncture on the beach and we had to carry our bikes up the dunes to get back on track. I took the view that rather than help her repair it, I was going to pump it up and see how long it lasted as we were only 6 miles from the end of the day. It turned out to be a good call as we made it with only one more stop to pump it up and meant that we weren't far behind the rest of the group. Honestly, if we were ever going to have the most perfect day in a kayak and on a bike in the Outer Hebrides, it was this day. It was breathtaking.
In the evening we stayed in another hostel and had a group meal at the local pub. There were 2 birthdays in the group that day too. We were really gelling as a group and just having a real laugh and enjoying each others company. We were going to need that for the last day as it turned out to be an absolute humdinger of a day weather wise. The kayak guys did the briefing that evening for what we were expecting the next day. The wind had turned to a south easterly with a Beaufort scale of 4-5 which isn't massive but in a sea kayak is a whole different ball game. The only thing they could do was make the call on the morning as to whether we would make the crossing from Uist to the Isle of Barra.
Sunday - 7 mile kayak, 15 mile bike, 3 mile trek, 6 mile bike, 1.5 mile trek.
We were all nervous about the weather and the kayak. We got down to the harbour with a view to launch at 8:15am. The kayak guys walked out along the harbour wall and made the call that we were going and if they felt it was going to be too tough, they would turn us back. We were all happy with that but had to get going quickly as the weather was coming in. We worked as a team and we were soon out on the water. I was glad I had taken my sea sickness tablets as the instructors decided to go for it and we made the crossing. It was hard work and scary at points. Sometimes you couldn't see each other as there was quite a swell. One of the guys that was in a single kayak capsized. The instructors were brilliant with him and helped him back in in the middle of the sea. I think it if had been us, I would have cried! However, we all made it across to Barra. There were lots of whoops and cheers from the Dutch train - it had become the theme of the trip! We were out on the water for 3 hrs and the kayak team were brilliant. I never felt unsafe even though I was way out of my comfort zone. Our landing point had to change as the weather had come in whilst we were out in the Sound of Barra. As we landed, the Rat Race team were barking orders at us to carry the kayaks up the ramp and then get into dry clothes and shelter as quick as possible. This is where for me winter swimming changing technique came in handy. I changed in the minibus to keep warm and threw on several layers and waterproofs for the next bike leg.
The bike leg was meant to be 15 miles but we had landed at a different point so it was only 3 miles in the end. We soon transitioned into our walking stuff. For me and most others, it meant just changing my shoes. At this point the wind was blowing hard and it was driving rain. I had taken the view it was pointless changing and just to get on and do this. We were going to be climbing 300m (and as it turned out, this was very steep) up and over the highest point in Barra. It was really hard and the cloud had come in so visibility was very poor. Sarah and I stuck together and we caught up with a few others in front of us too and all stuck together. The Rat Race crew later told us that they had been on the verge of not letting us all up but they thought we had all handled the kayak so well and we were a group that all worked together, that we would be able to handle it. As it turned out we smashed it. There was a lot of bum sliding on the descent down as it was the easiest way to get down. They had also sent up our very handsome medic who was a mountain rescue expert to help guide us down , that made things easier too, for multiple reasons . We were soon down, grabbed lunch, and set off on the last bike leg.
Sadly, one of the guys fell off on the last bike leg. He slide on a cattle grid but we were all with him and it showed what a team we had become over the 3 days together. Everyone did something to help and there were 4 members of the group who were police officers who just went into incident response mode to clear him from the road and make him and everyone safe. I moved everyone’s bikes and then got the rest of the group moving as we didn't all need to stay as the medics were on their way.
We were all really careful in the last few miles of the bike. We jumped off for the last transition to put our shoes on for the last 1.5 mile trek to the beautiful Vatersay beach. What a finish point. Even in bad weather the sea is still turquoise and the sand is white. Jo and I walked with Paul who had come off his bike. He had cut his face and hurt his ribs but he wanted to finish as he had come so far - he was also the guy who capsized in the sea! Like all of us he was determined to get to the end and he and we did. To the final whoops and cheers of the Dutch train, we ran on to the beach and across the finish line. We had done it it - travelled from the very Tip of the outer Hebrides to the Toe. It was utterly brilliant and I got to do it with a group of excellent like minded people. There had been laughter, tears, a lot of comments of ‘this is bullshit’ when it was really hard but none of us gave up and it was team work and determination that got us to the end.
This trip was also special for me as I had decided to take my mum ashes with me and spread them at the end of each part of the island chain that we reached at the end of each day. She liked Scotland but never made it to the Outer Hebrides, until now. I walked into the water at Vatersay beach to let the final part of her go. She travelled all the way with me and I was ready to let her go. She always loved me doing things like this and I had felt that was the best way for me and her to be at peace.
So there it is, my story of Tip to Toe Hebrides. It was completely epic and brilliant. This was my second race with Rat Race. They are an excellent organisation. Everything works so well and on this trip there is a lot of logistics for them to deal with but it was seamless.
And if anyone is thinking of doing one of these adventure races, just go and do it. You will really learn about yourself and what you are capable of. You really can do anything when you put your mind to it.

Regents Park (The One In The Park)10km - Sunday 17th September 2023

140 finishers

Essex XC Relays, 3 X 6km's - Women's Teams - Saturday 16th September 2023

Team 105 finished 40th of 47 = 1.50.42
Team 161 finished 41st of 47 = 1.52.43

Pride 10km, Victoria Park - Saturday 16th September 2023

635 finishers

Essex XC Relays, 4 X 6km's - Men's Team - Sunday 16th September 2023

East London Runners: - Team 21st of 25 = 1.57.37

Battersea Half Marathon - Saturday 16th September 2023

Serpentine 2 Mile Swim / London Classics - Saturday 16th September 2023

Caroline Frith: Very relieved to have ticked the Swim Serpentine box and joined the London Classics Hall of Fame, which represents thousands of miles and many hours of blood, sweat, tears and chafing.
When I entered Ride London 2 years ago I was just Caroline. I didn't have cancer and had no idea how much my life was going to be turned upside down. When I entered Swim Serpentine in February of last year I knew I probably had cancer again, but had no idea the extent of it or what lay ahead. By the time Ride London came around in May I knew it was stage 4 and I had just started chemotherapy. I had trained for months, all winter long and there was no way I wasn't going to do it, so do it I did, chemo or no chemo.
I had already run the London Marathon twice and at that stage had no intention of doing it again, so all that remained was Swim Serpentine which I, along with many others, trained long and hard for before it was cancelled at the last minute due to the death of Her Majesty the Queen. This time last year I didn't know if I would be in any way able to still be doing things like this in 12 months time, but I deferred my place and hoped for the best.
Meanwhile I decided to run the London Marathon again.
Once the weather warmed up swimming began in earnest, but chemo started again in July leaving me tired and nauseous. However finally today everything came together - no monarchs died, the blue green algae abated, the sun shone, and I did it!
Definitely not a solo effort - thanks to the many friends who swam with me, cycled with me and ferried me places, plus my awesome running club East London Runners, my long suffering husband Ian and my no one support crew Matilda and Eric.

Mark Durrant: Today I completed the London Swim Serpentine 2 mile event and received a Classics medal. Last year I was fortunate to be interviewed by an Australian organisation to do with swimming https://www.swimpeople.com.au/living-stories/mark-durrant
and what it means to me. I'm not a natural swimmer but I've worked hard at it over the last 2yrs or so. I'll like to say a big thanks to Dermott Hayes and his Be Endurance Open Water Swimming team for teaching me OWS and to Susan Cheshire for the special technical lessons that I have had www.susancheshire.co.uk
. Swimming is way outside my comfort zone and had to have lessons (even at my age). I was grateful for the 'Mental Mile Challenge' and my team, as this finally proved to me that I could swim further than 1 mile (albeit with slight cramps).
So guys, as you go to bed tonight with your Ovaltine, Milo or Hot Chocolate and ladies with your Merlot, Pinot Grigio or your Gin & Tonics, I hope you enjoy the read as you all will get to know a little but more about me - Stay Blessed.

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 16th September 2023

Wimbledon Common parkrun
517 211 Roselin BORAMAKOT 00:42:10
519 275 Danny WONG 00:42:18
Hackney Marshes parkrun
45 43 Amit MARKS 00:20:50
180 140 Jakub CZECZÓTKA 00:26:14
Roding Valley parkrun
124 40 Caroline MOORE 00:34:07
Highbury Fields parkrun
114 97 Richard GUEST 00:23:27
Valentines parkrun
44 43 Alan ARUL 00:23:04
59 56 Imran MUSTAK 00:23:57
80 71 Jimmy DALE 00:25:09
90 77 George GEORGIOU 00:25:41
98 12 Mary CONNOLLY 00:26:05
124 21 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:39
147 26 Naimah RIAZ 00:28:58
287 87 Elizabeth O'DONNELL 00:40:45
Wanstead Flats parkrun
27 25 Finbar SHEAHAN 00:22:00
30 27 Ian MACKIE 00:22:06
36 32 Jonny SHAW 00:22:35
105 87 Scott MCMILLAN 00:25:46
150 36 Kara GALLEAR 00:28:53
164 115 Kieran BROWN 00:29:38
169 119 Andrew HOWARD 00:29:50
221 75 Fiona DAY 00:33:11
Chester parkrun
212 152 Arthur DIAZ 00:31:10
Pymmes parkrun
93 66 Andy BOLDERSTONE 00:31:44
Beckton parkrun
67 20 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:32:21
Walthamstow parkrun
35 31 Michael BAMFORD 00:23:09
118 90 Steve BYWATER 00:29:22
Southwark parkrun
370 262 Martin QUINLAN 00:28:22
Wexford Racecourse parkrun
60 16 Mary Frances O'BRIEN 00:28:51
Morecambe Prom parkrun
26 24 Paul MARSHALL 00:21:16
Porch Field parkrun
18 14 Viktor F SZABADI 00:26:42
Harleston Magpies parkrun
38 22 Don BENNETT 00:39:40

10k City vs Wharf Corporate Run, Victoria Park - Thursday 14th September 2023

5km City vs Wharf Corporate Run, Victoria Park - Thursday 14th September 2023

St Neots Triathlon - Aquabike - Sunday 10th September 2023

Sarah swim 31.33, t1 - 1.37, bike - 1.10.28 = 1.43.39
Maya swim 36.29, t1 - 1.33, bike - 1.34.09 = 2.12.12

Chiang Mai Half Marathon (22km), Thailand - Sunday 10th September 2023

Sunday 10th September 2023 - Chiang Mai @ Doi Suthep - 22km. Run on Srivichai Road up - down Doi Suthep The slope is 640 meters, the altitude is 1,046 meters above sea level. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province.

Tom Woods: This was a brutal brutal race , the hill was unrelenting for 11km , I was hoping for some rain , as it is now the rainy season , but not a drop fell , when I finished I had absolutely nothing left , calves roasted on the up run , quads roasted on the down , would I do it again? Definitely!

Richmond Run Fest Marathon - Sunday 10th September 2023

Thanks all. Was the 4.15 pacer but out of 12 pacers only 2 finished at all.
Fine till mile 22 but the heat and lack of drinks stations at the end made
slowing up the wise call. Jimmy Dale

Bacchus Wine Half Marathon, Denbies Vineyard - Sunday 10th September 2023

1326 finishers

Ava Lee: I think we may have found one of the best
ever running event at Bacchus half marathon today. Beautiful
vineyard scenery, lots of fancy dress, 6 wine tastings,
cheese, fruit, onion bhajis, chocolate eclairs and a hog
roast at the end. Oh yes, and excellent company too!
Who knew that cheese and wine and running are a match made in heaven!

Pleshey & Essex Half Marathon - Sunday 10th September 2023

A J Bell Great North Run Half Marathon 2023 - Sunday 10th September 2023

Dock2dock Swim, Royal Docks - Saturday 9th September 2023

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 9th September 2023

Wimbledon Common parkun
532 215 Roselin Boramakot 00:48:01
Roding Valley parkrun
83 22 Caroline FRITH 00:31:00
84 23 Sarah BURNS 00:31:00
87 25 Caroline MOORE 00:31:38
Valentines parkrun
72 54 Michael WILSON 00:25:53
83 62 George GEORGIOU 00:26:27
86 17 Katrina BETTERIDGE 00:26:32
96 20 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:23
130 31 Naimah RIAZ 00:30:14
188 57 May HAU East 00:34:57
Wanstead Flats parkrun
22 19 Redmond SHANNON 00:21:26
23 20 Jonny SHAW 00:21:27
69 61 Scott MCMILLAN 00:25:11
113 88 Andrew HOWARD 00:27:57
Raphael parkrun
13 13 Amit MARKS 00:20:36
191 43 Natasha HOWARD 00:32:11
Mile End parkrun
167 138 Ian BURROWS 00:26:16
301 187 Liam DEMPSEY 00:31:49
Gadebridge parkrun
152 52 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:36:37
Hilly Fields parkrun
167 109 Martin QUINLAN 00:29:11
Walthamstow parkrun
83 12 Claire EMERY 00:29:18
97 77 Steve BYWATER 00:30:55
136 46 Juliet LOPEZ-REAL 00:40:16
Corby parkrun
108 77 Marc AKERS 00:37:57
Shanganagh parkrun
30 23 Finbar SHEAHAN 00:22:38
Morecambe Prom parkrun
28 27 Paul MARSHALL 00:21:23
Porch Field parkrun
21 15 Viktor F SZABADI 00:25:42
Whakatane Gardens parkrun
51 12 Lance FULLER 01:01:39

The Essex Way Relay - Epping to Harwich - Sunday 3rd September 2023

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

Team 32 - 372 pts, 25th of 59 open category teams, 31st of 76 teams.
Team 33 - 449 pts, 34th of 59, 45th of 76 teams.
Team 34 - 425 pts, 31st of 59, 40th of 76 teams.
Team 35 - 498 pts, 43rd of 59, 57th of 76 teams.

The Big Half 2023 - Sunday 3rd September 2023

Santander 12 hour Race, - Saturday 2nd September 2023

Jose Rodriquez: Last minute decision (even if it has been on my mind for the last few months) entry to the 24 h of Santander. I signed up for the 12h as generally there are some of the best Runners in the country for that discipline. I wanted to see how close I could be from these guys as some of my last years results could indicate I wasn't too far behind. It's difficult to compare ultra marathons and the only way was to sign to this flat, officially measure races...even if they are not the most scenic. Results exceeded my expectations enormously. 1st position in front of some best that have been international with the Spanish selecciones several times. Course record and 3rd best time in Spain in 2023 and a result that in theory could give me, or put me close , to the 24h world championships in Taipei. Unfortunately team selection is already made and I guess I'll never know... but maybe that could be a goal for 2024??

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 2nd September 2023

Wimbledon Common parkrun
537 201 Roselin BORAMAKOT 00:39:22
540 303 Danny WONG 00:39:30
Roundshaw Downs parkrun
97 78 Martin QUINLAN 00:30:11
Silksworth parkrun
15 11 Mark MOIR 00:21:29
Finsbury parkrun
447 267 Jakub CZECZÓTKA 00:33:10
Grovelands parkrun, Enfield
78 65 George GEORGIOU 00:26:54
Hackney Marshes parkrun
237 153 Mark DURRANT 00:28:57
Roding Valley parkrun
111 39 Caroline MOORE 00:34:04
133 51 Caroline FRITH 00:49:29
Wanstead Flats parkrun
12 11 Andrew BAXTER 00:21:04
19 16 Redmond SHANNON 00:21:43
90 74 Scott MCMILLAN 00:26:17
103 80 Andrew HOWARD 00:27:23
111 85 Stuart BARTON 00:27:41
116 26 Suzanne TAYLOR 00:27:49
145 41 Alexandra RUTISHAUSER-PERERA 00:29:34
154 101 Richard CRAVITZ 00:29:41
193 117 David WYATT 00:32:53
196 119 Kieran BROWN 00:32:57
229 89 Fiona DAY 00:36:37
243 97 Elizabeth O'DONNELL 00:40:03
Mile End parkrun
58 50 Shahib ALI 00:21:54
Gadebridge parkrun
127 28 Diana REXHEPAJ 00:33:14
Walthamstow parkrun
31 27 Nick HOULT 00:23:58
50 38 Michael WILSON 00:25:44
75 17 Catriona HOULT 00:27:19
113 75 Steve BYWATER 00:30:16
147 49 Janet BYWATER 00:36:33
Brentwood parkrun
6 6 James NICHOLS 00:21:25
Kesgrave parkrun
37 34 Steve SWAN 00:22:16
Hockley Woods parkrun
124 31 Alexandra WILKINSON 00:52:39
Lancaster parkrun
30 29 Paul MARSHALL 00:23:28
Porch Field parkrun
26 19 Viktor F SZABADI 00:28:29
Harleston Magpies parkrun
66 39 Don BENNETT 00:39:01
Valentines parkrun
19 19 Alan ARUL 00:22:42
21 21 Matthew POWELL 00:22:43
33 31 Jimmy DALE 00:23:47
58 48 Darminder BHAMRA 00:25:04
92 18 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:01
120 87 David HALLYBONE 00:28:39
131 30 Mary Frances O'BRIEN 00:29:31
138 32 Naimah RIAZ 00:30:10
207 61 May HAU 00:35:34
Castle Park parkrun
109 95 Tom TIMSON 00:23.44

Elvis 7: Barking Road Runners Phipps 5km, Barking Park - Monday 28th August 2023

Vinfast Ironman 70.3, World Championships, Lahti, Finland - Sunday 27th August 2023

Swim 51.12, t1 - 5.57, cycle 2.52.01, t2 - 6.32, run 1.36.46 = 5.32.27

Vinfast Ironman 70.3, World Championships, Lahti, Finland - Saturday 26th August 2023

Swim 37.14, t1 4.16, cycle 2.58.58, t2 5.28, run 1.39.48

Ava Lee: This has been one of the best days in a very long time because today was the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Lahti, Finland and I had the privilege to take part in this amazing event, with over 2000 women from all around the globe.
And guess what I sneaked into the top third in my age category. I didn't think that was possible, and I'm extremely chuffed with myself.
It's less than 9 months since I completed nearly 2 years of cancer treatment, and this is my way of moving on and feeling strong and healthy.
Danny was there as my amazing support crew as ever. I can't wait to watch him in the men's race tomorrow!
And thank you to Dermott Hayes for giving me back my confidence.
We've raised a lot of money for Maggies - thank you all so much.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Daniel-Lee36

Run Through Velopark 10 miles - Saturday 26th August 2023

Run Through Velopark 10km - Saturday 26th August 2023

selected parkrun results - all venues - Saturday 26th August 2023

Hackney Marshes parkrun
46 44 Jonny SHAW 00:21:23
Coventry parkrun
77 68 Mark MOIR 00:22:35
Roding Valley parkrun
44 35 John HEALY 00:25:08
74 52 Tim AYLETT 00:27:13
87 24 Victoria CHARLESWORTH 00:29:05
92 26 Kathy MORRISSEY 00:29:24
106 34 Caroline MOORE 00:31:50
137 52 Caroline FRITH 00:53:19
Valentines parkrun
27 24 Matthew POWELL 00:22:37
30 27 Jimmy DALE 00:22:56
46 43 Imran MUSTAK 00:23:51
100 77 David TAYLOR 00:26:58
102 19 Bilkis ACHHA 00:27:04
112 83 Darminder BHAMRA 00:27:58
116 25 Naimah RIAZ 00:28:12
141 35 Katrina BETTERIDGE 00:30:09
143 100 Richard CRAVITZ 00:30:11
144 101 David HALLYBONE 00:30:12
Wanstead Flats parkrun
25 22 Ian MACKIE 00:21:46
36 31 Paul WATKINS 00:22:23
41 34 Amit MARKS 00:22:43
102 74 Viktor F SZABADI 00:26:59
116 32 Suzanne TAYLOR 00:28:19
119 81 Andrew HOWARD 00:28:32
121 35 Bernadett KALMAR 00:28:40
125 38 Sarah BURNS 00:29:09
200 118 Kieran BROWN 00:34:12
203 78 Fiona DAY 00:34:30
Chester parkrun
192 142 Arthur DIAZ 00:29:05
Raphael parkrun
210 55 Natasha HOWARD 00:31:14
Mile End parkrun
196 147 Scott MCMILLAN 00:26:59
283 181 Liam DEMPSEY 00:31:23
Walthamstow parkrun
15 15 Alex PICKERING 00:21:00
43 42 Nick HOULT 00:23:56
92 17 Catriona HOULT 00:28:22

Mount Manganui Half Marathon, New Zealand - Saturday 26th August 2023

Ciaran Canavan: My 1st race report in what feels like forever!
Mount Maunganui 1/2 Marathon

It's been 23 months (exactly) since Lance and I last managed to take on the 1/2 marathon distance at the Hackney Half. I love a big event and I love a half to boot, but niggles and injuries have prevented me (or us) from even making the start line of the runs we'd entered since September 2021. Today was a long time coming.
About 2 months ago I decided to add a daily 1/2 shot of protein to my diet. Something I've never supplemented before. Be it 50:50 mentality and physical, but I’m convinced it helped me reach todays start line at the Mount Maunganui 1/2 marathon.
We came up the night before and parked nearby in our van and collected our runners bibs for today. Then we settled in with pasta for dinner over the chase and the repair shop. (UK TV is the best tv in NZ). Then an early night. I had a horrible sleep. Disturbed by eerie dreams and countless 50 carriage logging trains passing in the night. (Note to self, don't park up by the railway again when hoping for a good sleep!).
A 5.30 alarm call was set so we could give Jinx a super walk before our 8.30 1/2 marathon start. Once we were all fed and Jinx was settled we headed to the athlete zone about 7.30. Loo stop, bag check and really it was time to go.
The start was congested, and funnelled onto the course through a very narrow gap. I had to walk because it was impossible to run at this point. Then I found some 1/2 marathon walkers had positioned themselves in front again! How frustrating. A lot of the 1st km was spent (along with many others) ducking outside of the cones, dodging the oncoming traffic in order to make space and to pick up pace.
My target pace for today was 4:50/km, so I was shocked to clock 4:41 for my first, given all the adversity. I tried to slow dow and yet km 2 clocked as 4:37. It took me another 4-5 kms to settle into a stable, adjusted pace at around 4:40-4:45 per km.
we headed out for 7.5 Kim's along the east cape of the Mount Maunganui peninsula, before returning back the same to 15km. Next we circumvented the southern side of the actual mount, then headed south on a short loop on the west cape of the Mount Maunganui peninsula. So far so good, as flat as I was told. Then the loop round the mount from 17.5km to the finish began. These 3.5km were stunningly beautiful, now hugging the base of the mount, but undulating and on gravel track! The shock by the change of terrain and elevation equated to a temporary reduction in pace, but I did pick up again somewhat for the 20th and 21st Kim's. Down a ramp with a final dash across the beach before entering the finishing funnel made me feel like a triathlete even without swimming.
I'd counted those in front of me before the 1st turn at 7.5km, and I was 190th at there. I knew I'd past a lot in the second half, Finishing in position 140th, I felt stronger than I'd anticipated and I'm delighted with todays result!