Phoenix Running: Hot Lips 666 Run & Space Race
Aiden and Nadine Dwyer spent the weekend in the company of Phoenix Running. On Saturday they took part in the Hot Lips 666 Run, a special run to celebrate the 666th Phoenix event and to mark the occasion, each runner received two unique medals.
Nadine was also officially presented with a Finisher’s T-shirt for the Triple Crown Challenge which she completed recently; it consists of running a 50 miler, 52 half-marathons in 52 weeks and 10 half-marathons in 10 days.
She said: “A lot of time and effort has gone into this and I’m so happy to have been able to achieve this. A big ‘thank you’ has to go to Aiden who joined me for the majority of these half-marathons.
“The theme of Sunday’s event was ‘Space Race, and this concluded our double weekender on the Thames towpath. A great haul of medals this weekend and we’re another two half-marathons closer to that magic number.”
Resolution 5000
Dave Goosetree took part in the Resolution 5000 track run at St Albans Track on Wednesday. This is a series of 5K track runs organised by Richard Sidlin at Racesonline, and having done the last couple at Stevenage as well as training on our home track he was going for a steady pace, aiming for 26 minutes.
Dave said: “I finished with a result of 25.59 … so the training is paying off.”
Windsor Half Marathon
Andy Morgan took part in the Windsor Half Marathon, describing it as “an incredible experience.”
He said: “The route wound through Windsor Great Park, with stunning views of Windsor Castle and the countryside kept me motivated along the way. The hills made it a real challenge, but the friendly atmosphere and support from the crowds gave me the push I needed. Crossing the finish line in 1:37 felt amazing — I was proud to have completed such a scenic and memorable race.”
Welwyn Half
Garden City Runners were in action at the annual Welwyn Half which this year also featured a 10k option.
Alison Paterson said: “Carol Reid and Richard Brown came 1st in their respective age categories in the 10k while other GCRs in the 10k included Terry Fowler and Andrew Ferguson. Also congratulations to Mike Evans who took part in the 10k.
“The half route starts at Gosling Stadium and runs out on the Cole Green Way before turning and coming back via Birch Green. A shout out to the violin man at the Howlands/Chequers roundabout who was still playing when we ran back past him.
“There were some confused runners and marshals out near the turn around and turn off points which led to a few runners going the wrong way (always a disappointment when you have trained for an event). So no prizes for the top finishers in the half due to the route confusion.”
Alison ran with a friend “and we kept each other going along the undulating route, finishing just under the 2:30 hour mark.
“The threatened rain stayed away until just near the end and it was great to finish on the ‘GCR’ track. Definitely one to do again.”
Loch Ness Marathon
While claiming that she was no match for the “amazing backyarders” Philippa Doughty nevertheless completed the Loch Ness Marathon, with a PB, saying it is an event she would highly recommend.
She said: “There were lovely views, perfect weather and the undulations, with a net downhill, kept it interesting, although my quads did end up preferring the ups to the downs. I didn’t see Nessie but I did get a marathon PB of 3:13:51.”
Parkrun Round-up
GCR saw 97 of its members out and about at park runs this weekend. Results that stood out were as follows: The ever-reliable Neil Hume ran Southsea in 17:50 to finish 5th. Philippa Doughty warmed up for LochNess Marathon by running Aviemore in a training run speed of 25:21. Another runner you can bet your shirt on, Paul Guy, led the Stevenage contingency home in a brilliant time of 18:06, with Zoe Stephens finishing in an equally impressive 20:41 (2nd lady), with Sean Bowen finishing in 21:05, and Keith McLellan PB-ing in 22:41. Over at Gunpowder, Robert Stuckey was certainly in explosive form, hitting the finish funnel in 20:04 to bring him home in 8th place. Graeme McSorley led the GCR contingent at Panshanger, finishing 6th in 19:15, ahead of Charlie Marchione (19:49) and Adam Wadley (19:55) — all of whom finished in the top 10. Evidence of a bit of tourism in darkest Hockley Woods, where seven GCRs made the trip … namely John McDowall (first GCR home), Richard Somerset, Barbara Kubis, Caroline Griffin, Ann Hayden, Caroline O’Dwyer and Willow Gibson. At Holkham, Jess Timmins continued her good form, 2nd lady finisher in 20:21. Furthest afield was Fredi Giliberti at Aachener Weiher in Germany. And the least pronouncable venue, Y Promenâd, Aberhonddu, saw Amber-Leigh Marvin finish in a commendable 22:15 … the 2nd lady finisher. Full results for GCRs participating in Saturday’s parkruns can be found here.
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