Race Report W/E 24 February

It’s been yet another weekend where journalists have used most of their efforts to identify places we are warmer than. And there was also some sport.

Yes, in addition to Wales spanking England, and Jonny Brownlee winning the Super League triathlon in Singapore, we had a few of our own club out and about.

As we’re still (allegedly) in the depths of winter, all this weekend’s events have been a pied encore. Well… nearly all.

0. The Big Husky

Yes, that’s right, one person – by virtue of not being in the correct hemisphere – has bucked the running trend and raced a near triathlon. The Big Husky Aquabike is (for the most part) a Middle Distance Tri without the run. So, perfect for say Sophie Kirk, still on her hols. True to form, she nabbed the podium spot as top placed woman, in addition to coming 3rd overall! Please relax and enjoy the holiday now.

1. English Cross Country Championships

James Ellis, running for his other club, Thames Valley Harriers (TVH), took part in this national cross country event. This 12 km race was held on the grounds of Harewood House (in the posh bit of Yorkshire). Despite a very talented field, James managed to place 154th out of 2,006 runners, covering the course in an eye watering 40min53sec. And just in case you thought James was fast… he only came 6th in his club – a depth of talent that helped TVH place 11th out of 144 clubs racing.

Time to get back in the pool now James?

2. Brighton Half Marathon

What better weekend to visit the seaside, which is just what Katherine and Stuart Montserrat did in order to run the Brighton Half Marathon. A long loop of a fairly flat course takes runners up the cliff tops before returning to do a scenic tour of Brighton and Hove seafront. Over 7,500 competitors were running the race on Sunday. Both Katherine and Stuart achieved great times – Stuart just missing on a sub-1:30, and Katherine running a PB of 1:46, well within the top 10% of her Age Group. Great work both!

Also this week’s prize for using the Race Calendar in advance goes to Katherine.

3. Richmond Park Half Marathon

Not to be confused with the Richmond Half a week earlier, the Richmond Park Half is its more contoured brother. Rob Finn snuck in under the radar to run this. And a very respectable 1:43 time was achieved.

4. Carsington Water Half Marathon

‘eading back oop North, Euan Lees, on a running weekend in the Peak District, took on the Carsington Water Half Marathon. Carsington Water is a large reservoir north-west of Derby. It’s the setting for a multi-terrain, undulating, half marathon that uses a combination of paths and trails around the lake shore. In spite of the terrain, Euan knocked out a sub 1:30 time – coming 5th overall and 2nd in his Age Group. Awesome stuff.

5. Dash for the Splash

Last, but not least, we had a crew take on Thames Hare & Hounds’ “Dash for the Splash 10k”. This is a great local, fun race. The advertising tag line reads: “There’s some great running but also some challenging bits – mud, hills and did we say a splash?” A field of 8 club runners were out there on Sunday: Paula Rutherford; Richard Harper; Richard Bridger; Christina Archer; Pierre-Elliot Roussel; Jemma Coles; Gemma Pugh; and, Gina Siebler. Well, technically 6 + 2. Gina sneakily ran it for Wimbledon Windmilers (we won’t judge), and Gemma ran as an Independent (very of the moment!) Fantastic runs from all. Paula was first for the club and 16th overall, swiftly followed by Richard H. And did Gemma and Jemma plan to finish together??

Time to dry out those XC running shoes for the final Women’s race at Lloyd park now you’ve had the practice mud run.

As usual, do let me know at fixtures@fulontri.com if I have missed anyone out racing. Do also let me know if you plan to race and are struggling to find your race or add yourself onto the race calendar – we can only get better at self-promotion judging by this weekend 🙂

Also, as we edge closer to Triathlon season proper, I would love to start getting some actual race stories and perspectives. Watch this space.