It seems the sensible thing to do this week is to start with the Bromham Pudding Run. We had 13 runners doing the flat two lap course and it definitely wasn’t unlucky as Vicky Henderson (42:11), Laura Midwinter (42:37)and Marie Vinolo-Young (44:00) all finished in the top ten ladies, all set a 10K PB and together they won the trophy for fastest ladies team. Vicky was also the first vet finisher.There was also a PB for Graham Byrne (57:35), another sub 1 hour result from Wendy Byrne (59:52) and a season’s best run form Stuart Henderson leading Corsham home in 36:41, his fastest time at Bromham since 2014, obviously the effect of returning to CRC.At the Full Monty Cute 10M around Ham Hill outside Yeovil, Debra Kearsey went 9 minutes faster than she had done previously and Stewart Unsworth was not quite as quick as he decided to take part in Steve Hible’s running injury competition, by falling over and cutting his knee. I feel that Steve’s ankle still wins though and we should discourage any more people from entering this competiton. With 1,500 ft of climbing this race had the third most elevation of any race this week.In second place was the Cardington Cracker doubling the elevation of the Monty Cute packing in around 3,000 ft in its 10 miles and of course it was Andrew Wood who was running it as he doesn’t like anything that isn’t lumpy!But the winner for most elevation goes to *checks notes* ME, Carl Zalek! doubling Andrew’s elevation doing 6,000 ft of climb at the inaugural Copthorne 50K. The route is a lap just over 10 miles done 3 times over the Surrey Hills, including the infamous Box Hill. An unexpected number of the climbs were on uneven steps, it was a brutal course. There were also options for 50 miles and 100 miles, 5 or 10 loops, those brave souls will be sleeping downstairs for weeks. The weather was a little chilly to start but it was bright and clear and the views were simply stunning affording some excellent photo opportunities. This race was organised by experienced ultra runners so while it was a first time event they knew what they were doing and it comes highly recommended (if you’re a little unhinged). The mandatory kit list is quite minimal and there is only one thing that they say you have to carry on every single lap – a canary!Inspiration comes in many forms, but I’m sure that anyone who went to club last week can’t fail to have been inspired by Eric Ayling, the 84 year old who was in the Springfield centre cycling 10 hours a day for a week on a spin bike to raise money for Help For Heroes. Massive Kudos to Eric.
