Author: Running Carl

Another busy week and yet more of our runners are pushing themselves to greater heights.

Sadly, the summer evenings are drawing in which means that it was the last Lacock Relay of the year and that means it was the handicap. If you’ve posted a time in the 3 previous events during the summer then you can do the handicap, starting off in reverse order with the idea that almost everyone will finish very close to each other (there were only 5 minutes between first and last) and the winner will be the person who has improved the most over the summer. David Mackie posted a quicker time than Jon Morrell on the night but Jon finished 4^th and Dave finished 44^th as Jon started earlier and Dave couldn’t catch him. They both finished higher than their starting position.

This weekend saw the final chance for people to either post a parkrun time or improve their parkrun time and 12 people took the chance to do so. We had 2 at Kingsway (Gloucestershire) including Michael Luff doing his 100th parkrun, 3 at Southwick, 4 at Chippenham, 1 at Delamere (Cheshire), 1 at Pomphrey Hill (Bristol) and Brain Atkins went all out to try and set a good time by picking the best parkrun he could find locally at Severn Bridge. It starts in Wales and goes across the bridge, crossing the border into England before turning round and heading back to Wales. I assume it is flat, it is wide for overtaking and it is concrete so easier for speed. It worked as he did set his fastest time.

Craig Rumble came 2^nd in the Conquest of Avalon, just 2 minutes behind the winner. A 30 mile route from Ham Hill Country Park near Yeovil following the Leland Trail and the Land’s End Trail to Glastonbury and as an added bonus with 2 miles to go, the race does take in the climb to Glastonbury Tor and back down again. I’m sure it was worth the climb and battling the tourists for the views from the top.

We had 4 runners at the Flying Monk Malmesbury 10K. Some excellent performances and none more so than Charlie Berry. Who smashed his previous PB of 1:03 by finishing in just under 55 minutes.

One of the runners at Malmesbury, Jo Motto, wasn’t finished for the weekend and along with Gill Parham-Mott and Edd Stone did the Beat the Bore race on Sunday morning. This is a pretty unique event as it is a race against nature. The Bore is a natural phenomenon of a tidal surge along the river severn, although unlike the tide, it has an element of unpredictability as to exactly when it will arrive. Apparently, the noise of the approaching bore is quite an event itself. The race is roughly 8 miles and if you finish before the bore arrives, your medal has a green ribbon and if the bore beats you it is a white ribbon.

Andrew Wood spent another weekend playing on some mountains as he did the Peak District 33. His aim was to finish in under 8 hours and despite running closer to 36 miles (he claims it was the course and not his navigation) he finished in 7:52. He’s getting quite good at this mountain stuff.

Annika Davidson and Lucy Bright had quite an adventure doing the Cotswold Trail Half Marathon. Annika found her legs from last weeks ultra when she came across the big blinking (That’s what I’m assuming b***ard means) hills at miles 7 and 11. Along with some waiting at stiles and losing a shoe in a bog, it definitely isn’t a PB course but a beautiful outing and a great run from both of our Corsham ladies.

And away from races we had our penultimate away run of the summer and it was a new one (I think) at Bremhill, near Calne. Thanks to Stewart Unsworth for organising the route, keeping us on top of the hill so we could enjoy the views without being too out of breath. The route also took in a handy place to grab a group photo. Our final away run of the summer is this Thursday (5^th September) from the Quarryman’s Arms at the slightly earlier time of 18:45 so please join us there and for a drink afterwards, there’s a reason most of our away runs finish at a pub you know.

It was a tough weekend with temperatures reaching 30 but we had a good number of runners battling on.

First up, we have to start with Danny Parker and Annika Davidson at the Green Man Ultra, a 45 mile self navigated loop of Bristol. Two excellent performances with both completing their longest ever runs. Annika had only run 18 previously.

Dave Mackie did the Brecon Beacons Fell Race, around 4,500 feet of climbing in almost 20 miles. I’m sure the heat made it easier.

The Hibles ran the Severn Bridge Half Marathon on Sunday morning. Definitely no shade on the bridge. John finished before dad Stephen.

Lucy Bright did the Avebury Trust 10K and Michael Freegard ran 5K at the Fowey Fun Run.

And of course, we had our collected efforts at parkrun this weekend. A record (possibly) 8 events had 18 runners. 1 at Kingsway (Gloucestershire), 2 at Forest of Dean, 1 at Bath Skyline, 1 at Southwick, 6 at Chippenham, 1 at Brockenhurst (New Forest), 1 at Colby (in the deep depths of South Wales) and 5 in Melksham.

You have one final Saturday this month to improve or post a parkrun time. Doesn’t matter where, just do one.

After a couple of fallow weeks we’ve been back racing again this week.

The big event of course was the 3rd Hilly Helmet Challenge (and congratulations to Jane Tunnicliffe and Dave Mackie on their hat-trick badge). There were 20 representatives from Corsham in attendance in a variety of helmets. John Wilmott led the way in 30:01 (close but not quite).

It was a great night for Brain Tumour Support as there was an estimated £4,000 raised.

The evening before Dave Mackie had been our sole representative at the final Heddington 5k of the summer and unlike John at the Hilly Helmet, Dave managed to get 1 second the right side as he finished in 19:59.

Dave did the Coppett Hill fell race on Saturday where he was joined by Susan, Annika Davidson and Susan’s brother Keith.

And on Sunday Dave did a 4th race of the week* at the black Mountains Fell Race, this time with Debra Kearsey (the metronome runner) and Andrew Wood.

Correction: This was merely a recce, the actual race is 21st September. Entries are still open if anyone wants to join them.

*No wonder he didn’t join the 32 mile Cotswold Way run overnight on Friday.

Jo Gill was spotted doing the two tunnels marathon in Bath by Alison Graham, Stewart Unsworth, Becky Townsend, Helen Ashworth and John Ashworth who were all marshalling.

And of course, we’ve still got the parkrun championship races, this week with 4 at Chippenham, 1 at Kingsway (Gloucestershire), 2 at Southwick Country Park, 4 at Melksham, 1 at Cirencester, 1 at Bath Skyline and the chief (Biggsy) wins the exotic parkrun this week with an attendance at Haverfordwest in Wales.

Remember there are 2 more Saturdays in August to do a parkrun (or improve your time) to count for the club championship. Please remember to check the Member Results to ensure I’ve got your parkrun result.

And finally, Dave Mackie’s undoubted ability to predict the weather was in evidence again as between the torrential rain of Wednesday and the even worse conditions on Friday, we had our Bowood away run in glorious sunshine on the Thursday.

It’s been another quiet week for us, with only one racer.

We did have runners at parkruns, 2 at Kingsway (Gloucestershire), 3 at Southwick, 4 at Chippenham, and 1 each at Hilly Fields (SE. London), Melksham, Penistone (S. Yorks) and Tetbury.

Laura Midwinter had a great weekend doing 3 10k runs in 3 days at the Tri Island Summer Saunter Series in Barrow, Cumbria. The summer part didn’t really happen with rain, wind and very little sun but it didn’t stop Laura having three fantastic results.

Day 1 Friday was the Dockside Drama, where Laura came 2nd overall and 1st female.

Day 2 Saturday was the Roa Island Ruckus, this time Laura was 5th overall and 2nd female.

Day 3 Sunday was the Sowerby Adventure and Laura saved the best for last, 1st lady and 1st overall.

Congratulations Laura on a great weekend of racing.

It’s lucky we’ve got the ‘any parkrun in August’ counts for the club championship as otherwise it would be a sparse weekly review this week.

In fact the only non parkrun appears to be Mark Cortaville’s appearance at the Westonbirt House Summer 10K. He had a great performance though and picked up the prize for 3rd vet 50.

So on to the parkruns. We had 15 people at 6 different events. Chippenham saw the most with 8 people there, but it was good to see people at Kingsway (Gloucestershire), Guildford, Bath Skyline and Melksham, where Laura Midwinter was first lady.

But perhaps most impressively, Kathryn Roynon took in Vejen parkrun in Denmark on her way home from holiday. Hoping to see a fee more overseas events in the remaining 4 Saturdays.

If you did a parkrun and don’t see it listed then please let me know.

CONGRATULATIONS to our latest batch of beginners, who completed their graduation at Chippenham parkrun on Saturday. Between them and our regular members, we had 31 of us.

Many of us were sporting bright tutus as it was the annual Lucy Jillings run for Pancreatic Cancer and lots of money was raised for charity too.

The Mackies (and Willow), used the last day of their holiday to take on the Seaview 17. A 17 mile run from Lynmouth to Minehead. A great way to spend time on holiday and most importantly, a great food table at the end. Well done to all 3 of you.

Becky Townsend, Helen and John Ashworth, made the relatively short journey to Bath for the Bath Running Festival Long Half Marathon. Clocking in at just over 16 miles and with trails, hills and heat, it could be the toughest half marathon in the country. They look happy to have finished.

Doing an actual half marathon, Chris Hutton did the Afan Forest Half Marathon, finishing 12th overall.

Thursday saw another away run, as the club decamped to Marshfield. Again, the weather was beautiful (we have been lucky this summer) and the photos were fantastic.

This week we’ve had mountains and ultras, club championships and away runs.

Our latest batch of beginners completed their 10th and final run during the week. It’s been a great group and we look forward to seeing their progression from here.

First off though, they have their graduation run at Chippenham parkrun on Saturday 27th, which includes the pancreatic cancer tutu run. So bring your tutus and support our beginners. It is a club championship event.

While the beginners were doing there last session, most of the club were enjoying the beautiful views around the Cherhill monument and White Horse. Thanks to Stewart Unsworth for organising.

Stewart didn’t push himself too hard as he was tapering for the Grim Reaper at the weekend. This is a 100 mile race, with 10 laps of 10 miles and a very tight 25 hour time limit.

Unfortunately, Stewart realised at the end of his 5th lap after 12 hours 30, that he wasn’t going to get to the full 100 miles. However, this was no reason to stop and he completed another 3 laps for a total of 80 miles. Very impressive to keep going when the big goal has gone.

Stewart had to do at least 80 miles to top the CRC Strava leaderboard for the first time. Usually it is topped by Damian Hall and thus weekend he came 7th in the Eiger Trail 100K. A 62 mile loop around some Swiss mountains, starting and finishing in the town or Grindelwald. One for the Harry Potter fans.

Andrew Wood was also playing in the mountains at the International Snowdon Race. This one is a little shorter at just over 9 miles but it started at Llanberis and ran straight up to the summit of Mount Snowdon before turning round and retracing your footsteps back to Llanberis.

Mark Cortaville did the Frome 10K and even posted about it on Facebook so I could take the photo of his medal. Thanks Mark.

Sunday saw the Colerne Under the Posts 5 mile race in our club championship for the first time. There were 9 Corsham runners taking part with John Wilmott (who missed the team photo) leading the way. Well done to all of CORSHAM TEAM.

And finally, in a blatant abuse of power, I’d like to congratulate Oscar Zalek, for becoming only the 2nd child (and first of a CRC member), to achieve 200 miles at the One Mile Club. It’s taken 6 years and he’s only missed 4 sessions in that time. Well done son.

HURRAH! For Corsham Running Club

It hasn’t been the busiest week for us on the racing calendar but we did put on the fantastically successful Hazelbury Hurrah!

We did however, have 10 runners at the 3rd Heddington 5K of the summer. With 6 of them getting a PB, well done to Mark Cortaville, Brian Atkins, Laura Midwinter, Lauren Edwards, Jane Clarke and Kathryn Roynon.

Gareth Evans did the Two Tunnels half marathon in Bath on Sunday, I should imagine that the part in the tunnels was a glorious respite from the sun and assisted him to go under 100 minutes.

And of course we had the second running of the Hazelbury Hurrah! With double the entrants and also the inclusion of a Fun Run (ages 4-7) and a Junior Race.

It felt a little manic at times, but it’s a testament to the fantastic volunteers from CRC that it didn’t look that way to the runners of which we had 301 across the 3 races, 3.5 times as many as last year.

11 of the Hurrah! Racers were CRC members with Lee Davis first back again. We also had a large number of children of our members or One Mile Club members in the two extra races, with some superb performances.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped out with the event. I know our race directors David Mackie and Gill Fox (as well as the rest of the HH! committee) are extremely grateful that you gave up part of your Friday night to ensure the smooth running of the event.

Here’s to next year.

I relay must come up with some new puns as we’ve been relaying again this week.

First off though, we had a fantastic 48 runners (and numerous PBs) at the Chippenham River Run 5k, including some of the beginners who’ve not even finished their 10 weeks yet. Obviously Richard has been working them hard.

It was also a good day for children of our members with both of Rebecca Edwards’ children and both of Shelly Genery’s children taking home trophies for winning their age categories in the 2k event. Well done to all 4 of them.

Word is getting round about the Steeple Ashton 5x5x5 race run by AVR as we had 7 members at the 4th running of the summer on Thursdsy evening, including 3 of our ladies, looking to pick up some points in the club championship.

At the Ham and Lyme 50K, Corsham topped and tailed the results. David Warren (running for us) finished equal first in 4:36:10. Dan Harman was only 20 minutes behind in 7th place.

But really getting his money’s worth was Julian Thornhill who despite twisting his ankle at 4 miles, toughed out the final 27 miles and was the final finisher (equal) in a time a little over 10 hours. A great effort from all 3 of them.

Emma Kilmurray and Kirsty Hunt took part in the Race for Life at Victoria Park, Bath on Sunday morning. Their first 5K so a PB each.

And doing 5 miles on Sunday morning were Mark Cortaville and Natalie Inman at the Compton Bassett 5 miler.

And for the second consecutive Saturday we went for a Relay run. This time it was the Avon Valley Relay. A traditional baton relay of 17 miles split into 4 legs, starting at Bradford-on-avon rugby club and following the Avon Valley, mostly along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Trowbridge rugby club.

Our 28 runners all enjoyed the event in spite of the heat and a big thanks should go to Susan Mackie for organising us. With 17 ladies and 11 gents, it was a good representation of CRC.

Results aren’t available yet, but I can confidently say that our super women’s team of Laura Midwinter, Marie Vinolo-Young, Annika Davidson and Michaela Curtis were our fastest ever ladies teams.