The Italian Job for two Perth runners
The stunning setting of the Italian Dolomites was the location for two Perth Road Runners this week.
Mike Dales and Fiona Manson jetted off to compete in the challenging Brixen Marathon which included a mountain top finish line.
The 42 kilometre uphill race involved 2450 metres of ascent but that didn’t stop both runners from improving on their previous best times.
Having set those times in 2015, Mike returned to clock 5:45.48 while Fiona, not far behind, posted an impressive time of 5:59.48.
Back home, there was a plethora of local action for Perth members with the club’s annual Brig Bash proving to be another success.
Despite the heat, 26 members of the club took to the five-mile route while
Mike Dales and Fiona Manson numerous others volunteered.
First home overall was Michael McConnell in a sweltering time of 27:56.
He was followed by Stuart Robertson in 29:08 (first M40) and Kevin Rogers in 30:02 (third M40).
Lisa Aikman was first home for the ladies in a time of 36:59, followed by Arlene McWalter in 37:02 and Kristen Allcoat in 39:12.
Seven green vests were in attendance at the Crieff 10k and Diane White was first home for the Perth club in 55:09.
Bob Brown ran 56:49, Janette Clark 57:36, Kenneth G N Stewart 58:13, Barry Campbell 59:32, Karen Walters 1:09:14 and Sally Newton 1:09:29.
On the parkrun front, Perth Road Runners were represented as far away as Florida where Steve Bonthrone ran the Clermont Waterfront parkrun.
Scott Henderson completed the Mile End parkrun in London in a time of 23:25.
And, at the other end of the UK, Catriona Liddell ran in the Fort William parkrun coming home as the eighth female.
Completing the parkrun tourism this week were Kev Riddell and Gillian Edwards who took in the scenic Lochore Meadows parkrun.
In very humid and sunny conditions, 36 green vests turned out for the Perth version which was also pacer week.
Mike Carroll was first home - for the eighth time this year - in 15:52 followed by Greg Simpson in 16:59 and Stuart Robertson in 17:01.
Fabienne Thompson was the first female home in 22:05 followed by Lorraine McPherson in 22:19 and Sonjia Crow in 23:11.
There were new personal bests for Kev Rodgers (18:11), Lenny Burnett (19:52), Jim Brown (25:22) and Douglas Robertson (31:53).
Also in Perth, Lorner Malcolmson took part in the Race For Life 5k with her son Matthew. Ella Webley was the first runner home in the 10k.
The club continues to meet at Bell’s Sports Centre on Tuesday at 6.30pm for a social run.
Thursday alternates between coached track and hill sessions. All are welcome to attend.