Almosts defy the weather to take on Mayhill Massacre races
» THE snow and ice could not discourage a hardy group of Almost Athletes from competing at the exceptionally tough Mayhill Massacre races.
Shaun Carr added to a fantastic season, taking fifth place overall in the first nine-mile race as he ran the hilly, muddy course in a remarkable 1:15.
Jamie Courtenay followed in 1:27, Sarah Roberts was second in her age category in 1:36, and Ross Greening also finished in 1.36.
Karen Hilton crossed the line in 1:44 despite taking a wrong turn, and Adrian Courtenay finished in 2:19.
Hester Coggin was first lady home in the second nine mile race, finishing in an impressive 1:28, while the second Almost lady home was Catherine Daly in 1:36.
Mike Daly ran 1:24 to take first in his age category while Kirstie Hallam and Andrew Wilkinson finished in 1:44, Andrea Hardy in 2.02 and Pinky Shetty completed her first off-road race with Mariel Chretien in 2:24.
The Mayhill Mayhem 15 mile race saw Lesley Cottle take first in her age category in 2:51, while Oliver Clarkin came home in 3:25.
Karla Cleverley, inset, and Simon Morgan travelled to the London Winter Run, where snowmen, huskies and penguins cheered them around the closed road course. Morgan completed the 10k run in 53 minutes, followed by Cleverley in 1:26.
Josh Hand was in incredible form at Chichester 10k, gaining a 35.19 PB for his efforts. Sarah Fennell, Rachel Nolan and Ceinwen Davies continued the Almost Athletes tradition of running the Torremolinos Half Marathon in Spain, finishing together in 2:39. With Cheltenham parkrun cancelled, members had to venture further afield for their Saturday morning running fix. Gloucester North saw several Almosts in action, with Neil Tring and Lorraine Taylor taking first in their age categories in 21.38 and 25.09 respectively. Regular volunteer Phil Jeyes welcomed Dave Chittock, Deb Cartlidge, Richard Knightley and Simon Jarvis to Tewkesbury. Jarvis ran 20.37, finishing fifth overall.
Mike Kennedy finished fifth in Newent in 22.39, and Matt Polson was also fifth at Rugby (19.07).
Rob Rennell and guide Robert Dalton Morris were in action at Stonehouse, Robert Brush was at Worcester Pitchcroft, Martyn Fisher at Pocket parkrun, and Oliver Bell at Brandon Country Park.
Rich Smith took on the tough challenge of pushing a buggy around Woolacombe Dunes parkrun, finishing in 45.54