Bircher battles way through 100-miler
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FROM 10k to 100 miles, CLC Striders members have been covering all distances.
Rob Bircher knew he was in for a challenge at the Chester Trail 100-mile ultra but he made good time, easily arriving at the checkpoints within the cut-off limits.
The final 15 to 20 miles were extremely tough and Bircher was delighted to finish inside the top 50 and earn a gold buckle for his efforts.
He was joined by running buddy Laura Kearney and Andrew Paterson, who provided support throughout, including soup and tea in the middle of the night.
Two Striders competed in the Edinburgh City Marathon in their first times over the distance with Oliver Watkins clocking 3:05:25 and Hedley Phillips registering 3:33:21.
Eoin Mcquone continued his everimproving form to register a PB at the Liverpool Half Marathon, narrowly missing his 90-minute target for the year by finishing in 1:30:13.
Finlay Willicott ran his first full marathon at the same event.
Tom Kabala ran the Birmingham 10K to register a time of 36:51 and 11 Striders lined up in the London Vitality 10k race, won again by Sir Mo Farah.
They were led home by Will Pearce in 37:09 and second home was Paul Lockyer, ducking under the 40-minute mark with a time of 39:53.
Rachel Vines clocked a strong time of 41:18, with Tom Fletcher, Helen Knight and Karlien Heyrman not far behind in 41:24, 41:44 and 41:58 respectively.
Tim Brock clocked 42:34, with Amanda Steer next home in a solid 42:53. Gavin Jerman finished in 44:11, Mike Speke in 51:13 and Rebecca Reynolds in 53:11.