Willicott and Coggin beat ultra challenges

TWO long-time club members took on iconic running challenges as Mark Willicott took on one of the most prestigious and awe-inspiring challenges of the running world - the UTMB-CCC.

Starting in Italy, the high-level route winds around Mont Blanc, passing through Switzerland before finishing in Chamonix, France. Willicott completed the race in 24:03.26.

In South Africa Ian Coggin ran the ‘Down’ route of the Comrades Ultra from Pietermaritzburg to Durban completing the 90km route in a net time of 10:39.04.

Closer to home, the Severn Bridge Half Marathon saw Mike Kennedy cross the finish line in 1:42.52 while Norm Lever followed in 2:11.25. .

Some 20 Almosts ran in the Pershore Plum 10k. Katie Coleman, in 42:51, was the first female finisher overall and Elliot Jordan was the first male Almost home in 43:05.

In Cosford Dave and Iris Mayo ran in the Spitfire 10k, Dave finishing in 49:33 and Iris in 1:11:04.

There was plenty of Almost representation at parkruns across the country.

Jeff Tibbles lived up to his Runner of the Month award by claiming another KGV PB at 25:39 and Mark James claimed a PB of 27:30 at Mallards Pike.

Steve Yarnold marked his 50th parkrun milestone by pushing a double buggy round the course and Helen Mcguire celebrated her 100th parkrun, also at KGV.

A merry band led by Rachael Nolan toured many of the wonderful street art installations across Cheltenham.