Steve and Issy star at Great North Run
» AT the Great North Run, first male and female home for Almost Athletes were in-form Steve Phelps (1:44:17) and Issy Ravenhill (1:44:52).
Also completing this iconic event – in many cases raising funds for charity along the way were Laura Tring (1:48:40); Ela Antosiewicz and Craig Jackson running in Maggie’s orange (1:56:19); Amy Broomhall (1:59:06); Dave Mayo (2:04:49); Felicity Read (2:08:13); Kev Fairs (2:26:59); Lorraine Taylor and Neil Tring (2:27:53); Naomi Wilkins (2:40:45); Kevin Keegan (2:43:34); Iris Mayo (2:48:13).
Ollie Nolan (2:48:47) and daughter Rachael (3:43:44) also supported Maggie’s, both putting in their customary fighting performances on the road from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields.
At Chedworth - a challenging trail race of just over 10 miles including a deep and slippery river crossing - strong performances were recorded by Matt Proome (1:24:10) and Katie Coleman (1:26:23, 1st in category).
They were closely followed by Duncan Mounsor (1:28:08); a resurgent Ingrid Harris (1:34:56); Jamie Courtenay (1:35:14); Olly Bell (1:36:28); Craig Bullingham (1:37:59) and Jim Trowbridge (1:38:05), who enjoyed a fine finish line tussle; Liza Habgood (1:40:50); Sarah Wallbridge (1:43:02, second in category); Hester Coggin (1:43:15); Lesley Cottle (1:43:23, third in category); Des Beer (1:45:23); David Garnett (1:47:49); Rob Hume (1:48:40); Alison Hume (1:48:41); new member Adele Steptoe (1:54:50); Sue Monaghan (1:55:08); Vicky Kennedy (1:57:17) and Adrian Courtenay (2:22:50), many of whom were in the hunt for points at the sharp end of the club’s off-road race series.
Long distance specialist Mark Newton took on The Lap (anticlockwise), a 47-mile trail ultramarathon around Lake Windermere with 10,000 feet of ascent. He completed the challenge in 12:07:10 and is already planning to take on the course again next year in the opposite direction.
Soon-to-be newlyweds Cat Daly and Ian Williams ran the New Forest marathon, completing the early miles together. Ian ultimately recorded 3:56:43 and Cat 4:16:38.
There was the usual spread of runners at parkruns around the country, with a concentration at Jesmond Dene, Newcastle the day before the Great North Run.
At Windy Nook Craig Jackson was third to cross the line in a personal best of 20:52 and Jeff Tibbles again reaped the rewards of his recent hard work, earning a personal best of 25:17 at Torbay Velopark.
Kim Lewington scored a course PB at King George V Playing Field (29:44) while Hollie Stone continued to manage a careful return to running at the same venue.
Ben Taylor placed fourth in his first run at Tewkesbury (20:00), one spot behind Nick Lewis. New member Tim Perkins made his first appearance at KGVPF as part of a longer training run in preparation for the upcoming London marathon.
Matt Polson placed third in his second fastest time (18:05) at Peel and there were first in category finishes for Jeanette Gullick at Evesham (24:17) and Neil Tring at Jesmond Dene (23:36).
Almost Athletes also represented at Bryn Bach, Bushy Park, Cheltenham, Cwmbran, Gadebridge, Gloucester North, Hereford, Llanishen Park, Lytham Hall, Newent, Riddlesdown, Seven Fields, Tamar Trails and Tidworth.
Monday saw the conclusion of the club’s popular summer handicap series. A consistent improvement during the season saw Jim Trowbridge lift the coveted trophy.
Runners were tightly bunched for the other two podium places, with Catherine Mason and Lewis Jones prevailing.
Elsewhere Helen Fursman-reid conquered the Cotswold Big Swim (4k distance) at Lake 32.