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Shakespeare Raceways 5k, 10k and Marathon - 14 November 2015

The Autumn Shakespeare event offers runners the chance to test themselves over either the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Marathon distance on a flat course without the distractions of cars, crowds, scenery or anything at all interesting. Long Marston airfield provides a meandering 5K course of concrete, tarmac, weeds and the occasional oil drum. It is officially the windiest place in Britain (probably) and it was also miserably cold and drizzly on race day. On the plus side, it was Saturday morning, leaving the rest of the weekend free for frivolity.

15 Bourton Roadrunners shivered on the start line (shared by runners of all race distances), with 13 running 5K (tempted by 6 from 10 points), 1 running 10K and 1 doing the Big One. The 5K was billed as a 'Fun Run". This didn't mean it was going to be fun; just that there were no prizes (it was, after all, a charity event).

This was a shame though as we were hoping that the Krzywiec’s might buy everyone a bacon roll with their winnings: with Chris storming around for a 17:36 race win, and Kate First Lady finisher in a super speedy 20:45.

Darren Long overcame injury woes, looking comfortable finishing 4th in 19:42. Catherine Wheeler was running her last race as a twenty-something (on the eve of her Thirtieth Birthday), and managed a huge PB of 21:09.

Bourton Junior Christopher Hunt was the smallest person in the race but had big ambitions for a sub-22 finish. He worked hard for 21:51, commenting afterwards that his body felt as if it was “running underwater” down the long (and squeaky) drag-racing strip to the finish (his delight at achieving his PB goal didn’t, however, prevent him from maintaining his unblemished record of not smiling for the camera).

Steph Holton was next in (22:42), followed by Brian Hulcup (23:06) who didn’t wait for Liz (23:43). Chris Dry sneaked under 24 (23:56) with Kerry Lee Taylor 24:07. Gill Carrick had started on the front line and finished in a determined 25:31. And still they came…with Linda Edwards (26:12) pipping Gary Holton (26:27), who was battling his IT band.

While the 5K runners celebrated, Margaret Hollamby and Alan Thomas were completing their second lap. Margaret finished the 10K in a superb 46:49 and 9th Lady and First FV55, chased by Alan in 47:07.

Meanwhile, Steve Edwards was grinding out an 8 and a half lap Marathon (his 706th). The Bourton contingent cheerfully waved to Steve as he completed his 2nd and 3rd laps, before they headed home as the weather turned increasingly grim - everyone pitying Steve and even more-so Saint Teresa, who was all smiles and enthusiasm despite the gale-force wind and driving rain. The deterioration in conditions was reflected by the shocking fact that normally-metronomic Steve ran each 5k progressively slower than the one before (sorry Steve, there’s nowhere to hide when there's a timing mat at 5K!) and that 10% of the field failed to finish the race. Steve finished in a triumphant 12th place (3:17:05), and a teeny bit closer to the 1000th.

Bourton Roadrunners at the Shakespeare Autumn Raceways event

Bourton Roadrunners at the Shakespeare Autumn Raceways event, 14th November 2015.

 

 

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Highlights

Chris and kate Krzywiec were respectively 1st man and 1st woman in the 5k race; a family double.

Christopher Hunt achieved a PB in the 5k - 21:51; a fine performance for a junior member.

Catherine Wheeler also managed a huge PB; well done “old bird”.

Margaret Hollamby and Alan Thomas run the 10k race, with Margaret 1st LV55, closely chased by Alan.

Steve Edwards battled the elements to complete his 706th full marathon, finishing 12th.


Steve Edwards at Shakespeare Raceways marathon.

Steve Edwards at Shakespeare Raceways marathon.

 

 

Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.