London Marathon - 21st April 2024
From its humble beginnings in 1981, The London Marathon has captured the hearts of millions of people, and Bourton Roadrunners has had members there since the very early days. Amongst this year’s 50000 elite athletes, club and charity runners, was Bourton’s Rebecca Townsend, in just her second marathon, and just two weeks after her first at Brighton. She was sighted by friends and family around the course displaying her trade-mark smile, and was delighted with her time of three hours, 58 minutes and 19 seconds.
Also representing Bourton was second-claim member Susan Hunt, a veteran of the distance, who achieved a very respectable 4:18:40. Social member Nick Harper, who has been struggling with injuries, was determined to complete the 26.2 mile distance, showing his true-grit and achieving 5:28:13.
Shakespeare Marathon & Half Marathon - 21st April 2024
On the same day, Stratford-upon-Avon was hosting the Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon. Bourton Roadrunners’ Kevin Goodwill opted for the full marathon, and was rewarded for his dedication to training by completing the two-lap undulating course in three hours, 28 minutes and 33 seconds, and finishing well up the field of 751 finishers.
Meanwhile, Andy Peaston, a regular participant at Stratford, joined the 1750 runners in the half marathon, finishing it in one hour, 46 minutes and 40 seconds.
Highland Ultra Marathon - 3/4 days in April 2024
New second-claim member Craig Hamilton-Smith took part in a three day self-sufficient Highland Ultra Marathon at the Knoydart Peninsula, in the West Highlands of Scotland, covering 125Kms of mountain trails and bogs, sleeping overnight in a tent! Such are the disparate interests of our members. We await any photos that might surface.
Parkrun events - 20th April 2024
Bourton Roadrunners was out and about at parkrun, including the following locations:
Castlehaven, Co Cork: Barry O'Leary - 25:59 (3rd overall and VM50/1).
Cheltenham Pittville Park: Chris Dry - 26:10.
Chipping Norton School: Edward Hare - 21:47 (JM11/2).
Cirencester: Graham Lane - 25:03 (VM70/1).
Clapham Common: Eva Shoemark - 23:11 (course PB), Kate Price - 34:57.
Gunnersbury: Megan Ratcliffe - 26:14.
Milton Keynes: Susan Hunt - 29:28.
Newport, South Wales: Jaq Underwood - 26:02 (VW55/2).
Oxford: Dougal Hamilton-Smith - 21:06 (JM15/3), Louise Hamilton-Smith - 27:25, Claire Louise Carroll - 27:40 (VW60/1), Liz Hulcup - 27:45 (VW70/1).
Stratford-upon-Avon: George Swayne - 18:44 (JM15/1).
Highlights
Congratulations to Rebecca, Susan and Nick for their performances at London Marathon.
Rebecca after 6½ miles (Cutty Sark) at London Marathon. Click on image for a larger version.
Rebecca after 16 miles at London Marathon - 21st April 2024. Click on image for a larger version.
Photo Gallery of magical moments at London Marathon
Click on thumbnail to load.
You can then run manually or automatically.
All photos by Bourton Roadrunners Club
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.