Jersey Ultra: Paul Holley took on this extremely tough 52 mile ultramarathon, all around the rugged coast of the Channel Island of Jersey, on Sat/Sun, 9th/10th October. Jersey is where Paul was born and raised so holds a special place in his heart. He put in a huge effort to record a time of 8:37:55 and come home first of 67 finishers overall, some 34 minutes ahead of the field. This challenge was done in two stages of about 30 miles and 22 miles on the Saturday and Sunday respectively. Paul was over 43 minutes in the lead after the first stage, which was relatively flat and calm but with a lot of beach running; no easy task in itself. The second day stage was quite the opposite, with rugged cliff ascents, strong winds, and hilly, coastal paths to contend with. Total climb in the race was around 5,000 ft. Paul’s overall lead reduced slightly on the second day but he still managed the fastest time on the stage by over 4 minutes.
The Jersey Ultra route around the island, completed by Paul Holley in two stages. The second stage along the north coast was the toughest and hilliest.
Paul Holley with the cliffs and shoreline of Jersey in view. Thanks to Paul for sharing Strava photo.
Manchester Marathon, Oct 10th: Two Joggers took on the Therme Manchester Marathon, one of the three biggest UK marathon events. Mark Hayward (2:57:24, 385th of 13,851 finishers overall) put in a huge effort to successfully stay under three hours, despite experiencing unexpected and increasing leg muscle discomfort from 9 miles. After his 2:42 PB earlier in the year in the Boston Marathon (UK), he was hoping to get a stage nearer 2:40, but he showed plenty of courage to come through this challenge and will be battle hardened for the next one. Simon Harris (3:19:07, 1,414th overall, 176th of 1,262 in M45) enjoyed a great run, achieving a PB by 8 minutes, so will be well pleased with his day out in Manchester.
ROUND UP OF OTHER RACES. Silverstone 10K, Oct 10th: Clive Purbrook (49:48, 321st of 1,738 overall, 7th of 58 in M60-69) put in his quickest 10K of the year so far, on this fast, motor racing track circuit; Colchester Zoo Stampede HM, Oct 10th: Lisa Winnington (2:20:24, 465th of 629 overall, 120th F of 222) completed her first half marathon of the year, presumably not stampeding but in her normal, relaxed style. Adidas City Run, Islington, London, Oct 10th: This race involved running as far as possible in one hour, on a multi-loop circuit around the Arsenal Emirates football stadium. On his watch, Richard Jones managed 8.4 miles (13.5km), which worked out at 7:08/mi (4:26/km). In the official chip-timed results, which included only whole laps of a mile, Richard finished 231st of 1,997 finishers and 21st in his M50-59 age bracket; impressive stuff, whichever way you look at it.
The Arsenal Emirates Stadium, around which the City Run route went. Thanks to Richard for photo.