SATURDAY NOV 13th:
Essex Remembrance Runs, Carver Barracks, near Saffron Walden: Anna Mayhew (57:33, 67th of 125 overall, 18th F of 62) completed her quickest 10K of the year, running 2 laps of this fast, even course, along runways and well-maintained service roads of an old RAF airfield. Andy Fryatt (1:32:09, 6th of 61 overall, 3rd of 14 in M50) took on four laps and came away with his third successive half marathon PB this year. The two airfield runways are in the shape of a cross, very appropriate for this occasion.
Above left: Anna Mayhew with her 10K Essex Remembrance medal. Above right: Andy Fryatt, who gained another half marathon PB.
The Lemur Loop 10K, Swan Down Lake, Somerset: Paul Holley (42:43, 3rd of 132 overall, 1st of 15 in M50) enjoyed a great run on this very scenic and extremely hilly trail route, with 854ft of climb. This possibly seemed like a walk in the park after his 52 mile trail run around the island of Jersey in October, which entailed 5,000ft of climb.
Paul Holley in the Lemur Loop 10K in Somerset, on a very scenic and hilly route.
SUNDAY NOV 14th:
Zig-Zag Run of Remembrance, Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon: Jeremy Reader (5:08:29, 1st of 6 overall) and Claire Gaskell (5:32:10, 2nd F of 3) put in huge efforts to complete their first ultra marathons of 29.7 miles, consisting of 9 laps of the 5.3km (3.3mi, 1/8th marathon) parkland loop, both well within the time limit of 6 hours. Jeremy actually set a new men’s course record for 9 laps in the process. Marc Drury (1:37:00, 1st of 35 overall) and Vanessa Allen (2:04:43, 4th F of 13) performed admirably in the half marathon, both completing 4 laps in very good time. Emma Reader (2:08:37, 2nd F) did well over 3 laps for 9.9 miles and Angela Barnes (1:08:32, 9th F of 22) ran 2 sound laps for a quarter marathon; all fitting tributes for Remembrance Day.
Joggers in the Zig-Zag Remembrance Run. From left: Jeremy Reader, Emma Reader, Claire Gaskell, Angela Barnes and Marc Drury. Vanessa Allen also ran but not in photo.
George Munday Remembrance 10K, Wisbech: James Smith (34:22, 2nd of 279 overall, 1st of 15 in M40) was on top form and recorded his fastest 10K of the year so far, as did Andrew Taylor (42:36, 47th, 9th of 28 in M45), who has been knocking on the door all year. For Melanie Tindale (51:11, 31st F of 149), it was an excellent effort on her first attempt at the distance since the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Above from left: Melanie Tindale, Andrew Taylor and Jimmy Smith all put in excellent performances in the George Munday Remembrance 10K
Stebbing Remembrance 10, Great Dunmow, Essex: Clive Purbrook (1:21:19, 189th of 491 overall, 19th of 45 in M60-69) did well to achieve his quickest 10 mile time of the year so far.
Stowmarket Scenic 7: This traditional Remembrance Day event got off to an early start at 9:30, to allow time for all runners to attend the 2 minutes silence at 11:00am, followed by the trophy awards. There was a generous spread of cakes and pastries, plus tea and coffee, available all morning, with donations going to the Poppy Appeal. Mark Hayward (39:53, 8th of 454 overall, 3rd of 31 in M40) enjoyed a great run and achieved a PB in this event by 2m:22s, with his last of 4 previous attempts in 2017. Then came Chris Aylmer M70+ (1:11:12, 392nd) and Caroline Mcintosh (1:19:04, 438th, 3rd of 6 in F65), both meeting their best expectations.