Thames Path 100K Ultra, from Fulham in London to Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, Saturday September 10th: Joe Cormack achieved an enormous feat by completing the 100K (~104.6km/64.9 miles on his watch) along the Thames Path from London to Henley in 14:23:33 (including all water, feeding and other stops). That represents an impressive overall pace of around 8:15/km or 13:17/mi. Actual moving time (running, walking) worked out at around 6:42/km or 10:46/mi, which is amazing over such a long distance. From running his first ultramarathon only about a year ago, Joe has been filled with confidence and is now setting his sights on a 100-mile ultra. He was very grateful for the support of his crew. Official results with times and positions are not yet out.
Above left: Joe Cormack running along the Thames towpath; above right: Joe with supporters and medal after the race. Many thanks for the photos
Great North Run, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sunday 11th September: 5 Joggers were among almost 41,000 finishers of the Great North Run, the biggest half marathon race in the world, from Newcastle to the mouth of the Tyne at South Shields. First to finish for the Joggers was Jason Beeton M35 (1:33:44, 1,625th of ~41,000 overall), who has been working hard on his form this year, following several years out of race competition. He recorded 1:28:11 earlier this year at Cambridge, close to his all-time PB, so things are looking good for the future. Next came Shane Basing M40 (1:42:04, 3,431st ), who had calf and hamstring injury niggles at around 10 miles but managed to persevere and post a very good time. Next home was Mike Sales M55 (1:59:37, 10,595th) who successfully managed to duck under 2 hours; just what was needed for Mike, as he has never recorded over 2 hours in a half marathon to date. He was followed by Sarah Sales F50 (2:05:20, 13,457th) who enjoyed the race and put in a big effort. Then came Jeremy Reader M45 (2:11:34, 16,649th), who was going really well to the halfway point but unfortunately struggled with an upset stomach in the 2nd half and had to run/walk part of the way. Apologies that no age or gender position details were available at the time of writing.
Above left from front to back: Jeremy Reader, Shane Basing and Jason Beeton; above right: Shane Basing takes a selfie in the start area of the Great North Run. Many thanks to all for the Strava photos.
Pleshey Half Marathon, Sunday 11th September, near Dunmow in Essex: In a high-class field, Mark Hayward recorded an all-time half marathon PB of 1:13:06, finishing 13th of 331 runners overall and 1st of 73 in M40-44 for the age group trophy. Mark continues to progress with every race and has recorded PBs at every distance over the last year.
Shelford Playscape 5K Sunday 11th September, Cambridgeshire: This popular annual charity race attracted 7 Joggers and 314 runners in all. Paul Holley (16:54) finished 3rd of 314 overall and 1st of 12 in M55. It has been a vintage year for veteran Paul, who earned 91.42% age grade in this race and, earlier this year, achieved his highest ever grading of 96.46%. Next to finish was Andrew Taylor (20:10, 24th overall, 3rd of 18 in M45), who is in peak form this year and specialising in the 5K distance. Next came Phil Blundell (20:37, 31st overall, 4th of 18 in M45) in a 5K PB time by 2 seconds, according to Run Britain records, so a great season for him too. He was followed by Junior Jogger Cerys Bithell (23:21, 10th of 147 female runners overall, 3rd of 22 in F U18). This was a 5K PB for Cerys by one second compared with the same race last year; a great performance, especially considering she is U15 going against U18s. Not far behind Cerys was mother Ellie Bithell (25:01, 3rd of 21 in F45) who is fast regaining her best form. Next came Junior Jogger Imogen Stephens (29:30, 4th of 24 in F U11), who ran a great race as a 7-year-old, competing mostly against older children. Sarah Last (31:57, 6th in F50) and Gillian Green (37:43, 4th in F60) enjoyed the race and put in big efforts.
Above left: Cerys & Ellie Bithell with medals; above right: Gillian Green & Sarah Last after the race. Many thanks to them for the Strava photos.