The high class Run Norwich 10K attracted a big field of 8,047 on Sunday, September 6th. Two Newmarket Joggers (NJ) were right up there with the best in the race, both achieving awards in their age groups. Neil Pollard (34:16, 17th M of 4,442, 2nd of 456 in M45-49, age grade 86.24%) was close to his season’s best (SB) of 33:58 and received the silver medal award in his age group. Joey Bendall (35:08 SB, 32nd M, 2nd of 602 in M40-44, 79.51%) put in a great performance in his first 10k this year, also receiving the silver medal age group award. He recently moved to Saint Edmund Pacers, with Newmarket Joggers now his second claim club.
Above left: Neil Pollard receiving his Jogger of the Month trophy at the Hinxton Summer 5K; right: Joey Bendall receiving his Friday 5 trophy at Great Bentley in July 2025.
On the same day, the London Big Half Marathon took place, with a huge turnout of 17,836 participants. NJ Jonathan Ollington (1:39:56 SB, 2,236th M of 10,035, 55th of 480 in M55-59, 70.71%) was “over the moon” with his best time this year and enjoyed every part of the race. Caroline Mcintosh (2:47:28, 6,329th F of 7,801, 7th of 16 in F70-74) put in a very courageous effort in her age group, with her main target being the Dublin Marathon at the end of October.
Above, left: Jonathan Ollington with his Big Half medal; right: going over Tower Bridge during the race.
Meanwhile, Pearl Fay (3:05:47, 5,562nd F of 5,587, 25th of 27 in F65-69) completed the Budapest Half Marathon in Hungary, which attracted a total of 13,750 participants. It was a valiant effort by Pearl, who had contracted a virus infection and felt well below par.
On Friday evening, the Ickworth Sunset Chase10K took place in the grounds of Ickworth House, Horringer, near Bury St Edmunds, attracting 268 participants. Sarah Last (1:08:01, 93rd F of 156, 13th of 27 in F50-54), Lynda McCormack (1:10:23, 101st F, 5th of 8 in F65-69) and Gillie Green (1:30:26,153rd F, 8th in F65-69) all enjoyed the event and put in their best efforts.
Above left: Sarah Last & Gillian Green at Ickworth Sunset Chase; Sarah’s bib & medal.
Above, left: Sarah’s medal & well deserved Guinness; right: finally sunset at Ickworth Park.
On Sunday, there were two multi-lap events which attracted Newmarket Joggers. Ian McClements (3:14:46, 8th of 12) tackled the Phoenix Fire Run Half Marathon, over a multi-lap course at Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire, while Dan Driver (4:36:59, 1st of 13 over 9 laps) took on the Zig Zag High Lodge event in Thetford Forest, completing 9 x ~5.3km laps, totalling an Ultra distance of ~47.7km. He did very well to set a new course record for the 9-lap distance.
Above, from left: Ian McClements with his wife Dorota and friend Russell behind; Dan Driver in Thetford Forest with medal; scenery at High Lodge.
Many thanks for all the photos and posts on Strava.
Enjoy your week of running!
Chris