Thank you to Malcolm for sending his report and time through:
This was my first race, apart from parkpuns, since November 2022. This race is organized by Thorney Running Club and the race is in memory of the founder and former chairman Keith Hall. The pre-race information stated that parking was extremely tight, you could be excused for thinking that the parking was the local duck pond, the March rainfall had almost filled the trailer park they were using as the official car park. The weather forecast was for rain most of the day however the rain had stopped by the time we arrived at Thorney. A good thing as the race HQ and race start and finish was 10-minute walk away at Bedford Hall which is a historic building dating back to 1848. It was saved and restored as a community resource in 1981 with the main building opened as a centre for community use. An impressive building https://www.bedfordhall.co.uk/about/
Picked up my number and did some pre-run stretches. The route was very simple – an out and back course starting on Station Road, outside Bedford Hall, head into Thorney turn left onto Wisbech Road turn right onto Old Knarr Fed Drove turn round and head back to finish in grounds of Bedford Hall. A flat course on fully closed roads with a strong wind blowing across the open Cambridgeshire Fens. A well organised run with plenty of marshals and support, water station at the half way point medals to all finishers.
Chip time 50:42; Placed 128 overall from 228 finishers; 4th male 70+ from age group of 8 finishers.
Every August Runners-next-the-Sea helps to organise the competitive run and fun run that takes place as part of Wells Carnival celebrations. Monies raised are split between the club and a local charity. We would like members to help choose the charity to be supported this year from the shortlist below.
You can find out more about each cause by clicking on the names in the poll before casting your vote. Please only vote once per member. Poll closes 11.59pm on Saturday 25th March.
A great turnout by the club today at the Spring Blickling Half Marathon. Today’s report is written by Michelle (thank you Michelle 👍)
‘I arrived at Blickling half nice and early but you could already tell it was going to be a lovely day for a run, coolish and dry, perfect.
There was a good turnout of RntS all grouped together at the start excited for the off and we managed to get a photo with the house in the background, taken by Andy Payne who came to support.
We started pretty much on time and made our way down the road and out into the woods.
Blickling half is a beautiful run, a two lap course through beautiful countryside and woods with a few ups and downs and the odd puddle to dodge, there was even a bit of mud in some places. It’s such a beautiful course you almost forget how painful those final few miles are.
We had great support from all the marshal’s out on the course and from Andy taking photos and Mark and Vikki strategically positioned at the bottom of some downhill sections where we saw them three times. Massive thanks to the supporters, it was very much appreciated.
All in all it was a very enjoyable race with a pretty medal at the end and a choice of banana, muffin or iced ring donut for refueling, I had the donut 🙂’
Michelle
Official Results:
Jimmy – 01:27:21.5 – 1st in class
Kyle – 01:30:10.4
Kevin – 01:36:43.3
Lorraine – 01:39:39.3
Shane – 01:40:57.3
Bob H – 01:52:53.3 – 2nd in class
Gemma -01:55:07.8
Lucy Mc – 02:04:47.3
Laura -02:09:40.5
Kerrie – 02:16:12.2
Marie – 02:19:35.2
Michelle – 02:22:44.2
Spring Blickling Half
Hundred Hills 50k
‘On Saturday 18th March I took on the Hundred Hills 50km race organised by Centurion Running. The event was held on the beautiful Chiltern countryside through stunning trails, some of which go through incredibly beautiful ancient woodland. 300+ runners started and finished at the 850-year-old Stonor Park, with the park also acting as the third checkpoint at halfway point. Having run on there Chilterns before I knew I was in for a treat.
As a back-of-the-pack ultra runner, who has to be very careful about meeting all the cutoffs in time, I planned very carefully to meet all the 6 cutoffs of this race. Prior to the race, I studied the elevation profile and with reasonable familiarity of the area, too, knew there were going to be some very long and steep technical climbs as well as very long and steep technical descents. I would capitalise on running the downhill sections as fast as possible to make up for any time lost having to hike steep inclines. This plan did not work as well as I’d anticipated as the trails were very muddy making it difficult for me to run freely on the descents. I found myself having to exert extra effort not to slip and slide despite the good grip on my shoes. I even did some tree hugging on some descents to gain momentum! I had only 10 mins to spare before the first checkpoint would close and knew that this was not a good position to be in. I had to do a lot of self-talk to do better so as to arrive well in advance of the other cps. This worked 🙂 I arrived at cp2 in good shape but I’d got quite wet from the rain which had started soon after I’d packed away my waterproof jacket in my running vest early on in the race. So at cp2 I decided to change into dry clothes and wear my waterproof jacket back again so I’d carry on running in comfort. It was definitely the right decision. I found checkpoints 3 and 4 cutoff times very easy to meet but had only 10 mins to spare when I’d got to cp5 so decided not to stop at all but to make my way on the final stretch. I did have a down point I think during the cp4 and cp5 stretch when I started to doubt myself as an ultra runner. Luckily this doubt didn’t linger on. I had to stop twice to tend to a painful cramp in my lower hamstrings which came on suddenly on the steep descents. I know I’d have lost some time in both cases but had to sort it out before I could carry on running.
I’m trying to recall how many puddles I had to go through (certainly in the second half of the race). There were many. My feet would get very wet but I did not experience discomfort in my feet at all. I put it down to the right choice I’d made wearing my Drymax socks, my go-to when running on wet terrain.
I was very happy with my hydration and nutrition throughout the race. The checkpoints were very well-stocked with great choices and I went for my all time favourites: blocks of cheese, cheese sandwich, grapes, banana, satsumas and crisps along with Tailwind as my electrolyte which is provided at all checkpoints.
A final look at my Garmin indicated that I had 812 metres to the finish. Only 812m! I was going to make the final cutoff, too. There was a lot of cheering as I approached the finish line in Stonor Park. Crewing during the race is not allowed but I knew that Tim was following me digitally and was with me in spirit while I was out on the course. And of course there he was waiting for me at the finish line. I got quite emotional as I approached the finish and broke into hysterical crying as I crossed the line.
It was a “balancing act” on an elevation profile of over 1300 m (4400 ft) and certainly a great workout for the whole body, and mind and soul 😉 Would I do it again? Yes. Definitely. ‘
Well done to Paul who started his 7 miles a day for 7 days challenge in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-woodhouse11)
‘An early start was made to head the 70 miles to Stamford.
Following an email from the organisers we opted to park at one of the towns free car parks, this opposed to queuing to enter the grounds and park on the soggy grass.
What a good choice this was as we walked the 1/2 mile into the grounds passing a lengthy queue.
Once in the ground it was only a short distance to the start with ample facilities.
The numbers had been posted with clear instructions to enter the well marked pens for starting waves.
Once the run started it was a short distance through one of the estate gates turning right and heading down hill into Stamford. After crossing the river there was a u turn back across it before turning left along its side.
We then turned right and headed back into the estate grounds passing the 1 mile marker on an incline.
Following the route down to and around the side of the house we left the estate again around 2 miles.
This then continued along a quiet country road with testing hills between 2.5 to 4 miles.
Once tackling these we turned right along another small country road. This appeared to be dead straight and you could see the runners ahead of you for the best part of the next mile.A very testing section as we were faced with a brisk head wind.
At the 5 mile marker we turned back into the estate, continuing for about a mile on fairly flat terrain.
At around 6 miles we were presented with a long steep descent, which was not before time.
As the terrain levelled again crossing the Lion bridge (over the lake) we finished with a short run towards the front of the house.’
A chilly day in Cambridge for the HM runners who were all superb and managed a few PBs too!
When asked for comment by the Roving RntS Reporters, they replied:
‘Ouch’ – Shirley
‘It was cold’ – Jenny’s feet
‘I normally do not enjoy large events like this one, but it was so well organised that I would like to enter again. The atmosphere was superb, we had a good team of runners and supporters, which made the experience more enjoyable. I was hoping for a PB and worked hard for it weeks before running it. It seemed like one of my toughest races due to being ultra cold for me. However, I have gained this experience and will be better prepared the next time. I have already learnt so much since joining the RntS and they are responsible for me being able to sustain faster pace over long distances such as this.’ – Ana
Official Results:
David C – 1:23:48 – PB
Ana – 1:40:51 – PB
Rob – 1:43:14
Paula – 1:48:11
Bob L – 1:55:52 – PB
Hayley – 2:03:19 – PB
Michelle – 2:21:07
Nita – 2:22:36
Shirley – 2:30:23 – PB
David S – 2:36:42
Angie – 2:55:24 – PB
Mike Groves 10k It’s always windy at RAF Coltishall!
Official Results:
Will – 00:53:21.9
Marie – 01:00:07.9
Hunny Bell XC Wow! What a difference a day makes! If today’s weather had been the same as yesterday’s at parkrun, things could have been an awful lot worse! As it was, the weather at the Hunny Bell XC, held on the Stody Estate at Hunworth was lovely. In fact, I even took my hat off (the forceast ‘Feels like’ or 2 deg C was a little way out).
Once again, it was the newer (longer) route which was introduced last year (about 1km longer than 2020) which gave us the joyful march up into the woods twice! And anyone who has done it would be pleased to know the field edge section, where you can see the runners a good km ahead and above you, is still there!
Support from the NNBR was once again, very well received and there were lots of mentions that the must be ‘nobody in Wells today’ and there would be ‘plenty of parking spaces in Wells’ due to the fantastic turn-out by the club.
The club tent (Gazebo) got another outing and served as a great meeting point.
Well done everyone. It’s one of those events you always say ‘never again’ and then sign up as soon as you can for next year! – Mark
A team of over 30 runners from Runners-next-the-Sea took on the undulating Hunnybell 5mile Cross Country event, held at Stody Estate on Sunday. A beautiful, yet challenging course over hilly fields and through woodland pay dividend to the runners as they came home with an array of successful results. RntS would like to thank the organisers for such a great event, with wonderful marshals and volunteers who give up their time to make these events happen. The club had 5 finishers in the top 20, including first lady overall, Cat Foley-Wray. First male home for the club was Kyle Hastings in 8th place in a time of 35.47. Kyle has made a huge amount of progress since joining the club less than a year ago and is a great asset to the strong mens team. Ant Cude was 10th in 36.30, followed by Liam Dawson, 14th in 37.07 and Shane Hunt, 19th in 39.09.
RNTS had 3 ladies in the top 6, a fantastic achievement. Cat Foley Wray was 1st lady overall, coming home in 17th place in a time of 38.08. Recently returning to running after a foot operation in January, this sets her up nicely as she continues to improve her fitness in preparation for the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships on 11th March where she will be representing Norfolk. Lorraine Hunt was 2nd lady home for the club (39.50), finishing, 4th lady and 24th overall. Kirsty Daniels was 3rd lady home for the club, her first cross country race in a number of years, achieving 6th lady and 42nd overall. RNTS pride themselves of the breadth of runners they have and their inclusivity, along with the many members who come to spectate and offer their support, creating a great team spirit for all. – Cat FW
Official Results:
Kyle – 00:35:47.6
Ant – 00:36:30.6 – 2nd in category
Liam – 00:37:07.8 – 2nd in category
Cat FW -00:38:08.8 – First female finisher
Shane – 00:39:09.6 – 3rd in category
Lorraine – 00:39:50.8 – 2nd in category
Cam – 00:41:40.4
Kirsty – 00:42:07.9
Stuart – 00:42:33.1
Kevin – 00:42:49.9 – 3rd in category
Bob H – 00:43:59.9 – 2nd in category
Sean – 00:44:35.1
Rob – 00:45:11.3
Paul – 00:47:17.6
Luke – 00:47:34.0
Roland – 00:48:08.0
Will – 00:48:37.0
Michael – 00:50:06.6
Ana – 00:50:11.6
Evette – 00:50:13.3 – 2nd in category
Lucy – 00:50:44.9
Laura – 00:50:53.6
Pete -00:51:04.3
Nita – 00:52:50.6
Susannah – 00:54:06.6
Marie – 00:56:11.0
Michelle – 01:00:21.0
Mark – 01:04:28.8
Vikki – 01:04:28.8
Denise – 01:10:18.5 – 3rd in category
Kerrie – 01:10:19.1
National Champtionships 4 races in a day, running for Eastern Masters in the National Championships at Lee Valley today. 4th in the V70 400m, 3rd in both the 60m and 200m and then dropping down a decade to run the V60 200m relay, finishing 5th. The Eastern Masters men’s team won the competition and the combined team was overall winners. – Chris
Brighton HM
The weather conditions were perfect for the Brighton 1/2 this morning but unfortunately my sister has been out of action with a nasty chest infection so I had to run it on my own. I got into my pen nice and early and found the 2 hour pacer and decided to stick as close to him as I could for as long as I could. I had no time in mind, just to cross the line. I hadn’t done my long training runs due to a pulled hamstring but had kept up my fitness by swimming. I fell into a good rhythm and had the pacer just in front of me for most of the race until the road widened and we were in line. I overtook him with 5k to go and went for it! At mile 11, I could really feel the lack of long distance running training but was so close to the end so dug deep! I had my Beyoncé moment as I crossed the line in 1:59:24 and collected my medal! – Cat
Well done to the dynamic duo of Hayley and Mat who dodged the branches as Shouldham Warren this weekend for the Ryston Runners Cross Country Grand Prix 5/6.
Write ups from participants of both events today. Thank you Paul and Kerrie.
Horsford XC R3 Well that was a impromptu run!
Talking Saturday evening to maybe take part as Libby was keen we thought we would make the final decision Sunday morning.
Not too bad I thought £4 a head Spa treatment courtesy of Norwich Road Runners and the Horsford XC for Libby’s valentines present!!!
Having witnessed several RntS partaking a couple of years ago I must say I was reluctant but gave it a go.
On arrival we met Cam who was already signed in and keen as mustard to get going. We signed in and made our way to the start,
3 laps for Libby and 4 for Cam and I – 2.7k/ lap
The first half of the lap was ran on wide paths covered recently with small grey shale like stone. This was very loose and not easy to run on. After this it turned on to a small uneven woodland path heading towards the water crossings.
The approach was littered with tree trunks to negotiate followed by two small ditches which you could jump. This all led up to the two infamous waist deep water crossings and boggy area.
Negotiating the first pretty well I descended into the second, this however didn’t go to plan as I some how ended up on all fours causing quite a shock to the system. Clambering out and through the bog the route continued up an incline to rejoin the path. Following this it meandered through the woods and back to the start/finish and three more laps to endure.
At the finish Libby and Cam had already finished, credit to both of them for their runs. Somehow Libby had managed to keep her white shirt pretty clean unlike Cam and I.
A well organised event well marshaled by supportive volunteers. Easy to enter on the day but no facilities.
Official Results:
Cam – 1:00:37
Paul – 1:06:48
Libby – 56:25
Marriott’s Way HM As always Positive Steps Events put on a really good event from start to finish. Before I entered Lucy said you need to do it as you will really enjoy it. She was not wrong. It was such a lovely route and all off road other than a few road crossings.
The marshals as always were friendly and gave lots of encouragement.
I would highly recommend this event to anyone, it was so relaxed and open to all runners and walkers.
Also £5 of each entry goes to the Air Ambulance, with £2000 raised from today’s event
What was the Valentine’s 10k at Easton like yesterday? Let’s find out with a run report from Paul:
Love was not really in the air weather wise leading up to this event.
As the alarm went off the wind and rain were rattling on the windows. This was a good start as more effort was needed to get motivated.
However once on our way Libby was greeted with a txt from Angie to say they were right behind us, this led to comments on the weather and being more suited to Ducks.
Once parked up we made our way to registration, this was a good 10min walk but fortunately the rain had abated and wind eased.
Registration was straight forward with ample room in the large hall and no queuing. This is where the race briefing also took place.
Here we met up with more of the RntS members and prepared ourselves for the short walk to the start.
Out at the start we mingled with the rest of the competitors self seeding as Kevin would say.
The start climbs out of Easton College turning left and heading to Easton. The 1st K is a challenging climb, this was followed by around 4K still rising through Easton and then heading towards Colton.
This was made more difficult today with the strong breeze which was mostly head on.
After this the course winds it’s way along country lanes to Marlingford with welcoming downhill recoveries and the breeze now mostly at our back.
Once in Marlingford a left is taken to take you back to the College and finish.
This provides a sting in the tail as the last 1k us mostly uphill with quite a steep finish.
The event was very well organised throughout as usual by Norfolk Gazelles.
The army of marshals were both very supportive and prominent along the whole of the course.
As usual great support for each other amongst the RntS and some gutsy runs.
I think we could say that we all put our hearts into this Valentines race.
We were now ready for the start and what’s more it was still dry.
Official Results:
Cam – 00:44:21.0
Ant – 00:44:34.2
Tara – 00:45:29.3
Paul – 00:47:47.5
Sarah-Jane – 00:54:00.2
Laura W – 00:56:58.2
Libby – 00:58:14.0
Kevin B – 01:07:34.6
Angie – 01:18:37.4
A lovely sunny day for a run around the countryside (and also a couple of dips in a river). In fact, its so nice, lets do two laps of it!
Well done to the RntS that took part in the Reepham Cross Country this weekend. Here’s a great report from Lynne:
The sun shone, the mud was very muddy and the water was wet, but what an amazing morning for everyone running the Reepham Cross Country, organised again by Reepham Runners.
Starting and finishing at Whitwell & Reepham Station and running out on Marriott’s Way railway track. Followed by some challenging but hilarious stream crossings, then running through, hilly woodlands, water meadows and open fields.
Lynne, Kerrie and Andy were reassured by the presence of Cam, Kirsty and Hayley who’d raced it before and came back for more, hopefully this was a positive sign of a great race ahead. They weren’t wrong, what an amazing, friendly, supportive race. All the runners shared their morning with a cacophony of encouraging marshals, by every stream and ditch and all around the course. The morning was finished off with scrumptious cake and a cuppa.
Will they all be back next year, certainly will and hopefully with more RntsSwho’d like to put their white shirts to the Persil test.
And following on from that in other news, we have a gold medalist in the club! Well done Chris P who is officially the 60Mtrs 65+ County Champion!
