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Keith Hall Memorial 10k

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.

Malcolm Senior

Official Result:
50:42

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Help choose a charity to support for the Wells Carnival Fun Run

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.

This poll is no longer accepting votes

Which local charity would you like Runners-next-the-Sea to help raise funds for as part of the Wells Carnival Fun Runs?
Vote
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Spring Blickling Half Marathon Beauties & the Hundred Hills Ultra!

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. ‘

Nur

Official Result:
08:43:33

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It begins at Burghley

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.’

Paul

Official Result:
57:13

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Cambridge Half Marathon and Mike Groves 10k

Cambridge Half Marathon

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

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Hunny Master and the One that went to Brighton!

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

Official Result:
1:59:24

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Horsford XC Series & the British Masters Championships in Sheffield

Well done to Cam who took part in race 3 of the Horsford XC series.

Cam has taken part in all three races, with great results.

Official Result - 47:25 finishing 8th in his age group.

Cam also achieved first place for his age group overall.  Well done Cam.

Congratulations to Chris Palmer who took part in the British Masters Championships in Sheffield at the weekend.

It was his first time running 200m and 400m indoors on a banked track.

He finished 5th in the 200m, 6th in the 60m and 4th in the 400m - gaining a new pb.

Fabulous work Chris

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A busy weekend for RntS

Exeter Half Marathon

Hayley Eyre travelled to Exeter taking part in the Exeter half marathon.  A great run from Hayley

On Sunday I ran Exeter half marathon during a trip to beautiful Devon visiting my daughter. The weather was perfect for me, cold and overcast with no wind. The course is two laps mainly in the quayside area of the city. The race is run over two days, Saturday for sub two hour runners and Sunday for everyone else! We started really promptly at 9am with short five minute briefing, mainly to say try not to fall in the river and let’s all cheer for the man running with an ‘actual’ fridge on his back!
It was all very relaxed and I definitely benefited from the chilled out atmosphere, just enjoying another Sunday morning long run of marathon training and forgetting it was a race. My loose plan was to see where the tough bits were on lap one so I knew how to pace lap two. I quickly realised that it was tough as soon as we left the quayside to gradually climb through woodland paths and a residential area. It was steadily undulating for the first 5k with one steep but short hill. We crossed the Countess Wear bridge running alongside the main road and it became flatter. We made our way down to a small industrial area, where we could run on wide traffic free roads. Here I gained pace benefitting from the flatter ground and continued at a faster pace back to the quayside. Mat was waiting at the turnaround point to cheer me on and I felt good knowing I was halfway. The second lap felt easier with less runners now on the narrow paths. I took 10-15k steady and sped up for the last bit back to the finish. Whilst happily taking in the riverside views of fishermen, herons, happy cyclists and squirrels, I suddenly became a bit competitive! I realised I could actually run a faster than anticipated time! I finished happy, strong and proud in 2:07:07, with ‘man with fridge’ crazily only 13 minutes behind me!
 
Official Result:-
02:07:07

Marriott's Way Marathon

Andy, Kirsty & Nur ran the full Marriott's Way marathon on Sunday.

Report by Kirsty:-

I signed up for this event as I wasn't sure whether Brighton marathon would be going ahead and I didn't want my training to go to waste; it looked a lovely route and I wasn't disappointed.
 
On the day we drove to Aylsham to catch the bus which would take is to Norwich which is where the race started from. Once on the bus I sat with Nur and Andy and we chatted which passed the journey really quickly. We got our numbers and after a quick briefing by one of the Positive Steps guys we walked down to the start. In the briefing they said out of the entry money not only had they donated the £5 per person to East Anglian Air Ambulance but also some money to the Turkey earthquake appeal. 
 
During the briefing the organiser joked about how he'd organised perfect trail weather running; he wasn't joking - it was dry, warm enough without being overpowering and a slight breeze. There were hardly any muddy bits on the whole run and lots of dry leaves as a carpet to a tree lined tunnel. 
 
We started the race by heading towards Norwich and then doubling back to pick up the Marriott's Way. On this part you could see all the others, some were really quick runners and others were choosing to walk due to the generous cut off time. One was using it as kit testing for another, longer race so she had a solar panel on her kit!
 
It was a lovely route, there was three checkpoints along the course which had drinks and snacks; I didn't use the first one as I had enough with me but I needed to fill up drinks as a 'just in case' on the second and third. 
 
Along the route you get to see all the old railway stations which breaks up the scenery. This is a very popular stretch for walkers (with and without dogs), cyclists and other runners, so although on some stretches you may not be able to see other runners ahead or behind you there's always someone not far away. 
 
Thank you to the RntS who popped up along the way for support and it was really lovely to be able to run part of the route each with Nur and Andy, especially as we'd done some training runs together. 
 
Getting closer to the finish I realised that I'd been a bit quicker than previous long runs and was awarded with a marathon PB, actual finish time was a little more due the route being extra! No need to run in circles to round it up 😂 

Official Results:-

Kirsty Lack - 05:25:13 - pb

Nur Hooton - 05:30:02

Andy Payne - 05:32 :13

Valentines 10k

A group of RntS travelled to Easton to run the Valentines 10k hosted by The Gazelles.

Perfect running weather for the Valentine 10k.  A  good warm up of a 3/4 mile walk to the start.  We all met at Easton college to collect our bib numbers, admire the heart shaped trophies on show and head to the start for the race briefing.
 
The route was undulating and such a lovely run along country roads around Easton.
 
The marshals were great, so supportive and encouraging with lots of support along the way was very welcome.
 
The medal at the end was nice to receive - a wooden heart. 
 
Official results:-
Ant Cude - 41:26
Tara Betts - 44:14
Cam Raven - 46:30
Sarah-Jane Smith - 46:51 - pb
Stuart Gollands - 47:28
Paul Woodhouse - 48:39
Paula Smith - 48:39
Lucy Mccallum - 54:49
Will Ayley-Dodd - 55:41
Kerrie Coslett - 58:45
Vanessa Green - 01:08:12
Angie Barker - 01:18:12

Run for Cake

Michelle and Marie took part in a challenge run at Brandon Forest.

Marie and I went to Brandon forest to do a challenge run, as many laps as you like in a six hour event. We both did 4 laps for a half marathon distance.

It was a challenging off road course with lots of ups and downs and tree roots to contend with. Super refueling station and cake afterwards though. Another friend took a few pictures but sadly didn't get any of Marie running

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Meet the Events Team

Meet Cat Foley-Wray & Liam Dawson.

They both spend a great deal of time behind the scenes organising various events for the club - specifically The Beach Run and the Presentation evening.

Cat Foley-Wray

How long have you been running for: Over 25years

Favourite distance to run,

Depends on the surface-, ultimately prefer xc and distances for XC races vary between 8-10k. On the road I prefer 5k-  I never seem to be able to keep a decent pace going past 5k in road races- I think I start to panic! On the Track I prefer 1500 and 3k although I`ve only raced on the track once in  the last 6 years.

What made you join/create the events team:  

I saw Kevin`s post seeking someone to develop Events for the club and after having a chat with him and learning that it was as much social events as running based events, I felt I could fulfil the role as I had done the same at my previous club and that it would be a good way to get to know people more. Also I like a challenge, so with the intention to host our own Beach Race, this excited me.

 A large part for me signing up, which perhaps sounds selfish, was I wanted to do something for me, for my own personal interest. Most people will know I am a mum to 3 wildly wonderful boys who are now 6, 4, and 2. I was made redundant from my role as an Adoption Social Worker in July 2016, it was a brilliant job which kept me busy and challenged me in so many ways. My eldest, Charlie was born a few months later in October and we were lucky enough to be in a position where I didn’t need to return to work so I chose to be a stay-at-home mum. Our family then grew with Seth arriving in 2018 and Rupert in September 2020 and I remained able to stay at home with them rather than seek employment. We then moved to Norfolk in November2020, a few weeks after lockdown 2 was introduced and Rupert was just 8weeks old. It was a bit of a mad time! We didn’t know anyone in Norfolk at the time which didn’t really matter as you weren’t able to go and meet up with people due to the Covid restrictions but as things started to open up, and both Alex and I joined the club, I was keen to get to know more people and have another role, bar being `Mum`, and the role of Events seemed perfect as it was something new for the club and something for me to get stuck into without a kids toy in sight!

Favourite parkrun course:

I`ve only done it once when staying in the area and it was many years ago, but Clumber Park, as it was all woodland and trail

What do you enjoy most about organising events:

I like the fact I can see a project through from start to finish,  its satisfying, I like seeing things come together at the end. Certain events have been stressful but the stress has been totally outweighed by the satisfaction at the end. I have got to know more people in the club through organising the events which has been lovely. It has been fun working with Liam, we are both very sarcastic people and the banter kept us sane at times! However, he does love a spreadsheet which did cause a few tensions.

Favourite time of day to run:

If it’s a run on the beach I will be there any time of day and in any weather! If it’s a session, then later in the day / evening- I need to wake up first if I am going to be doing anything hard! If its an easy run- I can just roll out of bed and go.

Fav part of organising the beach race:

I enjoyed planning the whole event, it was an interesting learning curve and has given me a lot of confidence in terms of organising something on such a scale. Although it took over a year to pull together, it didn’t seem a chore as it was easy working with Liam as we get each other’s sense of humour and working style, we were able to have a laugh yet still get the job done and when we didn’t always see eye to eye, it was never a big issue. (Liam soon learnt its probably easier to agree with me than not.) Race Day was great, although I was nervous, I remember standing at the start with Kerrie Cosslett and Kirsty Lack watching everyone lined up ready to go and feeling overwhelmed with emotion that I was welling up! It was a great feeling seeing everything had come together and the support from all the club members was brilliant. I felt a bit sad in the period after the race as so much time had been invested into establishing it, that it was all then over and done with. However, that didn’t last long as we are already in full swing for planning Dec 2023! we really are so lucky to have such a lovely club, I’ve said it before but it really is the most friendliest and welcoming club both Alex and I have been part of.

Why did you start running:

Initially because I enjoyed running at primary school, however my reasons for carrying on running have changed over the years as I have changed as a person. Now it is more because it is my escape and to have some time where I can just focus on running without having to worry about anything else. Now we live by the coast, I love to run on the beach its so beautiful, I cant get enough of it!

Best advice to runners:

It is ok to take a break even if you aren’t injured.

As mentioned above, my reasons for running have changed over time, as I have changed as a person. The latter half of 2022 I found really stressful for a range of reasons and usually running would be my `go to`, but that also was becoming stressful! We were due to move house in July (the 3rd house move in 18 months!) however the date kept changing and we didn’t move until September. The last few weeks before we moved were full on and on reflection, I should have taken a break from running as that was stressing me out too. I remember being on a run on my own one evening and saw some of the Thursday Night Runners go past and I felt like bursting into tears as I had just stopped before I saw them and I felt as though I couldn’t run anymore. I wasn’t in pain or anything I just couldn’t seem to run without stopping, I was only running 4 or 5k which was making me more stressed out! Anyway, it has taught me that sometimes you just need a break and that’s ok, and to be kind to yourself. So I took myself away from running for a while whilst things settled down, but made sure I still did something to `look after myself` and enjoyed walking along the beach and yoga which I still make sure I do. So, look after yourself, and its ok to take a break from running.

Liam Dawson

How long have you been running for?

About 37 years – if you’re trying to do the maths, I was about two when I started

Favourite distance to run?

I used to love doing ultras – I loved the idea that all you had to do that day was run and you got to eat loads and chat to loads of runners en route – its pretty much a long distance jog and jabber session (but with more food).  Peddars Way was probably my favourite (well done to Lucy for completing it in January).  Other than that 10k – my first load of races were 10k and always enjoy them (a few hours after finishing).

What made you join/create events team?

I wanted to support the club in some way and Kevin mentioned that the Committee were considering organising a race in 2022 that he’d want to host for a few years.  My thought was ‘how hard can that be?’ - now I know!

Favourite parkrun course

Holkham without a doubt - great place, great people (maybe the old course as I got my pb there).  Other than that, Tring in Buckinghamshire, near where I used to live, more like a cross country with proper hard hills (I may have a chance against Ant on that course!)

What do you enjoy most about organising events?

Working with Cat (I have to say that or she’ll make my life a misery – but don’t tell her).  Also, that we’re arranging events for friends and the running community that we hope they’ll enjoy!

Favourite time of day to run?

Depends on what I’m training for – if it was an ultra, it would first light (running at ultra pace you get to see how beautiful it is around here).  Anything quicker, late morning when my legs have woken up.

Favourite part of organising the beach race?

I have three stand out moments

  1. 8:20 on race day when all the marshals had turned up and everyone was smiling – it reminded me how great Runners-next-the-Sea is
  2. Talking to runners at the end and listening to them talk about how amazing the marshals were and how beautiful the course was
  3. The sign of relief when standing by the car on Lady Anne’s Drive at the end of it all, after everyone had gone home, thinking that we hadn’t massively mucked it all up
  4. (I know I said three but….) Getting a message from Kevin telling me he felt the race had been a success (phew!)

Why did I start running?

I remember sitting on a bus to a school swimming session and it was the week after the first London Marathon.  A friend and I were talking about it and we both decided we were going to do it (as you do when you’re 10).  Unfortunately he passed away when he was 18, but I went on and did it in 2000.  I remember sprinting down The Mall thinking of that conversation.

Best advice to runners:

Speed is relative and no one really cares how fast or slow you are - runners just love other runners!

Anything else?

At times, being a runner, you can take running for granted.  However, every now and then (usually when I’m injured) I’m reminded how lucky I am to run, how lucky I am to run where I do (especially around the Holkham estate and the beach) and how lucky I am to be part of such a friendly and supportive club.  Proud to be a Runner-next-the-Sea.