Six hardy Ivanhoe Runners took on the only official fell race held in Leicestershire, the Charnwood Hills Race or “Bowline” as it is known. This is an approximately 14 mile race starting in Anstey but heading out across Bradgate Park and taking in the climbs of Old John, then Broombriggs, followed by Beacon Hill, before heading back across Bradgate to the finish. On a cold and windy morning, the course was also very muddy and a tough test.

 Martin Yeomans led as the sextet crested Old john on the way out, and had a slender lead over Andy Jeyes at the Beacon Hill half way point, but by the return to Bradgate Park Andy was on his shoulder, and pushed on to finish first for the club in 122nd place in 2.09.43. This great performance also won him the first vet60 prize. Having fallen a couple of times, and with a tightening hamstring,  Martin was still second home in 173rd place, clocking 2.16.49.

Teresa Talbott had a blinding run, looking strong throughout and very pleased to finish in 243rd in 2.35.41, having passed Steve Rundell and Karen Bell between Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill. Karen had a tough run and her and Steve finished in 260th and 261st respectively, clocking 2.42.23. Club Chairman Heather Swan was running her second Bowline and described it as the hardest race she had ever done, but was pleased to finish 275th in 2.50.36.

On Saturday, Conkers parkrun saw two Ivanhoe Runners, Laura Graves and Sarah Terry,  notch up their 50th parkruns, Laura doing the 5k at the end of a 20 mile pre-Tokyo marathon training run.

Written by Kevin Sanders - last updated on 08/02/2016