Ivanhoe Runners annual club overseas trip saw 23 runners plus partners take in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, with its marathon, half marathon and ten kilometre races. 

Three runners did the marathon, over a largely flat route around the city and suburbs. Andy Lindley and Andrea Trickett ran together, Andy in his eighth marathon this year, and both clocked 3.50.32. Mark Eydman optimistically decided to do the marathon based on a reasonable run in the Leicester half, and battled round gamely for a time of 4.34.08.

In the half marathon youth won ad Mark Parker finished first for Ivanhoe in 1.32.24. Behind him though was old timer Andy Jeyes who clocked yet another fast time, 1.35.32 to claim a prize for second in his age group and finish well up the 7,300 strong field. Chris Trzcinski was delighted to clock a personal best 1.42.22 just ahead of partner Karen Bell who clocked her 4th fastest half marathon with a time of 1.43.08. 

Damon Bland was next home in 1.48.34, followed by Mark Hoult 1.50.54. Roger Beaven was pleased to crack two hours with 1.57.54, ahead of Martin Yeomans pacing Gemma Shaw round her first half marathon, both clocking an excellent 2.12.40. 

In the 10k, Pete Graves was delighted to be the first Ivanhoe Runner home, putting in a late kick to clock 53.42. Judith Webster-Sanders was next in 54.02, just holding off fast finishing tour organiser Laura Graves 54.12. Sally Jeyes was next in 55.50, ahead of club chairman Heather Swan 56.56. Sam Toon clocked 57.33 ahead of Michael Swan 59.03. 

Kevin Sanders was pleased to finish albeit limping, in 1.02.47, before three runners came in together, epitomising the spirit of the trip, with Angela Wheeler, Chrissy Betteridge and Sonia Hoult all clocking 1.11.37. 

Written by Kevin Sanders - last updated on 31/10/2017