A cold bonfire day saw Ivanhoe Runners brave several races over varying terrains. Nearest to home and always popular is the Shepshed Seven, a two pal course taking in trail roads and the Garendon estate. Patrick Horn was first home, clocking 50.13, followed by Martin Yeomans in 51.29. 

The women were led home by Emily Wideman having a good run to finish 18th lady in 52.33, followed home by Andrea Trickett 37th in 55.49. Mark Hoult clocked 56.16, just a minute ahead of Matt Joyce who it was nice to see returning from injury, running 57.17. Karen Hartland ran 57.25, ahead of Lynda Revill 59.12 and the last Ivanhoe Runner to crack the hour. 

Helen Finn clocked a new personal best with 1.01.35, followed by Marie Miller 1.05.13. The next two home were both making their debuts at 7 miles, Gemma Shaw clocking 1.08.35 and Ilze Reinke 1.09.16. Grania Towle clocked 1.10.57 ahead of another debutante at seven miles, Jessica Southwart, who ran a fine 1.11.07. Also debuting was Jayne Bradshaw, with a swift 1.13.06, just ahead of Charlene Withall 1.13.50. Lucy Allsop and Sonia Hoult ran together, clocking 1.20.02 and 1.20.04 respectively, and Julie Henfrey ran 1.23.29. 

The Dovedale Dash saw a team of three Ivanhoe Runners battle probably the worst conditions for the race for a while, with a thigh-deep river crossing at the famous stepping-stones. Nevertheless Andy Lindley posted a fast 37.39 to finish in 131st place, with team-mates Julie Taylor clocking 47.15 and Kev Laz 50.16. 

In the flat and fast Centurion Five, Nick Rowles was 12th home in 31.20, and Sam Toon 45.26. 

Ian Kirk completed his 6th marathon in eight weeks with the Enigma Fireworks marathon, where he clocked a very fast respectable 3.47 as he continues distance training for the gruelling Marathon des Sables next year. 

Further afield, Richard and Laura Hope did a double-header in Florida with the Disney Wine and Dine 10k on Saturday and half marathon on Sunday ! Running together, they clocked 1.12.53 for the 10k and 2.36.56 got the half marathon. 

Written by Kevin Sanders - last updated on 06/11/2017