​

With 2 half marathons in the county and the Stamford 30k, it was a busy weekend of racing for the Ivanhoe runners of Ashby. Freezing temperatures along with strong wind, snow and a little bit of sunshine made all three races a challenge. but despite conditions, there were plenty of runners out and 8 new PB's were set.

The re-scheduled Keyworth Turkey Trot took place this Sunday, and 10 runners from the Ashby club took part. First home for Ivanhoe was Craig Hinds, who ran in a storming pace to finish 1:25:13. Not far behind, Richard Martin ran an impressive 1:26:31, with Andrew Stanley coming in 3rd for the club in 1:32:40, followed by Andrew Jones 1:35:38, both the latter running their first half marathons in Ivanhoe colours.

Karl Smith ran a PB by almost 3 minutes to clock 1:40:52, then Julie Smith ran an sterling 1:45:29 in her first half in the blue vest. Alan Edwards was next (1:47:38), then Karen Hartland (1:51:46), Matthew Joyce (1:51:49)and Mark Eydman (1:52:46). Finally Karen Edwards completes the team in 2:14:19.

The Stamford Valentines 30k race was ran by just 2 club members this year, Alistair Chambers winning his age category in a brilliant 2:07:50 and making a good return from injury, Clare Fowell in 2:34:32.

With the chance to try a new race in the county a large field of Ivanhoe runners took on the inaugural Leicestershire Half Marathon at Prestwold Hall.

First Ivanhoe runner home was Steve Baggott who crossed the finish line in 17th place with a cracking time of 1:23:16. Louis Barnes finished in 1:33:27 in 76th place, just in front of Patrick Horn with a time of 1:35:19. Chris Thurburn-Huelin debuted his half marathon for the club in a swift 1:35:37. Fresh from the New Zealand Masters Andy Jeyes ran in somewhat colder climes to 1:38:05 in his first V70 half marathon. First lady home for the club was Fiona Betts, in her first half marathon for 18 years, clocking an impressive 1:41:44. 2nd lady for Ivanhoe Faith Tipper had an enjoyable run, obtaining 1:42:22. Next in was Kevin Laz, (1:45:45) followed by Andrea Trickett (1:46:09) and Chris Trzcinski (1:46:55). Well on track with marathon training Damon Bland had a great run to finish in 1:47:42, followed by Mukesh Deva in 1:48:12. Rosie Dear came in next at 1:48:28, then Karen Bell and Victoria Smith finished together to clock 1:49:11. Achieving a Personal best by over 2 minutes Tracy Powell was delighted with 1:49:01. With 1 hour 50 on the dot was Karl Wideman, closely followed by the ever improving Osborne's, with Carolyn in 1:50:07 and Chris 1:50:18.

Just under the 2 hour mark Tor Meadow-Evans finished her race in 1:56:44, and Chris Finney in 1:58:51 after unfortunately picking up an injury.

David Walker ran in 2:00:45, before Marie Concannon running strongly to obtain 2:02:19 and a new PB. Helen Finn was next ((2:04:24) and Sally Eames (2:09:05) with her debut half marathon for the club. Chairman Heather Swan found it tough but still managed 2:10:06.

There were some outstanding results from some of our up and coming ladies showing their hard training and determination paying off. With an amazing PB by 22.20 minutes Mandy Morris finished the race in 2:12:55. Jayne Bradshaw clocked 2:20:49 and Jessica Southwart with another PB of 2:25:33. Mark Hoult paced wife Sonia round the course helping her achieve a time of 2:25:59, an improvement of over 5 minutes on her last half. Kev Wright clocked 2:42:37 on no training, and in his first race since July.

Running partners Marie Miller and Helen Brandon both finished in 2:43:35, a PB for Marie by 11 minutes 40 seconds. Julie Henfrey was rightly happy with her 13 minute PB and a time of 2:46:11. Michelle Moore rounded off team Ivanhoe with her time of 2:54:24.

Written by Sarah Malone - last updated on 15/02/2018