The 1 May was busy for racing, with over 30 members heading to five different events. We begin with the 3rd instalment of the Burton & District Summer League, a half marathon starting from at Uttoxeter racecourse. Notoriously, this race conjures up fear in participants due to its somewhat undulating nature, but with full teams they were set for success.

Leading the way home was Mark Parker, 7th across the line overall in 1:19:41, a club course record for the event. Next in was Shaun Coulton in a fabulous time of 1:23:49 and also breaking through the challenging sub 90 barrier was Paul Woods in 1:29:14, so close to recording a personal best.

Five men followed through in the next quarter of an hour, starting with Mark Harriott, sadly in his yellow first claim vest on this occasion but you did great nonetheless! Club captain Louis Barnes ran strong to clock 1:34:43, on fine form post marathon Patrick Horn stormed under the gantry in 1:36:30, Matt Joyce had a good run recording 1:40:17 and James Ogilvie was super close to sub 8 minute mileing with a finish time of 1:45:47.

First home for the ladies was Emily Partridge, running much of the way with team mates Georgie and Martin before making a break on the final hill. Georgie completed her debut half marathon for the club in style with a 1:49:12, recording a superb personal best in the process. Martin Yeomans came through just seven positions later in a time of 1:51:37 and Andrea Trickett was hot on his heels finishing in 1:51:45.

The ladies were super grateful to Amelia for completing the four needed for the team, only just recovering from a chest infection in time, and finished in an incredible 1:56:57, not only impressive after being poorly but also as she had to take a work call during the run! Paul Averillo got the biggest cheer of the day with the whole team crowded at the finish to welcome him back in a brilliant 1:57:57.

Sally Jeyes took part in the 10K event which set off at the same time, following the first section of the course before taking a left, and had a fantastic run dipping under the hour in 59:44. Big thanks to Janet and Lindsay who came out to support our guys and girls in blue.

Written by Emily Partridge - last updated on 24/09/2022