In recent weeks we’ve been up and down the country, travelled internationally to the Netherlands and even further into mainland Europe to Germany , but our next report comes a whopping 3,800 miles away from Ivanhoe’s hub in Ashby de la Zouch.

Five Ivanhoe runners crossed continents to North America, for a USA adventure to Chicago, Illinois, a city famous for it’s skyscrapers , iconic sculptures, sports fans and deep dish pizzas , with our members and their travel companions making the most of it all.

Starting proceedings in style, complete with fetching bobble hat, was our wonderful Mo Danvers, having rather a progressive few weeks, saying a gigantic *** you to cancer after four years. An official race number pinned to her front, she conquered the Abbott Chicago 5K and we couldn’t be more proud. We’re all cheering loud for you Mo.

Early on the Sunday morning, set off to the sounds of The Star Spangled Banner, our four 26.2 mile runners commenced their journeys, the event forming one of the six races as part of the Abbott World Major series, and spoiler alert, every runner passed through the finish adding another star to their bow.

It was number one for Mark Parker, who was across the line in an eye-watering 2:46:36, a blistering personal best by 41 minutes and a bit, easily securing himself a London Good for Age time come 2024. Mark has had a fabulous season in the build towards the marathon, ticking off personal bests in six other distances within the training block.

Next to join Mark at the final hoorah of the course, was, Mark! Mark Harriott, was completing his tremendous six star journey, after 3 hours 25 minutes and 6 seconds, and the five marathons previous (and ALL of them under 3:30! 🤯), Mark was greeted at the finish with not one but two medals, congratulating him on his epic achievement. He was even interviewed after his run, which won’t take you long to find on the socials. Achieving the coveted six stars is a bucket list dream for many, and Mark, we are so chuffed for you, and proud of you, for having the belief, determination, and grit to make it happen! BRAVO.

Endurance machine Andrea Trickett was our next superstar home, describing the downtown Chicago experience as her favourite so far and felt very lucky to have had the opportunity to take part. Andrea’s time of 3:50:12 helped her add her third star to her collection, having ran the iconic London and dazzling New York marathons . For some ‘light recovery’, our Queen of Never Sitting Still, and her lovely husband Andy hired a car on the Monday morning to head to the Dakotas for a big dose of outdoor adventures. Head to Andrea’s Strava for full details.

Completing our quartet was report writer Emily Partridge (well this is most odd talking in the third person, shall we switch it up?). Having caught a pesky cold in the lead up, and it quite frankly doing me over, it wasn’t the race that we had planned to have, however I was adamant to make it round. I was beyond grateful to have the opportunity to still run, and to make it all the way to the finish, helped by some amazing Ivanhoe friends in the latter miles when the going really got tough. 4:37:20 was the time crossing the line and I have a medal to cherish forever and a second for the collection.

Not to be outdone by those travelling further afield, James Cox stayed in the Midlands on October 9th and tried his hand/legs at the Rugby 10. Yet another runner achieving multiple high scores this season, James smashed apart his previous 10 mile time by almost 9 minutes, finishing in 23rd place overall. 1:03:47 earned him the club course record which is certainly going to take some beating.

Written by Emily Partridge - last updated on 07/12/2022