Down on our familiar trails, thanks to neighbours South Derbyshire, the Burton league opened with a bang. A mighty crowd of 32 Ivanhoes toed the line in the Conkers Discovery car park, cheered on by many supporters making for a fabulous morning.

Multiple PBs were posted on the undulating Run in the Forest 5 miler, kicked off by none other than resident speedster Tom Potter, claiming bronze on the podium, a club course record, and an improvement of more than 2 mins coming in at 27:15. From 3rd overall to 3rd for the blues, Paul Woods ran his final Sunday run before London, a PB of 23 seconds making the top 10 in 30:32. Suzy Parish is finding some fantastic form this year, a 21 second PB for her, with her time of 38:20 earning her 18th place.

Tons of debuts over the 5 mile distance were banked for our superstars, and it’s amazing to see so many of our newer members stuck into the racing scene. Kudos to Rupert May (32:46), Charlene Taylor (35:10 and 9th female), Richard Hampson (36:03), Adrian Fowler (37:06), James Cain (40:38), Geoff Brown (40:45), Phil Cooling (45:03), Lily Smith (51:28), Dierdre Cole (55:58) and Kenny Ashton (1:00:32).

Stacking out the rest of the field was Matt Pleass in 29:49 for 5th place, Shaun Coulton in 31:36 for 18th and a diamond standard time, and James Cox in 32:05. Mark Parker ran in 35:11 accompanying Charlene and Becky Moult (2nd claim who ran in 35:40). Mark Harriott was also on course in his yellow vest and ran 32:46. Andrew Stanley ran calm and controlled in 35:43, Damon Bland made a solid return to racing in 36:53, and Louis Barnes took no risks before marathon week running 37:34.

Andy Jeyes topped his age category in 38:41, as did wife Sally in 46:36. More completing their last Sunday runs before London were Mindy Ashton and Vic Smith running 39:31 and 41:04. Georgie Smith completed the event in 41:15, Martin Yeomans (41:25) and Paul Averillo (41:33). Captain Gemma Shaw and Lucy Allsop found themselves side along running 43:10 & 11. Christine Ridley had a great run in 48:18, as did Jeff Cross in 49:40 and it was wonderful to see Andy Cole supporting his wife every step of the way in an identical time of 55:58.

Written by Emily Partridge - last updated on 27/04/2023