As the next LRRL and penultimate of the '23 league rolls around tomorrow eve, we’d best bring you up to speed with the Steve Morris ‘personal best fest’. The Desford 5 mile event is renamed in honour and loving memory of club co-founder and president Steve Morris who sadly passed away in January of this year.

Steve was instrumental in organising the popular event each year, so the fitting tribute, along with touching mementos as styled out by our participants, were a beautiful touch.

Andrew Stanley was first back for Ivanhoe clocking the first PB of the day. His 32:44 knocked 27 seconds off his time from Tamworth last September. Next to join the PB train was Richard Hampson, who took a sterling 2 minutes 14 off the time he ran at Run in the Forest only in April.

Patrick Horn was next over the line in 34:23, only 20 seconds outside his best time. Across the line next was Mark Parker, incorporating the event with his Sunday long run, and went on to tackle 14 miles in total. Mark Bradford was next over the line for his 5th LRRL race of the season in 36:36.

More passengers boarded the train next, Georgie Smith laying down a superb effort in 37:40, a bronze standard to her collection and 1 minute 43 taken off ‘22s Run in the Forest. Mindy Ashton made sure she secured her ticket and it was almost a minute that she knocked off her ‘22 Tamworth run in 37:56.

Laura Graves was next through the finish, securing first place in her age category adding to her growing successes so far this season in 38:47. Sophie Turner yet again showed her commitment and dedication to her training this year, and with a first class reservation on our PB train she stormed home to a 10+ minute PB in 39:37.

Paul Averillo is currently on a 100% streak for outings at the LRRL races, an impressive feat given there’s been seven to attend, as has Julie Henfrey who always has fingers at the ready on race entry night. Our champs finished in 41:25 and 1:09:36 respectively.

To top off a fabulous morning, our super captain Gemma Shaw ever so elegantly stepped aboard our PB train, more than a minute knocked off her, wait for it, 2018 5 time at Tamworth for an amazing 41:32.

Written by Emily Partridge - last updated on 01/08/2023