High Winds swirled around the Rushmore Estate for day 2 of the Larmer Tree Weekend. It did not deter 5 Roadrunners from taking on the hills of this private Dorset Estate near Tollard Royal
First to set off were the awesome foursome in the marathon. 2168 feet of elevation lay before them as squawly hail swirled in the air. Somehow astonishingly, Michaels trademark crochet shorts weren’t the only item of crochet kit to make it to the startline.
They headed out toward Stubhampton, then Minchington before tackling Rushmore Golf Club and through the surrounding forest negotiating fallen trees.
They then fought the elements as they wound their way up and down the hills, struggling on the gusty high ground, before returning to the Larmer Tree Gardens and the finish line.
Stuart Backhouse showed no fatigue after his 50 miler just 7 days ago, to storm his way around to the finish in an amazing 4th place and 2nd V45. Distance king Dan Williams was just 5 minutes behind him, to finish in 6th place taking the V40.
“I’m well pleased with that! Especially after a 116 mile week!” Beams Stu
Michael Coultrup was next to pass the water tower on the hill and cross the finishline taking 5th V50 and 22nd overall.
“Despite the conditions, that one of the most enjoyable marathons I’ve run for ages” said Mick “I felt really fresh at the end….. maybe I should have tried harder!”
And judging by the pictures he is quite possibly correct.
Ian Russell managed somehow to take a wrong turn (again!) at 17 miles, but he realised his mistake after about half a mile and he made his way back on to the course without losing too much time
Great performances by all of 4 of them.
Stuart Backhouse – 3.44.29
Dan Williams – 3.51.33
Michael Coultrup – 4.09.05
Ian Russell – 4.16.38
An hour later, Tarnia Butler set off in the 20 mile race. Following much of the marathon course, she did what she does best… ran a steady pace and attacked the hills with a big smile on her face.
“It really is my favourite place to run!” She tells me “I ran really happy”
She smashed it as always, coming over the line in 3.49.44 taking 7th V45 and knocking a huge 13 minutes off her course PB
