A bright eyed and bushy tailed bunch were on 6.25 ferry to take part in the first day of the Larmer Tree race weekend. Set in the beautiful countryside of the Rushmore estate on the Dorset & Wiltshire border, a total of 14 Road Runners set off for the first 2 races of the weekends events.
An early kick off of 8.30am saw 5 Roadrunners embark on the 10 mile course. Despite being the shortest distance on offer over the weekend of running, it was by no means an easy option.
Hills, hills and more hills were the order of the day, with a crescendo of a 841 footer chucked in the middle (Ventnor’s St.Boniface Down is 702ft as a comparison for you). Couple that with plenty of mud this off road race is tough to say the least.
But not perturbed, all 5 of our runners completed the course and earnt their beautiful peacock medals and enjoyed a free breakfast courtesy of the organisers, White Star Running.
New boy Billy Goozee made his unofficial club debut in style as he breezed the course in 76 minutes to come 23rd overall. A fantastic result Billy – Well Done!
Billy Goozee – 1.16.09
Shelley Harris – 2.24.00
Misha Hetherington – 2.31.30
Rachel Dempsey – 2.32.07
Shannon Brennen – 2.43.02
An hour later the “half marathon” got underway. Following largely the same course as the 10 milers, but with a couple more hills and an extra 1.2miles thrown in free! (14.3 miles yay!)
This race meeting despite being super tough is popular with those training for Spring marathons. Like Tanya Clifford who is training for the London Marathon in April.
“The hardest run I’ve done so far” she said “but I can honestly say I loved every single brutal minute” That might sound crazy to the non runners amongst you, but miles and miles on the tarmac can get boring. An event like this is great not only for your stamina, but for developing that necessary will to finish that you need in a marathon. I’m sure Tanya and fellow 1st time marathon runner Bel Rockall felt their inner strength kick in today in that last unexpected extra mile.
First home was Tom Forster in a fantastic 9th overall and 4th in his age category in a cracking 1.50.07. First Girl Roadrunner was Claire Stevens in 2.43.27
Also big well done to Tim Keyte who finished 4th in his age category and Lucy Deville who was 2nd in hers
Tom Forster – 1.50.07
Tim Keyte – 2.08..10
Claire Stevens – 2.43.27
Tanya Clifford – 3.04.29
Bridget Keyte – 3.04.32
Belinda Rockall – 3.08.45
Dawn Pointer – 3.08.46
Lucy Deville – 3.14.30
Lyn Snow – 3.49.41
