Exciting start to the weekend and then it got even better
It was an exciting start to the weekend as Newark Striders took over all volunteer positions at the Newark Parkrun, which also served as a fitting finale for the Step into Striders couch to 5K programme, which was completed by 19 new or returning runners.
The club was out in force on Sunday as 22 lined up for the popular Ashby 20 event. Mark Jackson was the first to cross the finishing line, 2:22:45, followed by David Cross 2:35:41, Simon Palmer 2:35:42, Philippa Clarke 2:41:20, Steve White 2:51:49, and Steve Padgett 3:05:22. Mary Swindles was next in a time of 3:18:40, Sara Carter 3:23:15 and with her best Ashby time to date Jacqui Jackson 3:24:45. Matt Patterson completed the 20 miles in 3:34:46, Stacey Atkins 3:36:00, Sara Whittaker 3:46:40, Heather Green 3:46:41, Kath Scott 3:52:20 and Anthea Moisey 3:52:23. Jon Rawson 3:57:45, Jason Priest 4:03:26, Lynne Boby 4:19:41, Sarah-Jane Cobb 4:19:41 and Lesley Butlin 4:19:45. Noel Henderson pulled up after feeling a twinge.
We were well represented over the half marathon distance starting with Bernie Divall who took on the London Landmarks Half, finishing in 2:27:26. Steve Gurd and Stephen Tomlinson both earned new PBs in the Monsal Trail Half Marathon at Bakewell, which holds races on both Saturday and Sunday. Steve ran on Saturday, going under 1 hour 50 for the first time with 1:49:41 and then on Sunday Tomo carved over 4 minutes off his best time for 1:54:02. David Daubney ran the scenic Forest of Dean Trail Half Marathon with his daughter and got a PB too, they finished together in 1:58:37.
Over in Ireland, Tom Spelman and Lynda Madden were competing in the Craughwell 10 mile race in County Galway. They were in speedy form, 1:24:05 for Tom and 1:24:39 for Lynda.
Finally to 10K news, starting with the Gainsborough & Morton 10 which saw super Lewis Hopkinson finish 9th from the field of 830, first in his MV45 age category in a rapid new PB of 36:19. Henrietta McCabe, Ruth Mountstevens and Geoff Riley ran the Trust 10K at Clumber Park.
Well done everyone!