Bourton Roadrunners

Snowdonia Marathon

A HARDY group of five Bourton Roadrunners chose to tackle the notoriously tough and beautiful Snowdonia Marathon (aided by an equally hardy support team).

Race-day brought the inevitable wind and rain, but the Bourton contingent took the weather in their stride, with all performing incredibly well. Lucy Walmsley fought a battle at the head of the ladies' race.

Despite the leading lady quickly establishing a two-minute lead, Lucy managed to close the gap to less than a minute for a period.

After a gruelling fight, Lucy finished second lady in an outstanding 3:11.34.

Steve Edwards finished his 654th marathon (and his 17th at Snowdonia) in 3:23.46.

Claire Harrison set off purposefully and maintained her pace over the steep ascents and descents to record 3:40.06 for her 10th marathon.

Nigel Frith ran a strong race in 4:03.41. Susan Hunt was pleased to finish 21 minutes quicker than in last year's race in 4:12.10.

Stroud Half Marathon

THE following day, the 33rd Stroud Half provided an opportunity, closer to home, to test fitness and earn valuable end-of-season points in the club's '6 from 10' competition, being the penultimate race in the series.

Shona Crombie-Hicks was second lady in 1:22.57 (moving her into second place in the club ladies' open category).

Darren Long finished in 1:26.07 to increase his lead in the club's men's competition.

Brian Hulcup's 1:45.02 puts him on equal points with John Gibson in the MV60s.

Chris Dry (1:48.54), Dave Turnbull (1:50.15), Liz Hulcup (1:52.55 and 2nd LV60)and Lynn Hudson (2:01.22) continue to reign in their club categories.

Shirley Creed had aimed for a sub-two-hour finish, and cruised home in 1:59.19, with Linda Edwards finishing in 2:07.21.

Catherine Wheeler also took part, coaxing a friend around her first half-marathon (which still earned her county and club points).