From 5k runs to trail runs, and marathons themed on science fiction, the members of the Sandbach Striders running club, participated in no less than 14 events.
On Thursday the 4th of May, 10 Striders, headed to Shropshire to take part in the Stars Wars themed May the 4th Half and Full Marathon. The event is a trail event, over the Shropshire hills and take in views from the top of Pole Bank. Heather Carter and Stephen Mclean completed the full marathon course in times of 4:42:15 and 4:56:45, which Heather coming in as second female. 8 Striders completed the half marathon, and results were as follows:
| Runner | Time |
|---|---|
| Craig Edwards | 02:10:13 |
| Steven Fallows | 02:21:02 |
| James Halling | 02:37:43 |
| Louise Banks | 02:51:42 |
| Lisa Highfield | 02:57:17 |
| Lynsey Astles | 02:57:24 |
| Gillian Fallows | 02:57:30 |
| Moe Dutton | 03:27:58 |
Early on Saturday, Steve Treweeks took part in the ever popular Sandstone Trail Challenge, organised by Helbsy Running Club. This event sells out quickly each year and completed the full 34 mile point to point route of the Sandstone Trail from Whitchurch to Shropshire.
On Saturday, and after her efforts in the Coniston Fell Race last week, Elaine Tatham took on another trail event. The Bollington Brewing 3 Peaks Fell Race is a 5.7 mile trail race run over challenging terrain, with over 1200ft ascent. Entrants are rewarded with great views, and takes in Kerridge Hill, White Nancy and Nab Hill. Elaine completed the course in a time of 1:01:34, receiving a pint and hot food at the end for her efforts.
Whilst there were no personal bests this week, forteen members of the club participated in no less than 6 different parkruns this week. A special mention does go to Paul Barnett who completed his 36th different parkrun event, and his 99th parkrun overall. I think that means he has to bring cake to his next one!
Moving to Sunday, Paul Nicholls travelled to Stratford upon Avon to take part in the Shakespeare Marathon (his 74t). It is a very well supported event, running a lot of it on the Greenway. Son George also took part in the half marathon, which was his first. Paul completed the full 26.2 mile course in 5 hours and 9 minutes. #74
Over in Derbyshire, and less than 6 days after completing the Milton Keynes marathon, Tom Mayell took part in the Chatsworth 10k. The course is run around Chatsworth park, and takes in views of the house. On a rather hot day, and an event Tom described as “Absolute Murder”, he managed an impressive 49:10.
Up in the Peak District, Kim Farrall took part in the third part of the Peak District Trail Run Spring Series. This 16km event was the Biggin/White Peak Trail Run, and is in a very quiet and scenic part of the Peak District. Run predominantly on smooth tracks, paths and trails, it does have some rough sections. Kim completed the route in 1:41:52, and loved every minute of it.
Finally for this week, Liz O’Keefe took part in the Market Drayton 10k. Liz was pushing herself and aiming to get in under the 55 minute mark this week. The event is a one lap course, and she headed off with the 50 minute pacer. She was glad of the hose pipe sprays on a very hot day. Whilst losing the 55 minute pacer three quarters of the way round, she managed to stay in front of the 55 minute pacer and come in, in a great time of 54:42 as well as finishing first in her category.
Entries are now open for the Sandbach 10k sponsored by Butcher and Barlow. This year's event takes place on an exciting new course and is run entirely on traffic-free roads. It promises to be a great event for both new runners or for those looking to beat their personal best. Secure your starting place now at http://www.sandbachstriders.co.uk/ourraces/