CONDITIONS were pretty much perfect for the almost 3,800 runners who completed this year’s Two Castles Run.
This iconic 10k race, run on a traffic-free route undulating in nature, has a cruel incline right at the finish. It is run between two of England’s most beautiful castles, Warwick and Kenilworth.
A large contingent of 26 Stratford AC runners lined up at the start of the race, which is part of the Warwickshire Road Race League and, as such, club runners are given priority at the start.
First home for the club, on his birthday, was Tim Hutchinson (36.06 – 17th). Not only was Tim third in a very competitive age group but he also broke the club record for his age group by 19 seconds.
Next was 19-year-old Sam Weaving (39.39 – 81st). Sam was ninth in the junior male age group and continues to go from strength to strength.
David Smyth (40.55 – 119th) was next. David tripped over a water bottle during the race, requiring an ice pack but, despite this, still managed a superb race.
Paul Jeffries (44.26 – 399th) has recently returned to competitive running after a lengthy break and also impressed.
TAKING place in the Cotswold Hills surrounding the pretty village of Tysoe, the Tysoe Windmill Run is a predominately off-road race that takes competitors up Tysoe’s Windmill Hill, followed by a further climb through Compton Wynyates Estate.
Just two SAC runners completed the longer 10k course, with Luke Watkins finishing in 29th place in 53.38, followed by Kate Sergent (1:02.52 – 70th). Kate also managed to collect yet another age group category prize.
Three SAC members completed the 5k race – two of them at either end of the age spectrum. At just ten years of age, Jake Deaner had a stunning race, finishing fourth overall in 23.14.
Pippa Bailey was first lady to finish in 13th place in 25.32 and 72-year-old John Butler finished 34th in 32.11.
THE GREAT Midlands Fun Run was a family affair for four SAC members.
Three generations took part including grandmother Cindy Brittan who completed the run in 1:50, mother Emily Adams in 1.08 and sons Ollie in 1.12 – a huge 15-minute improvement on last year – and young Alex in 60 minutes.
THE LAKE District Trails Marathon attracted SAC duo Emma and Dave Parkin to Coniston.
Dave finished the marathon in a very respectable 4:10 – 16 minutes quicker than the previous year – to come 47th overall and 14th in his first outing in the veterans 40 category.
Emma charged round the half marathon in 2:07, which she was very pleased with, especially having had some flapjack en route. This was well inside her target time, coming 108th overall and 13th in the ladies’ veterans 40 category.
