Those of you that have been following Ruth Conquest's progress over the last few months will be pleased to know that despite the difficulties she had last Wednesday night, Ruth was able to complete the Silverstone half marathon on Sunday. It was by far the longest race she has ever done and shows great determination to get around the course in two hours and forty-five minutes.
Last Sunday seemed to be the ideal day for clubs to host half marathon's, in preperation for the upcomin London marathon and eight LBAC runners were out running in three different races. The furthest distance was travelled by Joby Hobbs, who went down to Bath for their prestigious race. Despite having had an up and down last six months, Joby managed a PB over the 13.1 miles and completed the course in 1:25:19, finishing 280th out of over 10,000 runners.
In the Berkhamstead Half Marathon Chris Norman took to the streets and ducked under 1.30 for the first time with 1:28:44 despite spending Saturday sobering up after developing a new nickname on Friday at the bowling! Jane Sauer and Louise Flack also both ran with Jane achieving a new PB of 1:52:23 off the back of an injury prone winter and Louise clocking 1:52:44.
Following a day running results around the fields of Wing, our intrepid president set off on Sunday to compete in the Southern Counties Vets Indoor Championships as warm-up before the National Indoors at the end of March. Gail ran in the men's race and found someone of similar pace for the first half until she graduallu burned him off. Her final time of 11.02 for the 3000m was an indoor PB and bodes well for a good summer season.
So, this weekend LBAC put on a superb final Chiltern League fixture of the season and ended the day with promotion back to division one for the first time in three years, and we did it by taking the title.
First things first though, after much nagging and hard work, the event was a great success and that was acheived by lots of people giving up their day to support the club. This was current members, ex-members and various other people roped in to help out both on the day and the day before, so thank you to all of you who volunteered, it was much appreciated by all the runners. Particular thanks go to Richard Inchley who has co-ordinated the races at Cottesloe for the last 15-20 years and once more organised an excellent event.
There were some excellent performances last weekend at the Watford half marathon as three LBAC athletes took on a race that is traditionally a warm-up towards a spring marathon.
First home was Ian Hosley, who's time of 1.28.57 was a personal best over the distance and continues an excellent run of form that Ian has had on the road. Following him back into Cassiobury Park was Fred Watt, who's time of 1.34.46 saw him finish in 293rd out 1849 runners, which is very good indeed for our leading V60. The third and final person to cross the line for the club was Jill Richardson, who was delighted to smash five minutes of her previous best time over the distance to complete the 13.1 miles in 1.43.48. Apparently they are all looking to continue their strong form in the Milton Keynes half marathon in March.
