For those of you that are avid readers of the news updates and desperate to know how Richard got on at Market Harborough in his quest to beat his Banbury time…..well. At Banbury he was very disappointed with his 40:27 and took on the nasty Harborough course on Tuesday with extra determination and finshed up the hill to record 39:41 which made him very happy. It's amazing what 46 seconds can do for some people!
In 1980 a landlord in Llanwrtyd Wells began a crazy race between horses and men over 22 miles of the mid Wales countryside. Whilst there have been numerous close races, the first time a man actually won was Huw Lobb from Bedford in 2005.On the 12th June this year Jonny Hull and Gary Buckle set out to attempt it again. There were 253 solo runners and 115 realy teams competing against 44 horses.
Unfortunately, neither of them quite managed the feat, with the first rider crossing the line in 2:04, ten minutes ahead of the first runner. However, they did both complete the very hilly cross-country course successfully with Gary coming home in just under 3:48 and Jonny in 4:40. Anyone concerned about animal welfare needn't worry as there are specific points where vets check the horses and sometimes enforce rest. There are no vets to check the runners though!
Over the last week a select few members have trotted off around the South of England to compete in a veriety of races.
Starting with the old 'uns, Richard Inchley once again did the Banbury 5 as the East Midlands Grand Prix series nears it's end. It was Richard's third race in the series which culminates at the Milton Keynes 10K on the 29th June. He completed the course in just over 40 minutes and wasn't too impressed with his time so is going to Market Harborough this week to try to beat it!
Tuesday 8th June saw LBAC’s open day for Track & Field take place at Vandyke Upper School. The juniors, who are getting ready for the second East Anglian League meeting this weekend were bolstered on the night by ten potential new members adding to the 20-30 who already go on a regular basis. All participants were given the opportunity to do Long Jump, High Jump, Discus and Shot Putt with the older ones doing some track work too. Everyone semed to enjoy the evening before the dark clouds became to heavy and deposited a downpour as we were tidying up.
Ruth Conquest completed her first event since the London Marathon last bank holiday Monday, by making the trip down to London again for the Bupa 10,000m. It uses much of the last 3 miles of the marathon route. Having had a day she'd like to forget at the marathon, Ruth had a much more successful trip this time around. She has come a long way from being unable to run at all a couple of years ago and completed her first ever 10K in 69:37 with an even split of 34:34 at 5K. This was quicker than she had dared hope and now has her sights set on breaking the hour mark.
