It’s here – can you feel it? The warmth, the sunshine, the light rains, and the marketing emails from race organisers advertising their last few race spots. Here’s to putting a little more “Spring” in our steps!
Now here’s what happened last week.
Torbay Velopark parkrun – 6 April
Former kit man and currently serving Folkestone parkrun Run Director Phil Maull makes this special report from Torbay Velopark parkun. Sock this one away for a tour day if you find yourself in the area.
“40mph gusts and mahusive puddles to splash through in Torquay this Saturday at the Torbay Velopark parkrun. There was still a lovely atmosphere and I completed it in 25:28. Big thanks to all the volunteers!”
3Village10 – 7 April
Lisa Smith reports from this challenging chug near Carlisle. According to organisers, “Best described as undulating the course starts at an elevation of 193ft and as a maximum elevation of 233ft over the 2 lap 10mile course you will gain approx 389ft.”
Lisa put it more succinctly: “Such beautiful scenery and fabulous marshals – but so hilly and windy! 🏃♀️ 🌬️ ⛰️”
Lisa came through in 1:40.47 earning first in her age group. She made it a double weekend in Carlisle on top of scouting the local parkrun. Aspirational, Lisa!
Andy and Lisa SmithLisa Smith
Brighton Marathon – 7 April
Marathon season in the U.K. has begun in earnest as the Brighton Marathon kicked things off. My former hacky colleague, Rachel Smith, conquered her first marathon in 5:13.25! Way to go the distance, Rachel!
London Landmarks Half Marathon – 7 April
The big event this weekend was undoubtedly the London Landmarks Half Marathon. LLHM reportedly hosted 18,866 runners over the course that traverses the City of London and Westminster. Starting on Pall Mall and finishing near Downing Street, the route takes race participants on a tour of London’s most iconic “Hey, it’s that place!” places, filling in the gaps with incredible crowds, musical talent, and random furries who hand out high fives with the gusto of a university fraternity!
Three of our own report crossing the line in full FRAC fashion.
James Springett came in smiling in 1:32.19
Jody Stoakes showed ’em how with a blazing 1:45.55
And Jenny Quinn crossed two finish lines – one on foot and another for a charity close to her heart. As she reports: “The wind was quite brutal and It felt very warm compared to what we’ve been training in. I managed to raise over £900 for sepsis in my sisters memory so it was very emotional. My time was 02:03.57.”
Fantastic efforts all around, friends!
Jody StoakesJenny QuinnJames Springett
parkrun
Saturday is the church of the parkrunner and as usual you showed up to run with the angels. Here’s where FRAC was this week:
